Twila Paris

Item: Where I Stand
Author: Vanessa Crooks

Where I Stand

(1996)

Reviewed by Vanessa Crooks

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Label Sparrow RecordsThe LighthouseApril 1996

adult contemporary ccm worship

For the most part, the adult contemporary format has been to music what the "ultra right-wing" is to politics-inordinately conservative and overly concerned with sticking inside its perceived boundaries of "goodness." In politics, perhaps this approach serves some worthwhile purpose-balancing the governmental pendulum of philosophies and practices. Where music is concerned, however, this type of conservatism all too often leads to a banal and boring "re-treading" of lyrical perspectives and melody scores. Thus in her music category, Twila Paris is a pioneer-going where few others have had the courage or imagination to go. Her latest release, Where I Stand, is another step into this breathtakingly beautiful and pristine territory that she is charting.

In her quest to continually stretch and redefine artistic boundaries, Paris has not forsaken her roots, though. In fact, Where I Stand draws on her experience, combining the intimacy of her early work with a fresher, more holistic approach. Where her recent efforts have had a layered, richly textured approach, much of this release echoes the more modest piano and guitar base of her initial recordings, while adding some unusual and appealing accents (oud, bazooki, and strings). As always, Paris projects a worshipful tone; "Honor And Praise" could easily be incorporated into a church or fellowship setting. Much like "The Warrior Is A Child," the lyrics of "Hold On" share a simple, yet profound, perception of our human frailty and insecurity, as well as of the deeper peace found resting in Jesus' strength. Paris has an innate gift for songwriting and musical composition; and like most masters, her work has only grown more consistent and refined with time.

Vocally, Paris has a gorgeous-almost classic-soprano with excellent texture and delivery. However, while she has a competent low to medium register, as well as the ability to belt-out a clear and sustained high note with the best of them, Paris does not have the sustained vibrato required by most full-bodied, pop-rock scores (at times, her vocals have been down-right thin and screechy). In the past, this flaw often came to the fore. On this effort, tracks like "Band Of Survivors" and "House Of Cards" fall at the outer most reaches of her natural register. Thus, while the songs themselves are well-crafted, they do not give Paris her best performance outlet. "Love's Been Following You" and "Not Afraid Anymore" more effectively match her ability; while up-beat and full-bodied, they do not overwhelm Paris' voice.

"I Will Listen" is arguably the album's best cut-the blend of piano, strings, and vocals is superb. It is a song that reminds us to anchor our lives with "grace and faith and the principles and foundations that Jesus Christ has given us." It also exhorts us not to cling so tightly to what we want that we become unwilling to embrace what God has for us. Paris lovingly, yet longingly, sings:

I can not imagine what will come But I've already made my choice And this is where I stand Until He moves me on.

As a fellow follower of Christ, Paris continues to forgo the conventional and cautious path for the trail of obedience and abandon-and her music reflects this choice. Conservatism and restraint have their place in many areas of life, but never when it comes to seeking Christ and following Him. Where I Stand, although stylistically within the typically restrained adult-contemporary and inspirational formats, is yet another bold and tenacious project from Twila Paris. Like the Psalms did for the children of Israel, Where I Stand provides "songs for the ascent" in our journey of faith.