[Mickey]

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) August 30, 2002-Energetic pop-rock band Paul Colman Trio leaped onto the U.S. Christian music scene in May with its critically acclaimed Essential Records debut, New Map Of The World. Now, with a No.1 song and high-profile American tour under its belt, the threesome gears up for an eventful few months that include a return appearance on the fall leg of Third Day's "Come Together" tour, two new radio singles and multiple retail promotions.

After a highly successful stint on the "Come Together" tour last spring, which sold out 27 concerts and was attended by nearly 225,000 fans, Paul Colman Trio faces a demanding fall, meeting up with labelmate Third Day for 25 additional tour dates. Extended by popular demand, the fall leg of the wildly popular "Come Together" tour will visit venues in approximately 15 states, this time showcasing the talents of ForeFront band Tait, fronted by dc Talk member Michael Tait, in addition to the Paul Colman Trio. The tour kicks off September 19th in Ohio. For an updated tour itinerary, visit www.thirdday.com.

Key retail promotions stand to boost Paul Colman Trio in stores this fall. As Family Christian Stores' "New Music Now" artist in September, the trio's New Map Of The World will receive special pricing , premium endcap placement in Family's more than 400 stores nationwide, inclusion in the chain's September catalogs and on FamilyChristianStores.com. Additionally, pc3 will be featured on Provident Music Distribution's "Above The Groove" promotion alongside other popular Provident Music Group artists beginning in August and running through December. The initiative centers on a free with purchase CD sampler, highlighting selections from all featured artists, and includes heavy catalog and in-store placement with all major chains, regional and independent retailers.

Paul Colman Trio will also be part of an exclusive nationwide promotion with mainstream retail chain Wal-Mart, featured on a CD sampler titled Sonic Fuel alongside other popular Christian artists including, Third Day, Newsboys, tobyMac, Pillar and Pax217. Sonic Fuel will be sold in nearly 2,700 Wal-Mart stores as the first of a three-phase initiative titled "Music You Can Believe In," launching in September. The campaign is designed to increase the awareness and sales of Christian and Gospel music at Wal-Mart via unique sampling vehicles that expose customers to current Christian and Gospel artists. New Map Of The World will be positioned with Sonic Fuel as well as other full-length titles from artists on the sampler.

Heavily contributing to pc3's growing momentum, American Christian radio has embraced the Aussie imports, helping the group to attain record-breaking status. At its peak, "Turn," the album's debut single, set precedent as the longest running No. 1 song on the Christian Hits Radio chart in Radio & Records history (10 weeks). As of late July, "Turn" was the fastest rising No. 1 hit on R&R's CHR chart this year, reaching the No.1 spot in only eight weeks. "Turn" also dominated Christian Radio Weekly's CHR chart, holding the top position for 11 consecutive weeks. "Fill My Cup," out four weeks ago, is already in the Top 20 and climbing on R&R's Adult Contemporary chart. New Map Of The World's third single, "Run," heads to CHR radio this fall.

Australia's independent radio chart, TRAA (The Rock Across Australia), has proven equally favorable, ranking Paul Colman Trio as the second most-played Christian artist and most played Australian artist in pc3's native country. The band's independent recording "Save My Soul" is the most played song on Australian Christian radio right now, winning out over offerings by Jars of Clay, Amy Grant, Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W. Smith.

Formed in 1998 in Melbourne, Australia, the Paul Colman Trio, affectionately referred to as pc3, is Paul Colman (lead singer/songwriter/guitarist), Grant Norsworthy (bass/vocals) and Phil Gaudion (drums/percussion/vocals). Having released four independent albums, titled Serious Fun, Turn, pc3 Live Electric and pc3 Live Acoustic, the group was named Australia's "Artist of the Year" in 2000 and 2001 by The Rock Across Australia (TRAA) chart. The band is known for its unparalleled live shows and has been selling out venues for the past four years. They have toured extensively in Australia and the U.S., performing alongside such well-known contemporary Christian artists as Third Day, P.O.D, Jennifer Knapp and Newsboys.

Nashville-based Essential Records was founded in 1992 to provide relevant music from a God-centered perspective. In addition to the Paul Colman Trio, the label's artist roster includes Jars of Clay, Third Day, Caedmon's Call, Bebo Norman, FFH, Sarah Sadler and True Vibe. Essential Records, and its affiliated label, Watershed Records, is distributed through Provident Music Distribution and through partnerships with parent company Zomba Music.

PHOTO CAPTION: Last week, Paul Colman Trio performed at a Family Christian Stores manager's conference in Phoenix, Ariz. for more than 400 managers and corporate staff members. The band played "Run" and "Fill My Cup" from its May release New Map Of The World. Pictured left to right are pc3's Grant Norsworthy, Paul Colman and Phil Gaudion.

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