About Jill Parr....................
The ten songs on her new CD, ORBIT relate very
much to her own experiences in her life; feelings of not quite measuring
up to others' expectations, her own expectations of herself, never
feeling that she quite fit in, restlessness and how she found the
answer to her personal struggles, finally finding peace with a relationship
with Jesus Christ.
Her own experiences with disappointment and
failures, as well the joy and faithfulness of the Lord have given
Jill Parr a compassion for people who are disillusioned with this
world. Jill wishes to point her audience to find Jesus as the always
faithful, loving accepting friend who loves us despite our weaknesses,
our failings, and is willing to guide us, up hold us, challenge us,
mold us, transforming our minds and our lives.
Many people can identify with Jill Parr's personal
struggles with self-worth she has had in her past, and many will be
inspired by her songs on this CD to seek Jesus as the source of peace,
self-esteem, faithful friendship and eternal, unconditional love,
accepting us as we truly are, who will never let go of us. This main
truth, which weaves throughout ORBIT, has been a powerful force in
her own spiritual journey.
Jill Parr comments, "The idea that God is
all encompassing, never-changing and all-forgiving is something that
I cling to. Life has many different roads and sometimes we decide
to take the long, difficult, challenging route that God meant the
journey to be beautiful. I believe that ultimately those stray paths
will lead us back to Him. We are never beyond His reach or His grace.
I want to dare us to dig deeper, to evaluate who or what we are revolving
around, or in other words, our 'orbit.' Yes, the Lord is the center
of the universe, but is He the center of our lives?"
Jill Parr grew up in Michigan, and from a very
early age, she had her heart set on singing, as she was blessed with
the gift of a powerful voice and musical intuition. At the age of
12, she won her first contest, but she really couldn't enjoy her success
because of all the false guilt and pressure she felt in her life at
the time. She was searching for acceptance and security, trying to
live with the following behavioral motto: "Never admit frailty, never
admit defeat, never air dirty laundry. Put on your church face and
bring out your best religious lingo."
Because she lacked the relationship or the
knowledge of the true nature of Christ, the result was that she was
left fighting the feeling that she did not fit in. Lacking the support
and love from a personal relationship with Christ, Jill found no relief
from the restrictions she struggled with in her life and her music,
and eventually went down the path which led to a rebellious restlessness.
She made her own way to Nashville, following her cherished music dreams.
When things fell apart, she went back home, discouraged and suffering
from a failed relationship.
At this low point in her life, she discovered
something wonderful about the character of the Lord. "When things
didn't go the way I planned, I thought that I was no longer worthy
of the dreams I had carried, and that God would fail me because I
failed Him. But He was full of grace, and in time He led me back to
Nashville and showed me that the dreams that He planted in me as a
young girl were still there. My belief in the power of God through
music was purified."
About Her Music....On ORBIT
"ORBIT is a project for both believers and
seekers staring into space, craving acceptance and trying to make
sense of this life. The themes are universal yet intensely personal
It is the reflection of an artist who walks in the security of faith,
the security of knowing who God is, both the center of the universe
and of our lives."
With Jill Parr's debut CD, ORBIT, the listener
is in for a treat - a unique combination of a great, meaningful lyrical
message, truly unique musical compositions, and a terrific vocal talent.
Jill Parr is truly a gifted Christian artist; an up and coming Christian
vocalist with a strong voice, gifted musical intuition and excellent
breath control that can carry over the busiest musical accompaniment,
singing in a variety of dynamic levels, and in just the right style
for the message and composition of each of the songs, which so creatively
express the CD's main themes. The inspiring compositions / arrangements,
coupled with her dynamic vocals bring to the listener "the statement
of an artist who understands the power of music backed by the power
of the Living Lord."
