[WhiteRob]

With more than 50 new acts introduced into the Christian music scene in 2003, only a handful made it onto Christian Music Today’s Best New Artist List for 2003. Jill Paquette not only made the list but was the only female artist to be honored.

Described as the “female equivalent of the thinking man’s songwriter,” Christian Music Today also notes that Paquette, “deftly crafts her music with refreshing honesty and intelligence, whether she’s wrestling with doubt or letting her faith shine.”

Upon receiving word of the acknowledgement, Paquette added, “It’s such a thrill to be recognized by your peers and I am honored. This album was a reflection of so many phases in my life and you wonder if people will really get what you are trying to say. I’m just honored it has had such an impact on people.”

Paquette’s self-titled debut recently claimed the No. 6 spot on Christian Music Today’s Top Albums of 2003. The list, comprised by six editors at Christianity Today International, is based on creativity, talent and broad appeal. Paquette’s album was among artists such as Jars of Clay, Switchfoot and Stacie Orrico.

Born in British Columbia, Canada, with French-Canadian, European and Native American roots, Jill began training in classical piano at the age of three, learning to play by ear. The transition from classical piano to acoustic guitar at the age of 16 breathed new life into her love of music. While she composes on both the guitar and the piano, Jill notes, “the acoustic guitar is easily one of the coolest instruments in the world. When I started playing that, it just felt like home.”