“You keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

A chrysalis is defined as “a beautiful state of transformation”.  Over two decades of musical development, under and behind the spotlight, has crafted this creative message with a brilliant purpose: revelation. It has been worth the wait.  Musical contemporaries of Chris Whittington point out his solid guitar-based foundation, but his synergy of craft and creation come together in musically magical  moments on this premier release.  Go ahead and sing along, but expect a further transformation to deeper thoughts of divine mysteries and depth.  His music moves you towards a clarity of truth and dawning of hope.  Let it reveal and inspire you through a bright portal.

Chris has been a  musician and worship leader in Texas for over two decades. As an accompanist with Kemper Crabb in his musical ventures, including the PBS favorite, Down in Yon Forest, he has been a troubadour for truth on-stage and in the studio.

“Chris Whittington’s music flows with all the lushness of Eden, but remembers that we are still living east of there. Thoughtful, evocative, and moving.”

R.C. Sproul Jr.

“Some wine is best left in the bottle until that special day. It’s time to “pop the cork” on the new EP from Chris Whittington. Well-crafted songs, beautiful vocals, and amazing production all speak of a creativity that melts away stylistic indifference. It’s passion, subtle passion, that carries the day. Open and drink!”

Fletch Wiley President, Visual Music Productions/Austin, Texas

“A warm, lilting fusion of Old World folk/rock melodic sensibility with simple, but never simplistic, heartfelt praise.”

Jerry Wilson Host, Cephas Hour on BlackLight Radio/Author, God’s Not Dead and Neither Are We, and First and Forgotten

“Chris Whittington joins beauty and Scripture together in Bright Portal. I especially love the arrangements of strings and guitar that speak to a sense of rest found only in the Creator of all.”

Bill R. Woolsey Senior Pastor, Crosspoint Community Founding Leader, fivetwo

“Somehow Chris always brings a spirit of unity and fresh air to the table… ‘Sing With All The Saints’ is all you need to love this collection! Deep reverence and melodic joy from a humble servant… My only criticism–need more of it!”

Garett Buell Percussionist, Caedmon’s Call Owner, StudioBuell

“Theologically rich and melodically engaging. Modern worship leaders would do well to aim for what Chris Whittington’s new album has achieved through God-given talent, Spirit-driven labor, and Christ-exalting wisdom.”

Tara-Leigh Cobble Singer/Songwriter/Author

“Bright Portal, the newest release from my friend and brother, Chris Whittington, is a beautifully crafted album of songs akin to 70s acoustic rock giants Crosby, Stills, & Nash and The Eagles. Joined by a long list of H-town-based musical accomplices, he has created a soaring tapestry of musical splendor than should not be missed by any human.”

Ben Huggins Galactic Cowboys

Music and Metal

The sunrise reflects across the skyline of Houston with a mixed landscape of brilliant hues and the outline of commerce. As commuters pack the highways, train tracks, and private cars each hopes for the beginning of a prosperous day. Chris Whittington’s black truck speeds along the toll road in unison with the masses. His cab is filled with the aroma of coffee and the sound of worship. He considers the challenges of his day through the lens of scriptures in the podcasts he is enjoying, while holding his spot on the highway of life.

Whittington Steel is his destination. The complex is situated on a corner in an area some call industrial, but it is a mixture of industry, barbecue spots and the homeless. As owner of the business, his arrival is noticed. The staff of 15, composed of family and friends, are deep in deliverables. Houston is not the last frontier, but it remains a true land of opportunity.

The phones ring with orders and Chris spends focused time on communications, knowing he is surrounded by his work community built over a decade on faith and a strong sense of purpose. It’s his business.

The call to this commercial marketplace has been a complex decision for Chris, who holds music and the church as his greatest loves. He has faced a dividing line as a husband and father that many artists face: to move towards a career that promised some financial stability, or walk his family through what appeared to be a life of financial uncertainty as a music artist. It’s risky.

Launching a business as an entrepreneur would require many more hours than being someone else’s employee. With the added strains on his bank account, and a young family always on his mind, he chose to forge a future in the steel industry. The favorite guitar sat propped in the corner of his office, with his record collection. It was used with every opportunity possible to play and lead at his local church, year after year. Faith-step followed faith-step until his one-room operation in his home became a two-acre lot in east downtown Houston, shadowed by that famous skyline of success.

As a child, Chris was deeply drawn to the church and its sacramental environment of worship and Word. His early years created in him the desire to worship God through music. After a few formative years with trumpet in school, Chris’ father gave him his first guitar. It was to become his instrument of choice. While Chris was a teen, Houston was caught up in a national revival now known as “ The Jesus Movement.” The music of Larry Norman and other artists from this unique moment in church history became his daily diet. Chris began to play his guitar at Bible study gatherings where he led others in worship. He also enjoyed the company of his soon-to-be wife, Joanne. Together they share 4 children and the family business of Whittington Steel.

When asked about my core principle of business, I keep it clear, “Treat people like you want to be treated. Deliver what you promised.”

Thursday’s arrival is earlier than any other workday. The office is open for a Bible study led by Kemper Crabb, priest, musician, and friend. Gathering with some of his staff and other friends in the community for studying biblical truth for almost a decade has been one of the ways Chris has integrated his worship into his marketplace. Discipleship has been the foundation of his personal and professional life. The artistic and theological community Chris has nurtured with Kemper has been a significant resource through the years of everyday marketplace life.  Kemper is an ally in spiritual growth and music. The two often minister and perform concerts together, and shared lead vocal duties, in the highly successful 2008 PBS television special, Downe in Yon Forrest: Christmas from the Middle Ages, which attracted more than 165 million viewers nationwide.

The two musicians met over a record bin full of vinyl including at the iconic Texas Christian record store, United Saints Records and Tapes.  It was Kemper, a pioneer of contemporary Christian music, who encouraged Chris to pursue his own recording focus. Chris was challenged to write his own music and move towards his heart’s calling. As a business owner and passionate entrepreneur, it became risky again. Christian music is the often the playing field of the young and unattached. Chris had acquired employees, family and community connections that would be drawn into his decision. He determined to follow his inner leading, remain true to his voice and write from scripture, incorporating a mélange of guitar and symphonic overtures. Influences of The Beatles, Chicago and contemporary heroes such as David Crowder and Derek Webb can be clearly heard. With the producing skills Kemper brought together and many Texas music heroes, including acclaimed arranger and trumpet player, Fletch Wiley, Bright Portal was birthed. It was crafted between the plasma cutters, church chapels, television lights and a life lived in submission to a greater purpose.

With the endorsement of many musicians, pastors and authors supporting this project, doors are opening for more music and radio exposure. Chris is learning to balance his concert schedule and social media connections with everyday life. Still the phone rings, the delivery trucks roll and the business continues.  As the wisely-quoted sayings go, timing is everything and good things come to those who are willing to wait.