A way was opened for Jill to return to Nashville,
after she teamed up with two longtime, close friends, talented song
writers; Paul Alan and Brian Hardin, Jill's loving husband, who also
produced ORBIT. Paul Alan and Brian Hardin,who have been writing and
composing music for a very long time, were the ones behind the lyrics
and music of seven out of the ten Christian pop, rock/ praise and
worship songs on this captivating, refreshing CD, which makes good
use of basic band instruments; guitars, keyboard, piano and drums,
with touches of cymbals, horn and flute. Hardin excels in loop programming,
using different sounds and sometimes some techno mixes to make each
song uniquely interesting. The musical composition and melodic line
of each song does a great job supporting the meaningful lyrical message,
so beautifully brought to life by Jill Parr's expressive, soulful,
intuitive vocals.
Brian Hardin explained to Christianmusic.com
how he and Paul compose the words and lyrics of their songs, which
is an inspired team effort. "Paul and I write a lot of songs together.
Most of the time I will have the track together and some melody ideas
or a lyrical idea and Paul will come behind that and refine it and
bring his excellent sense of melody and storytelling talent to the
table. Paul just sits down and tells me what the music makes him feel
like. What it is speaking to him and we go from there."
Other song writers who contributed to the
CD are David Thiele, Adam Watts and Sting, whose songs carry on the
main themes of the CD. Brian Hardin completely rearranged Adam Watts'
stirring Christian-pop song, FAITH, David Thiele's touching prayer
hymn song, BLEED, to conform to Alan's and Hardin's musical insights,
but only partially rearranged Sting's song, IF I EVER LOSE MY FAITH
IN YOU. Brian explains,"We did use the Sting song as a model and didn't
completely redo the song because we felt it was perfect already."
I highly respect the combined talents of Jill
Parr, Paul Alan and Brian Hardin, as they have created a CD that lifts
the spirit, feeds the soul, points to Jesus as our Lord and Savior
and stimulates one's musical enjoyment. Their adventure together in
Christian music ministry is off to a roaring start.
CD Dedication: "This CD is for the believer,
and also for the doubter, the one who questions, the searcher. I don't
have the answers, but I can point you to the One who does." - Jill
Parr
The Songs On ORBIT
* * * Title Song: ORBIT - Words & Music By
Brian Hardin, Paul Alan -
A favorite of this reviewer. The CD's title
song, starts off with rhythmic unworldly, sound that establishes the
beat, which was created by sampling and resampling different sounds.
Brian Hardin explains, "I pulled different things from different sound
effects libraries and just sat down and created it with no idea what
I would end up with." (Well, it was a great idea, Brian!)
Strings join the beginning sounds, and softly
start the introductions to the song, which build on the openning sounds,
getting louder until the techno-style drums come in with the vocal
introduction. Some strings support the rhythm, some carry the introductory
melody. The strong, appealing melody, is perfect for this energetic
praise song, sung so lovingly expressed by Jill's vocals, which soar
at approtiate times, especially in the Chorus.
Theme of the song: The Lord's faithfulness
to His own.
Jill Parr explains: "The idea that God is all
encompassing, never-changing and all-forgiving is something that I
cling to. Life has many different roads and sometimes we decide to
take the long, difficult challenging route when God meant the journey
to be beautiful. I believe that ultimately those stray paths lead
us back to Him. We are never beyond His reach or His grace. Orbit
is about digging deeper, evaluating who or what we are revolving around,
or in other words, our 'orbit.' Yes, God is the center of the universe,
but is He the center of our lives?"
Related Scriptural references: (2 Cor: 1:3,4,
Matt. 6:33, Psalm 103:8, & John 10: 27-30)
Lyrical Samples:
Verse 1: Love is a road, Faith is the world
beyond the stars. Fear is the end. Stuck in a moment wondering why.
You are the moon. When I am wandering in the dark. I will be home
soon. Cause I remember where You are.
Chorus: I am a satellite. You are the grace
of gravity. I spin around You. You never will let go of me. You set
me in motion. The day you held out Your arms and died. Now I am a
satellite. And You are the center of my life. Verse
2: I'm trying to hear. Trying to listen with
my heart. I'm trying to see clear. Forever to be right where You are.
