Fernando Ortega Goes with Debut Release to Multiple Conferences

By John Ma

Fernando Ortega will release his initial project for Curb Records on August 10. The self-titled album is Ortega’s first studio project in two years and the twelfth of his accomplished career.

The project reunites Ortega with production/songwriting collaborators John Andrew Schreiner and Elaine Rubenstein, and delivers a punchy instrumental edge to Ortega’s mellow vocals and seemingly effortless blend of folk, pop and inspirational styles.

Fernando Ortega relies on the same team that has helped Ortega to eight No. 1 radio singles, twelve Dove Award nominations, two Dove Awards and consecutive No. 1 “Inspirational Song of the Year” CRR singles, in 1999 and 2000. Together, Rubenstein and producer Schreiner helped Ortega craft an album of intensely personal yet universal songs chronicling Ortega’s seaside life in southern California. Ranging from ocean-sprayed romance in “California Town” to the upbeat, folky pop of “Noonday Devil” and the atmospheric first single, “Sleepless Night,” which is already climbing the Christian radio charts, Fernando Ortega is an intimate and artistic collection. Ortega rounds out the project with signature renditions of classic hymns, this time covering “Rock of Ages,” “Immortal, Invisible” and “More Love To Thee.”

Taking Ortega in an edgier direction on his eponymously-titled disc than past projects are an impressive list of musicians, including Los Angeles studio legend Leland Sklar (James Taylor, Phil Collins, Willie Nelson) and fellow bassist Larry Taylor (Tom Waits). Percussionist Stephen Hodges (Bruce Cockburn, Tom Waits) and fiddle/dobro duo Gabe and Michael Witcher (Willie Nelson, Lee Ann Womack, Jerry Douglas, Nickel Creek) add a touch of worldbeat and folk rock to the eclectic mix.

“It felt good to stretch musically and lyrically and explore some new avenues on this album,” Ortega said of the release. “We decided to take some risks with this project, and I’m very happy with how it turned out.”

Curb Records Chairman, Mike Curb, stated, "We are very proud to have Fernando Ortega as a part of Curb Records. He is one of the most unique artists in the record industry today, and we believe he has an unlimited potential to reach major new audiences in the coming years."

The release of Fernando Ortega will be supported by extensive national radio, press and retail campaigns, initiated by the launch of “Sleepless Night” at radio. Ortega will also maintain a heavy touring schedule surrounding the album’s release, including a fall headline tour and numerous national event appearances.

This summer and fall, Ortega will appear before a combined conference audience of over 130,000, including four Family Life “Rekindling the Romance™” marriage conferences in Anaheim (Arrowhead Pond), Indianapolis (Conseco Field House), Minneapolis (Xcel Energy Center) and Tampa (St. Pete Times Forum). He will also be a featured artist at all three 2004 Anne Graham Lotz “Just Give Me Jesus” conferences, held in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Seattle, and Chicago, along with Lotz’ three-day “A Passionate Pursuit” event in Dallas. He will play for an additional expected crowd of over 45,000 at the Harvest Crusade “Night of Worship” in Anaheim. More information on Ortega’s headline tour this fall will be released soon.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories