Maria Jacobs has released “My God Is Here” to radio, following the recent chart success of her previous single, “We Are Lifted Up.”
Jacobs wrote the song, while Grammy Award-winning producer Pete Tokar produced, arranged and programmed the recording. The track blends soft pop and inspirational music with elements of Jacobs’ jazz background.
“My God Is Here” grew from Jacobs’ experiences with grief, fear and difficult seasons. Its message centers on the assurance that God remains present even when circumstances feel uncertain.
“My God is here, He wipes away my tears, and every burden leaves.”
‘My God Is Here’ Follows a No. 1 Radio Single
The single appears on Jacobs’ album Perfect Is Your Will.
Her previous release from the project, “We Are Lifted Up,” reached No. 1 on the Christian Radio Chart for the week of May 25. The song finished May at No. 3 on the chart’s monthly ranking, reaching 171 stations during the month.
That momentum gives “My God Is Here” a stronger starting point at radio, but the new song takes a quieter approach.
Rather than building around triumph, Jacobs focuses on what faith looks like when grief and fear have not conveniently disappeared. The reassurance comes from God’s presence rather than a promise that difficult circumstances will immediately change.
Maria Jacobs Brings Jazz Experience to the Project
Jacobs was raised in Cleveland and later spent 12 years performing and recording in Los Angeles.
Her collaborators have included keyboardist Tommy Coster, bassist Alphonso Johnson and drummer Ndugu Chancler. After returning to Cleveland, she began working with Tokar on multiple recordings, including Perfect Is Your Will.
Jacobs’ career has crossed jazz, pop and faith-centered music.
She has appeared as a soloist in Wynton Marsalis’ Abyssinian Mass under the direction of Damien Sneed. She has also performed with the Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Chorus at Severance Hall.
In addition, Jacobs has opened for Chuck Mangione, Bob Dorough, Average White Band and Loose Ends.
Music, Recording and Teaching
Jacobs is also a licensed music educator and serves as adjunct professor of applied vocal jazz at Kent State University. She directs the university’s Nova Jazz Workshop Singers and earned her music education degree from Kent State.
She has released 10 solo albums and written more than 150 compositions.
Her live album Back at the Bop Stop was accepted for Grammy consideration in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
Perfect Is Your Will, Jacobs’ first full-length faith-centered album, was later accepted for consideration in the Best Contemporary Christian Album category for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
With “My God Is Here,” Jacobs brings those parts of her career together. The song carries the polish of a veteran jazz vocalist without losing sight of the simple assurance at its center.
Listen to “My God Is Here” on Maria Jacobs’ official website.