Few artists are able to combine technical excellence, heartfelt worship, and a genuine ministry calling as seamlessly as Theresa Grayson. The Texas-born saxophonist, vocalist, educator, and counselor has spent years inspiring audiences through her unique blend of contemporary Jazz, Gospel, Soul, and global musical influences.
Now, with the release of IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU: Chapter II, Grayson delivers a deeply personal and spiritually rich collection that reflects her journey of faith, healing, and gratitude. Featuring the uplifting single "Let It Rain" and fresh instrumental interpretations of beloved Gospel classics, the album serves as both a musical offering and a ministry tool designed to encourage, restore, and draw listeners closer to God. We recently caught up with Theresa to discuss the inspiration behind the new project, the role of faith in her artistry, and the message she hopes resonates through every note.
Listen to the album here.
Q: Your music blends contemporary Jazz, Gospel, Soul, and global influences. How did your personal faith journey shape the sound and message behind IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU: Chapter II?
My faith journey is the foundation of everything I do, both personally and professionally. Throughout my life, I have experienced seasons of triumph, disappointment, healing, and growth. In every season, God has remained faithful. IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU: Chapter II was born out of a desire to redirect the focus away from myself and place it completely on God. The title itself is a declaration that every gift, every opportunity, and every accomplishment belongs to Him.
Musically, I wanted the album to reflect the diversity of God's people and the many ways worship can be expressed. Jazz has always been my first musical language, but Gospel music shaped my heart. Soul music allows me to express emotion, and its global influences reflect the universal nature of faith and worship. My prayer is that listeners hear more than music-they hear hope, encouragement, and the presence of God.
Q: "Let It Rain" carries themes of healing, surrender, and restoration. What inspired you to create this song, and what do you hope listeners experience when they hear it?
"Let It Rain" was inspired by the reality that we all encounter seasons where we need God's healing, direction, and restoration. There are times when life leaves us exhausted, broken, or uncertain, and in those moments, we need God's presence to refresh us like rain refreshes dry ground.
The song is an invitation to surrender. It encourages listeners to relinquish control and allow God to do what only He can. When people hear "Let It Rain," I hope they experience peace. I hope they feel encouraged to keep believing, keep praying, and keep trusting God even when they cannot see the outcome. My desire is for the song to create a worship atmosphere where healing can begin, and faith can be renewed.
Q: You've worked as both an educator and musician, earning Master's degrees in Counseling and Education Administration. How have those experiences influenced the way you minister through music?
My work as a school counselor and educator has given me a unique perspective on people and their struggles. Every day, I encounter students and families facing challenges related to grief, trauma, anxiety, self-worth, relationships, and life transitions. Those experiences have deepened my compassion and reinforced the importance of meeting people where they are.
As a musician, I see music as another form of counseling and ministry. Sometimes people are not ready to hear a sermon, but they will receive a message through a song. My educational and counseling background helps me understand the emotional and spiritual needs people carry, and it influences how I communicate through my music. I want every performance and every recording to leave people feeling encouraged, valued, and hopeful.
Q: This album features instrumental interpretations of beloved Gospel songs like "Break Every Chain" and "Nobody Greater." What was the process of reimagining these worship anthems through the voice of the saxophone?
The saxophone has always been an extension of my voice. When I approach a worship song, I do not simply play the melody; I try to communicate the emotion and spirit behind the lyrics. Songs like "Break Every Chain" and "Nobody Greater" already carry powerful messages, so my responsibility was to honor those messages while allowing the saxophone to tell the story.
The process involved prayer, listening, and allowing the music to breathe. I wanted listeners to hear the message even without words. Every phrase, dynamic change, and improvisational moment was intentional. My goal was to create an experience where people could worship, reflect, and connect with God through the instrumental expression.
Q: Collaborators like Earnest Pugh and producer Jerald Washington praised the spiritual atmosphere surrounding this project. What did those collaborations bring to the album creatively and spiritually?
Working with gifted people like Jerald Washington and receiving encouragement from respected artists such as Earnest Pugh was both humbling and inspiring. Jerald brought tremendous musical excellence, creativity, and vision to the project. He understood the heart of the album and helped shape the sound in a way that remained authentic to who I am as an artist.
Spiritually, these collaborations were affirming because they reminded me that this project was bigger than me. There was a shared commitment to excellence, worship, and ministry. When people who are grounded in faith come together with a common purpose, something special happens. The atmosphere throughout the recording process was filled with encouragement, prayer, and a genuine desire to honor God.
Q: As you celebrate the release of IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU: Chapter II, what's next for you musically? Are there new collaborations, live performances, or future projects fans can look forward to?
I am excited about what lies ahead. My immediate focus is sharing IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU: Chapter II with audiences around the country through live performances, festivals, church events, and special engagements. I am looking forward to connecting with listeners and hearing how the music has impacted their lives.
There are also discussions regarding future collaborations with artists and producers who share my passion for creating music that inspires, heals, and encourages. As always, I remain open to wherever God leads next. Whether through new recordings, international opportunities, educational outreach, or ministry events, my goal remains the same-to use the gifts God has given me to uplift others and bring glory to Him.
This album may be called Chapter II, but I truly believe the story is just beginning.
