Award-winning Christian and Jazz artist Maria Jacobs has spent decades pursuing musical excellence, but today her greatest passion is leading people into the presence of God. With the release of her latest Christian radio single, "We Are Lifted Up," Jacobs is calling believers to worship together in unity while drawing from a lifetime of musical experience that spans jazz clubs, concert halls, classrooms, and churches.
In this exclusive interview, Jacobs reflects on her journey as both a Christian and Jazz artist, the inspiration behind her new worship anthem, the lessons learned from working alongside legendary musicians, and how God has used every chapter of her story-including her battle with bipolar disorder-to shape a ministry focused on faith, healing, and bringing people closer to Christ.
Q: For readers discovering your music for the first time, how would you describe your journey as both a Christian and Jazz artist, and how have those worlds shaped your sound?
"I love this question. I have always wanted to be a jazz singer. My father was a drummer and singer of the Great American Songbook which is the foundation of jazz and America's music. I draw from it in all that I do. It has taught me the importance of a strong melody line and lyric. It has also taught me so much about harmonic structure. In this regard, you can definitely hear some jazz influence on the Christian album, "Perfect Is Your Will."
With that however, I have also learned to write impactful hooks in worship music, ones that will hopefully have people singing them long after the service or Mass if over. More importantly, ones that will lead people to worship....'in Spirit and in Truth.'"
Q: "We Are Lifted Up" carries a strong message of unity, worship, and surrender. What inspired you to write this particular song at this moment in time?
"I am so focused on worship right now, even more than ever before, and I was raised in the church and I lead worship in two of them. The most important part of that worship is inviting the Lord into it with you. We are most definitely called to worship Him and in a specific way, to honor Him, and no one is to be left out.
We are ALL called. Jesus wants us close to Him. That is what the song is about. I love to lead worship and the biggest thing I have learned while doing so is that it's never supposed to be a concert. Worship leaders are to do just that, lead worship; draw others closer to Christ with music as a powerful vehicle to do just that. I believe now so strongly that this is the reason He's given me the gift of music."
Q: The lyrics emphasize believers gathering together in one spirit and one voice. Why do you believe messages of unity and prayer are especially important right now?
"Great question. We are so incredibly divided today, more than I can ever remember. I see so much division on social media alone, among Christian denominations. So many focused on the differences rather than the similarities.
The truth is, we are all called to worship Christ. He is at the center of all we do, or He's supposed to be. Differences can be beautiful and we can learn from each other. I am Catholic but I have learned so much from my devoted Protestant friends and family, who are in fact focussed on our similarities. When Jesus is at the center, we're really not so different.
I thought that in writing this song, those who hear it might be impacted by it's inclusivity. Not to get too deep, but I do believe Jesus knew the church would divide. He's not surprised, He's just calling us to all be one again."
Q: You've worked with legendary musicians and producers throughout your career, including Pete Tokar and members of Weather Report. How have those collaborations influenced your artistry and approach to worship music?
"You've said it. They are legendary. With that comes a wealth of musical knowledge and industry savvy. I have learned so much on both levels, from Pete especially. Of all the suggestions he has made to me in the studio over the years, I cannot remember disagreeing with him even once. He has tremendous ears and with them, he always honors who I am as an artist. This is so important in an artist / producer relationship. It has to be a close one. He brings out the best in me, as a producer should. He is a fierce musician and brings so much versatility to every recording.
As for the members of Weather Report, Alphonso Johnson and the late Ndugu Chancellor. Wow, not enough room to tell you how much they inspired me. We did not do Christian music together, we did jazz. Working with two jazz giants was a dream, one I will never forget. They shared stories and brought so much to me as an aspiring jazz vocalist. Having been in the business for so long, having so many credits of working with so many wonderful artists, they shared all of that with me. Their musical credits span multiple genres. They were fluent in all of them and willing to pass along their knowledge."
Q: Beyond recording and performing, you're also deeply involved in music education and outreach through Kent State
University and Open Tone Music. How has mentoring and teaching others impacted your own faith and creativity?
"Yes. I can tell you that teaching has been paramount in my development as an artist. I'm blessed to get to teach across multiple populations and disciplines. My musicianship as a vocalist, pianist and flutist has grown tremendously in all classrooms, both on the collegiate level, in general music settings and in private lessons.
I am so inspired by my students, some of whom have gone on to do Broadway, Off Broadway, and other professional theaters. I'm both proud of and grateful to them all."
Q: Looking ahead, what can listeners expect next from you musically, and are there any future projects, collaborations, or ministry goals you're excited to share?
"I am currently deep into writing and recording my next Christian album with Pete. In addition, I am now a published Christian author of the book "Tell Them About Me" - A Journey Through Bipolar Disorder and the Faith Walk Into Remission. It's more than a memoir, it's a testimony of the glory and healing power of God. I am in remission today after years of struggle and pain, even spiritual darkness. It's all by the grace of God. My faith and treatment worked in tandem eventually and it was a glorious combination. One that could only be cultivated by God. So the "me" isn't me at all, it's Him. It's words He spoke to me in my darkest hour. You could call it the whisper of the Holy Spirit.
With that, I am speaking professionally and weaving my original Christian music into each engagement. I speak at Churches, Women's conferences, and Campus ministries. It has been an amazing experience.
You could call it a later-in-life kind of dream. One that only God could foresee. His divine providence is being made clear to me everyday. He is using the the gifts he's given me as a musician and as a writer to help others and to glorify Him through it all.
Romans 8:28 is real! Everything for our good and His glory.
I was so laser focussed on jazz singing for so many years. Little did I know all that He was preparing, and I am so grateful for His plan. It is so much better than my own, yet He still provided me with brilliant opportunities to become a better musician along the way, and fulfill the jazz desires of my heart.
Here's the best part however. The more I sought to do His will over my own, the more the desires of my heart began to change, for the better!"
Listen to the Song:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mariajacobs/we-are-lifted-up-radio-edit
Connect with Maria Jacobs:
https://www.facebook.com/mariajacobsmusic
https://www.instagram.com/mariaevajacobs/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mariaevajacobs
https://www.youtube.com/@mariajacobs