Chorus
Bridge: I'll go wherever You lead me. I'll
go wherever You lead me. I'll go wherever You lead me. I'll go wherever
You lead me. Chorus:
* * THE LONG WAY HOME - Words & Music By Paul
Alan & Brian Hardin
Rock beat, syncopated rhythm and interesting
keyboards, thanks to Hardin's creative programming. Acoustic, electric
and bass guitars fill in the sound nicely, supporting the melody,
and Jill's soulful vocals, which soar into the chorus. Nice harmony
in the chorus. Last two stanzas quiets down to some lovely acoustic
guitar work, a nice way to end the song.
"No matter what life brings, sweet or bitter,
God is with us. God's love for us never gets old. Maybe the road leads
nowhere, but with God's presence the long way home can be pure adventure."
- Jill Parr
Related Scripture References: (Hebrews 13:5-6,
Romans 1:17, 1 John 3:1, Philipians 1:6 & 2:15)
Lyrical Samples:
1) On this narrow street, I'm chasing dreams
eternal. Faith is the guide. Cutting through the fog on the window.
Tell me the story again. How You gave me Your life and You'll wait.
And You'll wait. Cause
Chorus: I'm learning to live. Learning to fall.
Trying to run. Before I can crawl. We've been driving for miles. On
this long winding road. But as long as You're here. Let's take the
long way home.
2) It's 12 o'clock on a Tuesday. And I'm nearly
sleeping at the wheel. But I don't want to stop driving. Cause my
hopes are high. And the scene surreal so.... Tell me the story again.
how you'll never let me go. Cause I need You. Oh how I need You. Chorus
Bridge: I've got a case of the full moon fever.
Wish this could last forever. This is my sanctuary. You and I on a
course for Heaven. Tears dried and wrongs forgiven. But until then....
Chorus. I'll take the long way, the long way
home.........................
* * * THIS I KNOW - Words & Music By Paul Alan
& Brian Hardin
Lovely, melodic praise and worship song, that
is one of this reviewer's favorites. The keyboard and guitar intro
does a nice job getting the listener in the mood for this melodious
contemporary praise and worship hymn. Parr's vocals showcase her range
and ability to reach even the higher notes at full throttle, taking
the listener with her as we all enter another plane of awareness.
Vocals are dynamically effective, inhancing the meaning of the lyrics
and mood of the song.
The lyrics remind this reviewer of the power
of prayer, a lifeline to the Lord in verse 1. The Lord will be with
us through the trials of our lives, giving us an inner peace, no matter
what our circumstances, if we remember to come to Him in prayer.
"The more I read the Bible, the harder I try
to figure things out. I know very little, but the one thing I can
hold on to is that no matter what I've done, no matter what I do,
Jesus loves me. Nothing lasts but that love and grace. We can question
love of any other kind, but not God's love for us." - Jill Parr
Related Scripture References: (1 John 5:8,
Phil. 4:6-7, Ephesians 3:17-19 & 6:18, Romans:8:38 and Matt. 11:28-30)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Questions many, answers few. Nothing is
certain. Only the love I've found in You. When the world is on my
shoulders, And it's more than I can bear, I know I've always got a
prayer.
Chorus: This I know. I'll be by the fire. When
cold winds blow. This I know. Let the rains fall around me. And the
rivers of uncertainty flow. Jesus love me this I know.
2) Yesterday's gone without a trace. Nothing's
forever. Nothing but Your amazing grace. all the wisdom of the ages.
Never could explain Your love, Or the power of Your name. Chorus
Bridge: Searching for answers. We lose the
meaning of this life. I'm only sure of what I know. And I know.........Chorus
* * * + FEEL THE SCARS - Words & Music By Paul
Alan & Brian Hardin
This is the favorite song of this reviewer
on the CD. The song has a terrific introduction, starting with an
interesting percussion / bongo / drum combination starting a unique
rhythm (Hardin's magic once again). Guitars, flute, and Parr's soft
ohhs and ews, begin the intro melody, in a minor key. The accompaniment
for the verses creates a wonderful sound that supports the main vocals
sung with feeling by Parr. Minor key effortlessly segues into major
key in chorus. If the listener listens
closely, some form of chimes or chime sound can be heard during the
bridge. Jill Parr can softly sing the high notes during the bridge,
creating a lovely effect, which isn't easy to do and reveals just
how good her technique, musical intuition and breath control really
are!
