Nordeman, Phillips to be in Concert at OBU

February 28, 2001

Nichole Nordeman, chart-topping Christian recording artist, will be in concert with Jill Phillips at Oklahoma Baptist University, Saturday, March 3 at 8:00 p.m. in the university's Raley Chapel.

The concert is sponsored by OBU's University Concert Series and is free and open to the public.

In May of 2000, Nordeman released her second album, This Mystery, a follow up to her first album, Wide Eyed. Wide Eyed had four songs that broke into the adult contemporary charts including, "To Know You," and "Who You Are" which both hit number one.

Nordeman has been nominated for two Dove awards including Best New Artist in 1999 and Best Female Vocalist in 2000.



Just a few years ago, Nordeman, originally from Colorado, was a waitress in Los Angeles trying to break into the recording industry. She entered a contest sponsored by the Gospel Music Association's Academy of Music Arts and won with her original song "Why," the story of the crucifixion as told through the eyes of a child.

Nordeman thinks her musical style is set apart not only by her use of the grand piano, but by the questions she asks.

"Questioning is such a prerequisite to growth," she said. "If you're not asking hard questions, how can you be taking a journey to the answers?"

Nordeman has been surprised by the critical and popular reaction to her work. "I've been delightfully surprised by people's openness and willingness to be receptive to my music but also to identify with some of the questions I asked," she said.

This Mystery, Nordeman explains, is a reference to the power and mystery of God.

"I really wanted to emphasize the notion that God is so much bigger than we thought or think," she said. "If we're open to that, we can find the hand of God in so many places."

Phillips toured last year with Caedmon's Call, providing lead female vocals during part of the tour. She has released a self titled album and writes and performs her songs with her husband, acoustic guitar player Andy Gullahorn.