Fervent Records and Big Daddy Weave are poised to impact Christian retail nationwide with the release of the band’s debut, One And Only, on July 30th.

“In Christ,” the first single from the already critically acclaimed group, is at no. 11 and rising on the R&R (Radio & Records) Christian Adult Contemporary chart for the week of the album’s release. With such major markets as Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Chicago already spinning the upbeat cut, radio programmers are excited about the future of Big Daddy Weave.

“Big Daddy? Big HIT!” says Jim Beeler of Houston, TX, radio station KSBJ. “Reminds me of the joy I had when I first came to Christ.”

With upcoming media coverage slated in such popular Christian publications as CCM and Guideposts for Teens, critics are already supporting this new band with positive reviews.

“A superb debut!…If you don’t get into this disc, you lack a pulse,” says Youthworker (July/August 2002), which also gives One and Only an “A.”  Christian Retailing (June 10, 2002) agrees, noting that “With a musical bang, the five guys of Big Daddy Weave produce a fun, earthy experience on their national debut, One and Only.”

While this Mobile, AL-based band has been touring steadily and building a fan base for several years, Big Daddy Weave will continue their travels during July and August in promotion of their national debut. The next several weeks find the group performing at camps, singles retreats, in-store visits, brown bags and other concert appearances in AL, FL, GA, KY, LA and IN, among others.

Also in the band’s busy schedule are several major retail chain performances, including the 50-store Lemstone Christian Stores national sales conference in the Chicago area, and the 330-store chain Family Christian Stores manager’s conference in Phoenix, AZ. Big Daddy Weave also recently performed and led worship at devotions for the 1500-employee Lifeway Christian Stores headquarters in Nashville, TN.

“We are so honored to get to work with the guys and pray that this season in their lives is rewarding as they embark to spread the word of God on a national level. The momentum we've seen leading up to this release has been so encouraging,” says Susan Riley, president of Fervent Records.

Fervent Records is based in Franklin, TN, and is distributed to the Christian retail market through Provident Music Distribution. Big Daddy Weave is the second artist signed to the two-year-old label, following the success of labelmate modern pop/rock band By The Tree, who recently took home two Dove Awards for their debut, Invade My Soul.