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CCM veteran Twila Paris has changed labels.  Now with Integrity, the match between a longtime worship music singer/songwriter, and a label that promotes almost nothing else would seem to be one made in Heaven.  Given her long history (almost twenty-five years in music, songs such as "The Warrior is a Child" and "God is in Control"), it is surprising that Paris has never released a live album. 

Eight new songs and six that were either on prior Paris projects or written by others make up this disc.  New versions of "God is in Control" and "He is Exalted" are here, as well as new songs like "Hosanna," "All Things Work Together," and "We Have Seen Your Glory."

"Messiah" stands out above any of the other tracks here.  Done in a Michael Card meets '80's Kansas style, the mixture of music and vocals here elevates this song to a much higher level than its counterparts.  The rest of the disc is predictably Twila: inspirational songs with repeated choruses that will appeal to the adult contemporary audience that grew up on her music.  And there is nothing wrong with that.  Paris has remained true to her instincts here and has not tried to cash in on a trend she helped to create.  She simply does what she has always done: written songs that will wind up being performed in churches for years to come. 

Brian A. Smith
10 September 2005
 

It is difficult to believe that in a career that has spanned nineteen albums this is the first live album Twila Paris has created. The opening track "Lifted Higher" demonstrates Paris' excellence in songwriting as she implores all God's creation to render the praises due Him. The song strikes a good balance between worship and more of a quick tempo. She says of the Lifted Higher, “It’s just a very honest ‘from the heart’ moment of worship that happened as I was driving the car--very simple, very singable and heartfelt.” 

Although eight new Twila Paris originals adorn this album one of the most beautiful songs is her previously recorded "He Is Exalted." Paris along with producer David Hamilton (Michael W Smith, Amy Grant, FFH) has redressed this modern hymn using John Catchings' cello, David Davidson's violin strings, some nice work on percussion by Eric Darken and Hamilton's own splendid work as the pianist.

"Our intention was to give them a new context for a new time,” says Paris of "He Is Exalted".  While listening to "He Is Exalted" I was reminded of something one of our young people said while we were preparing to celebrate the Lord's Supper, "Prepare your hearts for an intimate meeting with God." The words seem appropriate in describing this fine song from the pen of Paris. 

Lisa Bevill, Nirva Dorsaint and Mandisa Hundley are part of the cast of backup vocals who lend their voices to this CD. Recently the same three artists helped make Bart Millard's Hymned No 1 a resounding success. The voices in the choir belong to individuals from Bellevue Community, Bethel World Outreach Center, Brentwood Baptist, Fellowship Baptist, Gracepoint, and Grace Point SDA.

"We Have Seen Your Glory" inspired by John 1 inspires our worship; "Jesus full of grace and truth / Jesus we will worship You / Jesus one and only Son / We have seen Your glory." With her live CD He Is Exalted Twila Paris keeps our hearts and attitudes pointed heavenward.

By Joe Montague, exclusive rights reserved  9/20/2005

Joe Montague is an internationally published journalist / photographer. His ministry is dedicated to the memory of his late son Kent David Montague who went to heaven at the age of 18. All copyright and distribution rights remain the property of Joe Montague.