Paul Alan's lyrics spell out simply what is
involved in having faith; "to let go and just believe with open hearts
and feel the scars."
Jill Parr explains it quite eloquently: "Like
the disciple Thomas, we all doubt at times, we all fail, and we all
need love. Jesus comes to us like He did to Thomas and says, 'Here,
look at My scars. Look at what I did for you, and believe!' The whole
story of God's creation and redemption is a mystery. We could spend
an eternity trying to figure it out.- circling but never landing.
We can't. We have to reach out to His scarred hands and let our hearts
go." "
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet
have believed." - John 20:29
Related Scriptural References: (John 20: 24-29,
1 Peter:1:8)
Lyrical Samples:
1) Nothing is ever new or old. Many a weary
soul has been here before. Nothing is ever near or far. Always in
between we find our hearts.
* Chorus: and we're never gonna solve this
mystery. So we've got to let go and just believe, With open hearts.
Feel the scars. And you never can sink too low. and you never can
sink too far. To feel the scars.
2) And I know you've been waiting for awhile.
for the train to pull out in your seat by the aisle. And I know you'd
feel totally alone. If not for your fear and your doubt.
* Bridge: The blue in sky. A passing glance.
the ocean's deep. A second chance. We place our trust. though we can't
see. Our hearts believe. And take His hand. Chorus.
Take His hand. Take His hand..............
* * IF I EVER LOSE MY FAITH IN YOU - By Sting,
arranged slightly differently by Hardin.
A praise song with a rousing, syncopated beat,
which starts this real toe tapper, and continues the driving beat
through to the end. Bass guitar reinforces the syncopated percussion,
to nice effect. Enjoyed the counter melody played by guitars and keyboard
during the verses. Vocals catch the spirit of the driving beat and
nicely express the meaning of the song.
Because our human nature is flawed, and no
one has the ability to be perfect, things of this world created and
run by people and people themselves are bound to disappoint us at
some point.(Romans 7:21-25) But the flawless character of our loving,
merciful Lord is a constant, faithful source of support for us, a
life raft in the sometimes bumpy secular world.
Jill Parr - "There is such an inherent sense
of spirituality in this song that I wanted to express. the world has
so many things to lose faith in, things that don't even deserve faith.
I can lose my faith in popular science, and the church may disappoint
me, but God will never let me down."
Related Scripture References: (Romans 12:2,
Isaiah:7:9)
Lyrical Sample:
1) You could say I lost my faith in science
and progress. You could say I lost my belief in the holy church. You
could say I lost my sense of direction. Yeah, you could say I lost
my sense of direction. Yeah, you could say all this and worse but
Chorus: If I ever lose my faith in You. there'd
be nothing left for me to do.
2) Some would say I was a lost girl in a lost
world. You could say I lost my faith in the people on TV. You could
say I lost my faith in our politicians. They all seemed like game
show hosts to me. Chorus
* * * COUNTY LINE (Time to Say Goodbye) - Words
and Music by Brian Hardin, Paul Alan
A quick 3/4 meter gives the song an easy waltz
feeling. Composition uses a variety of instruments & sounds which
add color, rhythm and support the main melody carried by the inspiring
vocals. Dynamics slowly build throughout the song, starting soft and
mellow, building to the chorus, and quiet down once more. Introduction
starts off with another unique rthymic sound created by Hardin. Enter
the flowing broken chords of acoustic guitars, light flowing keyboard,
electrical guitars, which come in full force at the chorus, playing
rhythmic chords. The song quiets down again during the Hook section,
strings join the flowing sound of guitars and keyboards and Hardin's
created rhythmic sound.
