Why Utah pianist Paul Cardall’s music is resonating with Christian fans

SALT LAKE CITY — It’s a good time to be Paul Cardall. 

The Latter-day Saint pianist, composer and producer from Utah is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his heart transplant by releasing a new album, “Peaceful Piano,” and he’s also been nominated by the Gospel Music Association for the 50th Annual Dove Awards’ Instrumental Album of the Year (for his album “Christmas”). 

His last three albums have also done well on the Billboard charts. 

While Cardall is grateful for the personal success, he also sees it as a sign of progress in the musical world for the vast majority of Christian musicians, he said. 

“This is the first time a Latter-day Saint has been nominated by the Gospel Music Association for Album of the Year in its instrumental category,” Cardall said. “For years, Excel Entertainment has worked and worked and worked to get some of our music into the Christian mainstream. It’s happening, finally.” 

The 46-year-old will find out if he wins on Oct. 15 at the Dove Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, where he currently resides. The Dove Awards promote Christian and gospel music.

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