[Mickey]

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) December 20, 2002-Acclaimed singer/songwriter, Andrew Peterson explores the mysteries of faith on his third Essential/Watershed Records release, Love and Thunder, in stores Feb. 25. Love and Thunder, written entirely by the Nashville-based artist, features the creative efforts of Dove Award-winning producer Steve Hindalong in addition to contributions by Cliff Young of Caedmon's Call, Jill Phillips and Randall Goodgame.

In true Peterson form, Love and Thunder showcases Andrew's signature, folk-influenced acoustic sound, rich with textured harmonies, that has come to define his accessible style of music. "The album is mostly acoustic, other than a few electric guitar treatments by Derri Daugherty, who co-produced the project with me," comments Hindalong. "We were able to blend in plenty of 'blue-grassy' colors, and it was a true pleasure to work with some of the finest players in town on fiddle, mandolin, guitar and even banjo."

Aside from a potpourri of instruments, Love and Thunder dons Peterson's usual thought-provoking lyrics and earnest vocals, supported by Cliff Young on "Just As I Am," Randall Goodgame on "Tools" and "Pillar of Fire," and Jill Phillips on various songs throughout the record. The consummate storyteller, Peterson again finds ways to transform everyday life occurrences into extraordinary tales that both entertain and enlighten.

Yet Love and Thunder also differs from Peterson's previous records, addressing more complex issues, such as the sovereignty of God. Songs like "Serve Hymn" drive listeners to recognize God's all-loving nature, encouraging them to submit to his will for their lives, while "High Noon" recounts the resurrection of Christ and the reason for our faith.

Hindalong explains, "The album title, Love and Thunder, is appropriate as it captures the reverent tone of the songs. Yet there's a whimsical quality also in the music and words. The scope is wide, and as a producer, that's challenging and fun. I'm thrilled with how Andrew's record turned out. He is simply among the greatest lyricists around. He's a fine storyteller and clever beyond belief. These are 10 profoundly emotive songs."

Peterson recently completed the production of his third annual, self-penned Christmas musical to sold-out crowds and plans to support his February release this spring as guest on a major market tour, currently in development. For additional information on Andrew Peterson and Love and Thunder, visit: www.andrew-peterson.com.

Andrew Peterson's first label project, Carried Along, sold more than 80,000 units and generated the Top 10 Adult Contemporary radio single "Nothing to Say," one of the 25 most played songs on Christian radio in 2000. In addition to garnering critical acclaim, Peterson's sophomore offering, Clear To Venus, earned the distinction of one of the Top 5 Albums of 2001 as determined by CCM Magazine. Peterson has toured extensively over the past two years with Fernando Ortega in the fall of 2000 and on his "Carried Along" and "Clear To Venus" tours in 2001 and 2002.

Nashville-based Essential Records was founded in 1992 to provide relevant music from a God-centered perspective. In addition to Andrew Peterson, the label's artist roster includes Jars of Clay, Third Day, Caedmon's Call, Bebo Norman, FFH, Paul Colman Trio, 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: Andrew Peterson wraps production on Love and Thunder, available Feb. 25. Pictured left to right are the record's co-producer Derri Daugherty, singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson and producer Steve Hindalong.

For much more on Andrew Peterson, click here