Legendary Christian recording artist Michele Pillar returns with Christmas album

After years of silence, three–time Grammy nominee Michele Pillar returns to Christian music with a newly recorded Christmas project, I Hear Angels Calling (335 Records), available Nov. 28, 2006.

Surrounded by world–class musicians, including her husband, world–renowned jazz guitartist Larry Carlton, I Hear Angels Calling showcases Pillar as a songwriter in her own right, having co–written two original Christmas songs out of the 10 holiday favorites with heavyweights that include Nathan East (bassist for Lionel Richie, Kenny Loggins and Eric Clapton), and Jeff Babko (music director for Jimmy Kimmel).

The title track, "I Hear Angels Calling," is one of comfort for those who find themselves alone this Holiday season. "As I sat on a bed in an L.A. Hotel room, writing the lyric for the title track I Hear Angels Calling," shares Pillar, "I stared at the completed chorus lyric and asked God what the verses should be about.

"The first thing that came to mind were the countless people who have lost loved ones in the disasters that have plagued our country over the past 5 years. Everything from the natural disasters, to the war, to 9–11 flashed though my mind. All I could see were the people left behind –– trying to make it through the Holiday Season with forced smiles and broken hearts.

"But –– then I saw the angels! Both heavenly and earthly ones, comforting each one of them, to help get them through to the New Year. Within an hour, the lyrics for the verses were there on the page. The entire rest of the project, I Hear Angels Calling, took on the flavor of the title track. I pray it will be a blessing and a comfort to listeners."

The first single, "Song of Mary (Holy Is The Lord)," moved Pillar to tears when she first heard it sung by the worship team at her Church in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee –– Grace Chapel. "It is an intimate viewing of the moment Mary, the Mother of Jesus, first learns that she will bear God's only Son –– it's Mary's response," explains Pillar. "It stunned me."

Before stepping away from the spotlight, Michele Pillar had earned a place at the top of the charts, well known for her compelling voice and passion for spreading the gospel. A three–time Grammy nominee, she released five acclaimed albums including The Misfit, a Maranatha! Music groundbreaking collection with Erick Nelson, and Look Who Loves You Now, with a title track that currently holds the record for the longest running No. 1 single in Christian radio history.

Pillar is currently writing new songs for a solo album to be released in 2007. Among the collaborators she's working with are the legendary Mike Reid, Nathan East, BeBe Winans, Allen Shamblin and Chris Eaton.

Pillar has spent the last 10 years working behind the scenes for ministries The Nashville Chapter of The Salvation Army and founded Closer to Home, a Not–For–Profit Organization that anonymously helps people in need.