MercyMe's Bart Millard set to release 'Hymned' album.

UTILISING the new dualDisc format (CD on one side, DVD on the other), Bart Millard, the voice of MercyMe, will be releasing a solo album through INO Records in August. Described as a "musical fusion of Texas blues, traditional gospel, and classic southern influenced hymns," 'Hymned' is produced by Brown Bannister and features guest vocal appearances by Vince Gill, Russ Taff and labelmate Derek Webb, and guest musicians including country singer Steve Wariner and slide guitar bluesman Robert Randolph.

Said Millard about the project, "My grandmother, Ruby Lindsey, was an amazing woman. I have a vivid memory of her singing every song on this record to me and my brother growing up. Of course she sang hundreds, so I just had to weed through them and choose my favourites. My wife and I grew up together in a church where we sang hymns every Sunday - there was no such thing as contemporary worship - these hymns were as contemporary as it got. All of our memories are fond of that time - no matter how boring or great it was, we just smile looking back on it now. So, when my three year old son Sam was born, it hit me that he probably wouldn't have these memories that we have, and it was just kind of sad to me. I hope this record will help me share these special songs with him."