‘One Voice, One Guitar’ combines music, comedy and a message

Nov, 17-2009 2:33 pm

By R.J. LIBERATORE Jr.
Staff writer

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – After doing a recent show on his “One Voice, One Guitar” tour, Paul Colman noticed a man approaching him.

“He had to let go of some hurt, and it was my true honor to be there for him,” said Colman, 42, who has performed at least 3,000 concerts over a career that dates back to the early 1980s.

“I often feel that I do my show to be a can opener for people,” he said. “So after the show is when I get to see what kind of can of worms or goodies I have opened.”

Colman said he embraced the man, who cried on his shoulder for 10 minutes – in a crowded church lobby.

“It was truly beautiful and worth every hour of travel. Awesome,” Colman said.

He will perform 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Absecon United Methodist Church, 101 Pitney Road, Absecon, as part of his “One Voice, One Guitar” tour.

Those heading to the performance can expect to hear him perform some of his classic Christian hits, “Gloria,” The One Thing,” and “Fill my Cup,” along with other songs on his most recent album, “History.”

Guests should be prepared to worship a little, sing a little and listen to a man who considers his shows as much of a concert as a great get-together and fellowship.

“My audiences are a big part of my show because I need them to be,” said Colman, who was born in London and raised in Australia. “I think they are most likely more interesting than me – and there are more of them, anyway. So I guess people can expect to be part of it.”

During his career, Colman has performed at times in front of thousands of people, before national television audiences, in clubs and in small churches around the world.

“I don’t really connect with music unless I’m performing to someone,” he said. “I try to keep the talking on stage real and intimate and vulnerable.”

Colman likes to tell his story – the good and bad – in a one-voice, one-guitar format he started using in 1998.

“Just me and my guitar,” he said. “So anything can happy, really. I don’t think Christian artists should always have to be so cheesy and Polly Pure. I’m a real person, and I let it show sometimes.”

This will be Colman’s second performance in Absecon.

“Paul's show is a combination of music, comedy and a meaningful message,” said Rod Henry, who has promoted concerts at Absecon United Methodist since 2001. “He has a great stage presence and the ability to appeal to a wide age range.”

Since his last visit, Colman has recorded and performed with the chart-topping Newsboys, leaving the band in January.

“It was definitely the best thing for me and the band,” he said. “I had a ball and learnt a lot about music and life. You just know when a season is over.”

Though Colman would rather perform before a full house “because it’s more fun and much kinder on your ego and your pocketbook,” he doesn’t mind playing in more intimate settings.

“I sing my heart out anyway, no matter who’s there,” he said. “Some towns I’m a headliner with a huge crowd, and in other places I’m not much of an event at all. I just want to make great music and use my testimony about God’s love to inspire people.”

While he is on the road, he avoids burnout “by constantly being with good people,” he said.

“Jesus meets you in the faces of his beautiful creation,” he said.

So each day is full of providing, learning and growing for a man who would rather reach out to others than be preoccupied with himself.

“Reaching into myself has always made me a jerk,” he confided.

Still, the road leads him away from his wife and family, and that creates a struggle in his life.

“It’s a bit of a bugger, really, that the only thing I love and am good at takes me away from my darling wife and kids,” he said. “Working on an alternative to that one. Got any ideas?”

To sample Colman’s music, go to www.paulcolman.com/history.htm. His songs are also featured at www.youtube.com.



If You Go

“One Voice, One Guitar - An Evening with Paul Colman”

When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Where: Absecon United Methodist Church, 101 Pitney Road, Absecon.

Tickets: $8 if purchased by Saturday; $10 at the door.

For tickets go to www.itickets.com.