Twila Paris was born on December 28, 1958 in Fort Worth, Texas. She put out her first full length album, KNOWIN' YOU'RE AROUND, in 1980. Over the years she became known for such songs as 'The Warrior is A Child', 'How Beautiful', and 'God is in Control'. In 1996 she released WHERE I STAND (Sparrow). It was produced by Brown Bannister and executive produced by Peter York.
Leading things off is 'Love's Been Following You'. Brian Hughes plays the oud and the bazooki on this song that speaks of God's faithfulness: "You think that no one cares/Still love is always there/He would go anywhere/Just to find you/Love's been following you". 'Hold On' is a gentle ballad offering words of wisdom: "We can hold on to sorrow/Hold on to pain/We can hold on to anger when there is nothing to be gained/We can hold to a thread at the end of a rope/But if we hold on to Jesus we are holding on to hope/Hold on (2X)". 'Band of Survivors' is a great adult contemporary song that asks some important questions: "Will you stand with the heart of a warrior/By the blood of the Lamb/In the Name of the King?/Will you stand with the band of survivors/Hand in hand 'til the end of the day/Taking the land with the band of survivors/Tried in the fire? (2X)". Two of the backing vocalists are Lisa Bevill and Chris Rodriguez.
'Faithful Friend' is a co-write and duet with Steven Curtis Chapman. The London Session Orchestra is used on this pretty ballad about true loyalty: "I will be an open door that you can count on/Anywhere you are, anywhere you've been/I will be an honest heart you can depend on/I will be a faithful friend/Should it ever come your time to mourn/I will weep with you/And every single time you win/I'm celebrating too/Oh, I will celebrate with you". 'Jesus in You' is a terrific pop song about children: "The eyes are young/I won't deny it/But, oh, the dream of tender youth.../I can see Jesus in you/I see His love on your face/Go in His Name and do all He commands you to do/I see Jesus in you".
Gordon Kennedy plays electric guitar on 'Honor and Praise'. It exalts God: "Righteous and holy in all of Your ways/We come before You with honor and praise/Here to adore You for all of our days/We come before You with honor and praise/Lord of the heavens how faithful You are/Shine down upon us, oh Bright Morning Star". '(I Am) Not Afraid Anymore' is a pleasant pop song of celebration: "I am not afraid anymore/You have opened all the windows/Opened all the doors/I am not afraid anymore/I feel the wind of freedom/Like I never did before/The light is filling up the corners/Dancing on the floor/I am not afraid anymore".
Next is 'What Did He Die For?'. While this moving song deals with the crucifixion, it begins by reflecting on a soldier in WW2: "He was 21 in 1944/He was hope, and he was courage on a lonely shore/Sent there by a mother with love beyond her tears/Just a young American who chose to rise above his fears/And as I watch him struggle up that hill/Without a thought of turning back/I cannot help but wonder/What did he die for when he died for you and me?/Made the sacrifice so that we could all be free". Jerry McPherson plays electric guitar and Steve Brewster drums on 'House of Cards'. This light rock song gives good advice: "You know the house of cards will tumble/Temporary by design/And all the schemes of man will crumble/Are we wasting precious time?/When there is only one Kingdom/One place to hide/Only one Kingdom/Come and find a place inside".
'I Never Get Used to What You Do' is an easy listening song of wonder: "I never get used to what You do/I never get used to watching You/Take a life beyond redemption/Make it Your's and make it new/I never outgrow the miracle/A heart that was empty flowing full/I never get used to what You do". Last up is 'I Will Listen'. It makes use of piano, viola, and cellos. I love these words: "I cannot imagine what will come/But I've already made my choice/And this is where I stand until He moves me on/And I will listen to His voice/Could it be that He is only waiting there to see if I will learn to love the dreams/That He has dreamed for me?"
WHERE I STAND is quite the inspirational album, I must say! Twila's vocals warm the soul. This album will lead you into God's presence. You will be in awe of His love for you and in return you will want to declare your love, worship, and gratitude to God. What a perfect Heavenly Father He is! He only wants the best for us and that is why He wants to be central in our lives. He wants us to grow and thrive in His presence. He is our shelter in the storms of life. I give this album a 100%. For more info visit www.twilaparis.com or connect with her on Facebook.