In His Company

When four local talented Christian contemporary rock artists who have traveled in the same circles for more than 10 years finally come together as a band, you can expect memorable melodies and inspirational lyrics. It also would come as no surprise that they would enter into a New Orleans "Battle of the Bands" and finish in the top five. In His Company, featuring musicians from Covington, Mandeville, and Madisonville, has done just that. From listening to the group's music, this is only the beginning of something good...really good... for the voices from the north shore.

The band featuring Chuck Rich from Madisonville, Mandeville resident Jolie Goodreau, and Christine Wells and Paul Rolinski, both of Covington, was one of more than 40 groups to battle it out in a recent Christian Music Showdown sponsored by Lifesongs Radio.

During the two-week long contest the battling bands were narrowed down to five, and In His Company was in the finals and performed Oct. 20 in Destrahan. Even though In His Company didn't take home the grand prize that evening, they received a trophy and something valued even more by the group - air time, exposure, and sharing their message.

According to guitarist and song writer Paul Rolinski, Lifesongs featured each of the five final bands during the last week of the contest, playing their original piece several times to a vast audience around southeastern Louisiana. The band, which jokes and laughs like brothers and sisters, was pleased with the opportunity to share their music.

"It validates that what we're doing is catching on; that people really like us," said Rolinski. "We never expected this type of exposure; we didn't even know we were going to be played on the radio," he added. Rolinski works for Magnolia Development Group in Covington.

Jolie Goodreau, a special education teacher at Abita Springs Elementary and mother of four sons, explained that she and Rolinski had worked together making music for kids in the Children's Church service at First Baptist Church of Covington, Kid's Stuff, many years ago; they had worked together in praise bands. It wasn't until a year and a half ago that they were joined by Wells and Rich. Prior to that time, Goodreau was a lead vocalist; she is now on keyboards.

An employee of BridgeNet in Covington and drummer for the band, Rich said that one day the four friends realized that they could actually make music together. That's when In His Company was born. When asked about the group's goal and aspirations for the music business, Rich said, "I don't think any of us, where we are in our lives right now, want to hit it big or see our names in lights. We just want to be where God wants us to be."

The fourth member of In His Company, is Christine Wells. A Covington resident, real estate agent, and mother of four, Wells performs lead vocals for the north shore ensemble. Wells explained that she had been on worship teams for many years and her entire family sings. "What Paul is writing is much more appealing to sing; it's not what everyone else is doing," she said. She added that she enjoys performing Rolinski's original pieces. "Every song he writes will reach someone...Even though people aren't singing along with us, they'll catch on a song or phrase."

That's when all the members added that there have been times when their audiences have been sparse, and they were glad that all of their children - their cheerleaders - were present. In addition to their marriage partners (Billy Wells, Brennon Goodreau, Ann Rich, and Beth Rolinski ), the troupe has 13 children that tag along to concerts and festivals. "We have a built-in audience," Wells added. "Every member of this band has someone who is supportive. If we would have won (the Christian Music Showdown), we would have thanked our spouses."

"We really want to play for bigger crowds," Rolinski noted. "We have played to empty tents when no one was there but our family." However, that doesn't seem to really bother In His Company.

"The P.A. (system) is on and you just hope your voice and message gets out there," as the crowds and masses move past the stage, Wells added.

All of the tracks on the group's first CD, due out in December, are written by Rolinski. When asked about the inspiration behind his music, Rolinski said, "I write about what I know and I write about my relationship with Christ; it's all I really know and I'm at a point where it's really all I want to write about." He added that he pens what he thinks are solutions to people's issues; that solution, according to Rolinski, is a relationship with God.

As the group talked with about its successes, passion, and beliefs, its members passed around their trophy from the Lifesongs event and used it as a microphone. They were entertaining, silly, and quite comfortable with each other. More than that, they were loving and gracious and a testimony to the fact that they are not ju - Times Picayune

Wow! We have been so blown away at all the submissions we received! So many thanks to each and every one of our submissions. Your hard work and talent truly blessed us, and it was extremely difficult for our panel of judges to choose our five finalists. - LifeSongs Radio

Wow! We have been so blown away at all the submissions we received! So many thanks to each and every one of our submissions. Your hard work and talent truly blessed us, and it was extremely difficult for our panel of judges to choose our five finalists. - LifeSongs Radio

In His Company is a quartet of talented musicians whose contemporary approach to
singing the gospel message brings warmth and comfort to the soul. The bands latest EP
release has some very uplifting songs on it that paint a wonderful picture of God's grace.

"Lines" is a ballad about the forgiveness that comes through the atoning work Jesus did
on the cross. In the chorus we are reminded that we have done nothing to make
ourselves worthy of the God's grace or mercy, yet He gives it to us freely as we accept
Christ into our hearts as our personal Lord and Savior. The tone of the song is very
warm and inviting, giving us a chance to reflect on what it means to be forgiven.

Another good song by In His Company is, "You Are All I Need". This track is an uptempo
praise and worship tune that I can imagine singing in service on Sunday mornings. This
song, if played in any evangelical church service, would get everyone up on their feet,
arms stretched toward Heaven to praise the Lord. You will feel the presence of God
while listening to this song. Great song.

Overall, In His Company's latest EP is a good collection of songs that will minister to the
hearts and souls of Christians everywhere. Make sure you go and support these guys
and help them continue their ministry of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. - I Am Entertainment Magazine

In His Company is a quartet of talented musicians whose contemporary approach to
singing the gospel message brings warmth and comfort to the soul. The bands latest EP
release has some very uplifting songs on it that paint a wonderful picture of God's grace.

"Lines" is a ballad about the forgiveness that comes through the atoning work Jesus did
on the cross. In the chorus we are reminded that we have done nothing to make
ourselves worthy of the God's grace or mercy, yet He gives it to us freely as we accept
Christ into our hearts as our personal Lord and Savior. The tone of the song is very
warm and inviting, giving us a chance to reflect on what it means to be forgiven.

Another good song by In His Company is, "You Are All I Need". This track is an uptempo
praise and worship tune that I can imagine singing in service on Sunday mornings. This
song, if played in any evangelical church service, would get everyone up on their feet,
arms stretched toward Heaven to praise the Lord. You will feel the presence of God
while listening to this song. Great song.

Overall, In His Company's latest EP is a good collection of songs that will minister to the
hearts and souls of Christians everywhere. Make sure you go and support these guys
and help them continue their ministry of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. - I Am Entertainment Magazine