CONSIDERING LILY

Flashback to 20-some years agotwo girls were being born on opposite ends of the world - one in New Zealand and the other in California. Both girls would show evidence of their love for music and performing at a young age. A love for God and a desire to serve Him with their lives also began to emerge.

As they approached their teen years, their lives continued to parallel as both felt the calling to serve God with their talents. But the similarities wouldn't stop there. Although one would be born brunette and the other blonde, they would both grow to the same height (5' 10"). As well as their birthdays, their wedding anniversaries would be two months apart. Even their mother's names are the same. Coincidence? Maybe, but they believe otherwise.

Meet {{Considering Lily}}, two women who were surely destined to cross paths - Jeanette Herdman and Pearl Barrett. Pearl explains, "We constantly discovered things that were connecting us and we took them as affirmations that God had brought us together." Hence their album title, The Pieces Fit, is especially apropos.

The circumstance that created the need to join these two "pieces" together arose in early 1998 when Serene Allison, Pearl's sister and musical partner left the group to be a full-time mother. "Considering Lily had acquired a good fan base and the record company and I felt strongly about continuing on with the group," Pearl says. "And I still felt God calling me to go on with this ministry."

The search for a new partner for Pearl would prove to be short. Eddie DeGarmo, Vice President of A&R at ForeFront had someone in mind from the onset of Serene's departure. Jeanette, wife of {{Audio Adrenaline}} member Bob Herdman, had been talking with Eddie about a potential solo project around the time Serene left the group. "The idea of pairing Pearl and Jeanette together just came to me one day. I thought it was a long shot, but I felt compelled to pursue it," states DeGarmo.

Following his gut instinct, Eddie introduced Jeanette and Pearl and the ball started rollingand rolling rather quickly. Two days after their initial meeting, they began writing tunes for the new album.

The duo agreed to work together and construct a new album, together with producers Barry Blair and Michael Quinlan. An album in its completion that would showcase Pearl's soothing harmonies and the strength of Jeanette's lead vocals. With a fresh, decidedly modern-pop feel, the two voices create a blend that works together to form a smooth and distinctive sound. "We wanted to utilize components that would create more of a pop sound, more drum-loops and keyboards programming," says Jeanette. Pearl adds, "We felt like we had the right songs and we wanted to capture their passion yet make it an album that people would want to listen to over and over again."

The two women sat down and started writing music together, with their first collaboration being called "What I Was Made For," an outpouring to God, acknowledging that the very reason we were created was to praise Him. "We wanted this song to exhort people to abandon their inhibitions when it comes to worshipping the Lord. We feel like this song can be a powerful tool during our concerts to get people joining us in praise," states Pearl.

The first song on the album is "Great Expectations," a song of hope that was penned with producer Quinlan. The song is based upon I Corinthians 2:9 ("No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind can conceive what God has prepared for those who love Him."). Pearl describes it as being about God's plan for our lives. "Even though we can't know what He has for us, we can have hope and assurance for what awaits."

The album's title track, "The Pieces Fit," is a powerful ballad that speaks to a conspicuous undercurrent running throughout the project.

While they share many of the same talents and physical traits, there are obvious differences in personality - on and off stage. While Pearl confesses to being introspective and focused on the artistry of the show, Jeanette is drawn towards a more vocal, interactive role with the audience. Both share a deep concern for the spiritual message that is being relayed during the show. Jeanette explains, "I believe that our live show is one of the main tools of our ministry. We want to reach the young people in the church and encourage them to worship God and challenge them to grow deeper in their relationship with Him."

While we can't always know God's plan for our lives, it's clear through the testimony of Jeanette and Pearl that God knows which people and circumstances to orchestrate. His timing and planning are perfect, and with {{Considering Lily}}, the pieces truly fit.