Jonathan McReynolds Releases Live Album Recorded in Chicago Hometown
Gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds dropped a new live album in April 2026, recorded in his hometown of Chicago. The 13-track project blends gospel with 80s-inspired synth-pop, Afrobeats, and acoustic soul. It features collaborations with Tasha Cobbs Leonard and American Idol winner Jamal Roberts.
Jonathan McReynolds released his new live album, "Closer (Live in Chicago)," this month, bringing together gospel music and a range of sounds recorded in the city where he grew up.
The 13-track project was recorded in Chicago and features a mix of musical styles, including 80s-inspired synth-pop, Afrobeats, and acoustic soul. McReynolds said the album reflects his personal journey and his connection to his hometown.
"Chicago made me," McReynolds said in a statement. "Every song on this album carries something from this city."
The album includes collaborations with gospel powerhouse Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Jamal Roberts, who won American Idol. It also features Ghana's Team Eternity on a track called "Aane," an Afrobeats-inflected song that McReynolds said came together during a trip to West Africa.
McReynolds has built a reputation for blending contemporary sounds with traditional gospel themes. His previous albums have earned him multiple Stellar Award nominations and a Grammy nomination.
"Closer" arrives at a time when gospel music is reaching new audiences through streaming platforms and social media. Several tracks from the album were previewed on TikTok before the official release and generated significant engagement.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard praised the collaboration in a social media post, calling McReynolds "one of the most gifted voices in gospel music today."
The album is available on all major streaming platforms. McReynolds is expected to announce a tour in support of the project later this spring.
