cyberdour

Born with lyrics and rhythm flowing through his veins, Gary James Parker attributes much of his songwriting talent to his mainly Irish, English and part Spanish ancestry. Growing up in the sixties in a country of opportunities, freedom and challenges also helped. The music of that era heralded a revolution of music that had never been before and he was in the thick of it. Unable to play a musical instrument, he teamed up with others who enjoyed playing his music and began experiencing success when competing in various talent quests, including winning a regional diocesean competition.

Following his marriage to his wife Geraldine, who taught him to play the guitar, they began singing together at various church gatherings. He entered a local radio "Write a song for Elton John" competition, which Elton judged choosing his as the winning entry.

Singing, he says reflects the soul and songwriting is a spiritual encounter which in the words of U2s Bono " encapsulates the spirit of an occasion". It was following a particular church gathering that his focus on writing Christian songs became prominent. After joining a men's fellowship group, he formed the Joshua Band and became prolific in his writing, often performing at national conferences and regional gatherings. The band were referred to by some as the Pink Floyd of Christian music.

It was while working as a teacher and youth minister at a local High School that he wrote the "Oui Si Yes" album which was played and recorded by the student band metanoia. They were chosen from among six hundred applicants to perform the songs at the World Youth Day Festival in Sydney, Australia.

After setting up his home studio, he has been able to record new as well as old songs from among the eight hundred plus written over the years. “ The Prophet” takes twelve of these in what he terms an experimental album of aesthetically pleasing melodies and strong lyrics. The heartfelt issues of social injustice and family discourse are expressed emphatically in such songs as “ Run One Way” and “ Better or Worse” while “ The Prophet” has a metaphysical approach in relating to those lost and found. “ White The line” and “Talking Without Words” also have similar approaches as they delve into choices made and their consequences. Woven into the fabric of the songs is the search for a love that is sincere, meaningful and faithful.