Jill Parr sees the County Line as being the
feet of Jesus. Many people carry emotional baggage that weighs them
down, gets in their way in their walk to or with the Lord. Verse 1:
talks about inner doubts, negative feelings about oneself that were
long ago eternalized, that keep us from growing spiritually, from
being used by the Lord to the full extent that He has planned. Verse
2: talks about another source of entrapment - memories of past events,
past moments in time that support our inner fears, anger and self-recrimination.
Jill Parr comments: "There is no doubt that
this song is the soundtrack to my life. I love this song because it
encourages us to say goobye to the things that hold us down without
oversimplifying complicatd emotions with a trite Cliche. Personally,
I had to say goodbye to the false sense of shame and guilt I carried
for so many years, and I had to learn to forgive. This can only bedone
through the power of our Savior Jesus Christ, when we lay these things
at His feet."
Related Scripture References: (Phil. 4:4-6,
7, John 14:1, 1 John 19-21, Matt.11: 28-30)
Lyrical Samples:
1)There is a house, At the end of a road, Inside
of me. I go there and cry. The halls echo voices, that lie to me.
Bridge: Never quite good enough. This about sums it up.
Chorus: Time to say goodbye. I think I'd better
run away. Running out of reasons to stay.Time to hitch a ride. And
head for the county line. It's time to say goodbye.
2) There is a town. At the foot of a mountain.Of
memories. I've lived there for years. With a lifetime of fears. Insecurity
Bridge: Never could measure up. Felt it for
long enough. Chorus.
Hook: I've got to go. Free my soul. Find new
hope. Walk a new road. Not gonna wear these chains anymore.
* * BLEED - By David Thiele, arranged by Brian
Hardin
With an Easy 3/4 meter, this prayer hymn flows
like a river, thanks to the flowing guitar and piano parts. Lovely,
flowing melody and lyrics - If you listen closely, you can hear the
sound of bubbling water put in by the wizardry of Hardin, sound mixer
extroardinaire!
Written in the spirit of a lament Psalm, where
personal troubles, confessed failings are told to the Lord. Personal
faith in the Lord's strength, faithful love and mercy are proclaimed,
as the person asks for His help in mending the pain, forgiving sins,
taking away guilt and giving the person a peace that only the Lord
can give.
Jill Parr - "It's a person pouring out their
heart . It's someone admitting frailty and asking God to heal them
because they are broken. Purging ourselves, allowing ourselves to
bleed, is a humbling and painful process, but the reward of forgivieness
and a renewed awareness of God's love is always worth it."
Related Scripture References: (2nd Cor. 4:16-18,
Romans 8:28)
Lyrical Samples:
Kneeling down by the water. Staring at my reflection,
pleading with You. I'm helplessly wondering, if You're taking my heart
for a ride. Cause all of this pain. I feel comes from doing what's
right. Still I try
Chorus: But If I bleed tonight. then will it
be alright.
Knowing You're all that matters. Trying so
hard to stand but everyone falls. I know You're my strength Lord.
I know You're my confidence. And I know that You're my confidence.
And I know that You'll comfort me, when none of life makes any sense.
Chorus
* * * WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR - Words and
Music by Brian Hardin, Paul Alan
Features a lovely mix of flugel horn, keyboards,
guitars, great melody, an interesting beat, Paul Alan's great story-telling
ability showcased in the lyrics and the dynamite vocals of Jill Parr.
Nice background harmonies, nice support and counter melodies and vocals
all come together to create a terrific song which brings the Hope
we find in Jesus Christ to the listener in a musical composition,
that has something for everyone; Another one of this reviewer's favorite
songs.
Jill Parr explains the meaning behind the song:
"Everyone knows someone who hasn't experienced a true relationship
with Jesus. This song is about us reaching out to others, friends
past and present, and sharing with them the Hope that is within us.
It's about being willing to say, "My life is different, it's better;
it's not perfect, but I've definitely found something worth telling
you about. What are you waiting for? What excuses hold you back? My
search is over and yours can be too.!"
