CCM PREMIERE: Mike Janzen Releases New Single/Video ‘Took Hold’; New Album Releasing Nov. 1

Melding jazz, pop and classical styles, Juno and Dove Awards-nominated Mike Janzen is set to independently release his third album of Psalm interpretations, Songs from the Canyon, Nov. 1 with distribution via Wings Access. Janzen musically paints vivid, powerful textures as he explores creation’s awe-inspiring landscapes as well as the deep, plunging canyons of life’s suffering.

In advance of the album release, Janzen is premiering the video for the lead single, ‘Took Hold‘ exclusively with CCM Magazine.  The live music video features the Powerhouse Fellowship Soul Choir and a soulful rhythm section. Filmed by Mitch Fillion at All Saints Kingsway, the video can be seen exclusively on CCM today, ahead of its release this Thursday, October 5.

The song is inspired by his own suffering and the strength that he found in the words of Psalm 18:16.

Produced by award-winning Timothy Abraham, the album has a profound sonic diversity, resonating from soaring strings to a belting gospel choir. Rich cinematic textures grace these 11 innovative compositions that feature guest performances by Chicago-based Stellar and GRAMMY Award-winner Dee Wilson and Indigenous Canadian artists Ray “Coco” Stevenson and Jonathan Maracle.

“In 2016, I suffered a debilitating concussion that left me unable to work for years,” recalls Janzen. “I couldn’t walk straight, listen to music, have conversations with my wife or take care of my kids. It was a very difficult season and without other’s help, my family and I would have been swept away.

We often think of the dark valleys of life as places where God feels distant, but in this season of suffering, I found that the Good Shepherd was closer than ever…Instead of being swept away I was lifted out of darkness into light. My head still was a mess at times (and there were many tears over the course of my long recovery) but in the deepest place of my soul I was secure.”