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Introduction
Jill Paquette is a Canadian Christian/ Aboriginal Folk Pop Artist. She grew up in small town Houston in Northern British Columbia and attended a Christian College in Alberta before starting her career as a recording artist and performer.

History
Jill began playing the piano and singing at a very young age. Her family was always very musical, her father was a voice coach and her brother was a musician as well. When she was sixteen she took up the acoustic guitar. Her career began when, at Prairie Bible College in Three Hills, Alberta, she and her friends stopped by a café that was having an open mic night. She admits has always been uncomfortable in front of a crowd.But with the right amount of peer pressure she performed one of her songs that night. In the audience was another Christian Music artist, Matt Brouwer, who was impressed with her performance. He asked Jill to play in his band. Jill toured with him in Canada playing piano and singing backup in his band while still attending college. Jill recorded a demo CD which found its way to Reunion Records in Nashville, Tenessee. Soon after that she got a record deal. Four long years after she signed the deal with Reunion records she released her self titled debut album. The album won several awards including a 2004 Juno for Contemporary Christian/ Gospel Album of the Year.

The Music
The folk influence in Paquette's debut album is evident throughout. From the centrality of the acoustic guitar to the attention grabbing depth of lyrics the self titled album is refreshing return to American folk style. At the same time there exists in this music a challenge to move us into the future. The groove of the music allows the listener to relax and be vulnerable while the lyrics speak with a refreshing honesty. A Christian seeking solace and a reminder of what lies behind their faith may very well find it on this album. However, the appropriate audience for this album does not end in the Christian population. Through the honest confessions in the lyrics there is encouragement and sympathy for anyone struggling to make the choices we face in everyday life. More recent music that Jill Paquette has performed but is yet to release on an album, is focused more on human relationships. With the same honesty in her lyrics and the ever growing soulfulness of her guitar playing her music continues to speak to the hearts of many.

Discography
Abee

Bridges “Classic Hymns, Modern Worship”

Dialects “ The Best of Grassroots Music, Vol. 1”

Donna Barker “Christmas Record”

Greg Trooper “Floating”

Jill Paquette- “Jill Paquette”

Jill Paquette- “Jipa”

Jill- “Word of Mouth”

Karle Bailey

MNW “Spinning”

Robbie Seay Band “Better Days”

The Voice

Awards and Recognitions
2004 Dove Nomination:

Inspirational Song of the Year 2004 JUNO Award

Contemporary Christian / Gospel Album of the Year 2004 VIBE Award:

• Female Vocalist of the Year

• Pop Album of the Year

• New Artist of the Year 2004 Western Canadian Award:

• Outstanding Aboriginal Recording

• Outstanding Christian Recording