Related Scripture References: (Romans 10:9,
Matt. 7:7-8 & 11:28-30, John 3:16 & 14:6 and 2nd Cor.3: 16-18)
Lyrical Samples: 1) We ran through the fields,
Sailed through the skies, Dove in the ocean, Filled with every tear,
We'd ever cried. I swear we must have walked. A hundred miles of road.
Heavy in our hearts. We did our best, To shoulder the load. It's wild
how the years slipped by. But I had to find you. I had to try.
* Chorus: Are you alone tonight. Waiting by
the phone tonight. Feeling betrayed. By the cold-hearted moonlight.
Thereis a Savior. Standing just outside the door. To solve your mystery.
What are you waiting for.
2) We said goodbye. On a rainy Friday night.
I drove away. Not knowing what I hoped to find. Well I found faith
in an unexpected place. Made my peace. I found a way in the light
of Jesus' face. Chorus
Hook: Not searchin' anymore. I've nothing to
hide. Try to build us a bridge, across this great divide. Let's stand
for the truth. And weather the rain, And never be the same.
* * * Faith - By Adam Watts, arranged by Brian
Hardin.
Light Rock-pop beat, supports a wonderfully
catchy melody with an uplifting, lyrical message, sung sweetly in
an easy style by Jill Parr. Main melody supported by broken and solid
chords played by acoustic and electric guitars and piano/ keyboards.
Piano plays a nice counter melody in parts of the song. Another favorite
of this reviewer.
"Faith is believing in what you can't see
or touch. This song takes us through the whole process and shows us
the outcome of believing. God rewards the faithful. When we let go,
His will is done in our lives and we are rewarded with His love. This
song is a great reminder of that." - Jill Parr
Related Scripture References: (Romans 4:13,
16, & Romans 5:1-5, Phil.4:13, Ephesians 2:7-8)
Lyrical Samples:
1) With simple love, We can rise above. Understand
then believe. Fall into trust, He will fill you up. Letting go equals
peace. Wisdom isn't meaning. Chasing after wind. What will be has
been before. Even when you're bleeding. Stand in awe of God, He cares.
* * Chorus: There's a path that leads through
pain. There's a freedom that awaits. And it's all a prayer away. This
gift of love that won't fade away. Is available everyday. Through
faith. Through faith.
2) No need to wait. Just to open up. Welcome
Him within. Then He will come. And His will, will be done. Brand new
life will begin. thirsty for a meaning. We all crave the Son. A void
within us seeks the One. Grace is for the living. It's easier to breathe
in love.
Hook: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah.
* * ANOTHER REVOLUTION - Words and Music by
Brian Hardin, Paul Alan
A perfect song to end the CD, that has a rousing
rock beat, supported by a full drum sound, inspiring bass and keyboard
programming, featuring another great melody and inspiring lyrics,
and dynamic vocals. Enjoyed some great, short keyboard solos between
segments in the song.
In the storyline of this song, Jesus is talking
to one of his own sheep, a believer who has drifted a little in his
relationship with Jesus, putting Jesus off to the side, to make way
for a new priority.It's a very human tendency to put something in
God's place, in the center of daily life. This song is a nice reminder
for believers to spend some quiet time with the Lord every day, and
be mindful of things in our lives that get in the way of our relationship
with the Lord, in putting Him at the center of our life.
"This is God speaking in the first person,
reminding us that He's everywhere. As the world turns on and on and
the days go by, He's there. He loves us and wants us to run to Him."
- Jill Parr
Related Scripture References: (Romans 12:1-2,
Ephesians 3: 16-19, John 15:1-5)
Lyrical Samples: 1) Been about a week or two
since last we spoke. Maybe it's been more like a year. I've been missing
you more than you know. Twenty-four hours a day wishing you were here.
I don't want to be just another word in your story. I want to be the
theme. I don't want to be just another face in your crowd. So watch
the world.
Chorus: Turn on, turn on, turn on. Another
revolution. I still love you and I'm still knocking at your heart's
door. Turn on, turn on, turn on Another revolution. I came to save
you and so much more.
Reviewed by: Julie Carr of ChristianMusic.com
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