[Mickey]

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) November 18, 2002-Essential Records' Paul Colman Trio recently claimed the No. 3 position on Radio & Records' list of the year's Top 10 breakthrough Christian artists. Less than a month since concluding its run on Third Day's "Come Together" tour, the band carries its newly acquired status to cities throughout the U.S. on a solo tour.

The Nov. 8 issue of R&R ranked the group third on the publication's annual chart highlighting the year's best in Christian music. Derived from radio airplay and chart positioning, Paul Colman Trio was named among other breakthrough talents, including Mercy Me and Toby Mac. The group's first single to Christian radio, "Turn," was cited as having tied the record for the longest time spent by a debut single atop any Christian chart. The previous act holding that distinction was The Benjamin Gate with "All Over Me."

"We are deeply encouraged at the amazing support that Paul Colman Trio has received since we relocated to the United States in February," frontman Paul Colman says. "To be on this list is an honor. The public enthusiasm for our music confirms that God has called us to this country to serve people through the gift of music."

In addition to being dubbed one of 2002's best new Christian acts, Paul Colman Trio, who spent most of the year on tour with labelmate Third Day as part of the 76-city "Come Together" tour, will round out the year with a solo tour visiting 10 U.S. cities, including Springfield, Mo., Madison, Wis., and Nashville, Tennessee.

Formed in 1998 in Melbourne, Australia, Paul Colman Trio (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 chart.

Since signing with Essential Records late last year, the band released its May 21 debut label project, New Map of the World. The record generated multiple radio hits, including "Turn," which reigns as the longest running No. 1 song on the Christian Hits Radio chart in Radio & Records history (10 weeks) and the fastest rising No. 1 single from a new artist on R&R's CHR chart (8 weeks). "Fill My Cup," peaked in the Top 5 on R&R's Adult Contemporary chart and "Run," Paul Colman Trio's current single, climbed its way to No. 18 on the CHR chart only four weeks out. For more information on the Paul Colman Trio, visit: www.paulcolmantrio.com.

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: Paul Colman Trio recently performed at the grand opening of Cedar Springs Christian Store in Nashville, Tennessee. Among other artists in attendance at the event were Out of Eden, Riley Armstrong, Jeff Deyo, Tait and Rachel Lampa.

For much more on The Paul Colman Trio, click here

[IAmCrossEyed]

I absolutely love PC3 and they deserve all the success they get. They have a heart for God and use humor, as well as strong thoughts to really touch audiences.


PS. Riley is in that picture. I love it!!!!