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| Michael
W. Smith
Christmas/Reunion |
A perennial Christmas favorite, Smitty once again lends his talents
to my favorite holiday. Kicking off the album was a mellow melody
penned in 1969 that was new to me, "The Happiest Christmas." Next came
another oldie but goody I never heard before, "Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells,"
also from the late 60's. This had a very retro 70's feel reminiscent of
those huge Christmas variety shows of that era that continued later with
"Christmas Waltz" with Sandi Patty. Not to worry -- there were several
lovely, melodic songs in the mix. Michael once again uses choirs to good
effect in my personal favorite, "Christmastime," a rich tapestry of Smitty's
vocals, a choir, and beautiful instrumentals; in "O Come O Come Emmanuel;"
in "Child in a Manger;" and in "Carols Sing." - KD
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| CeCe Winans
His Gift/ Sparrow |
This is the must have gift for every Winans fan ?- Christmas CeCe style!
Includes new and traditonal songs; some in not so traditonal form like
"He's Brought Joy to the World" and "Glory to the King." One of the best
traditonal ones is a beautiful rendition of "Oh Holy Night" (this one gives
Gary Chapman a run for his money). - EB
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| Dino
A Christmas Celebration/Benson |
This project, which includes such writers as Diane Warren, Regie Hamm,
David T. Clydesdale and Dino's daughter Christina Kartsonakis, covers many
musical bases from the traditional medley "O Night Divine" and "Have Yourself
a Merrry Little Christmas" to the country feel of The Martins to a couple
with a Las Vegas review feel found in "Jingle Bells" to the variety
show feel of "Caroling, Caroling." - KD
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| Shirley Caesar
Christmas with Shirley Caesar/Myrrh |
Packing her powerhouse vocals, Shirley rings in the season, literally,
with the first song, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." She moves smoothly
through a soulful version of "Ave Maria" and other favorites like "What
Child Is This?" "We Three Kings," and "O Christmas Tree." - KD
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| Vince Gill
Breath of Heaven/ Sparrow |
I enjoy Vince's sweet tenor voice on most of the songs. But I gotta
say "Breath of Heaven" is not his song. Somehow he doesn't capture the
feel of the plight the way Amy Grant did. Any one who likes Vince will
like this project produced by Tony Brown and Michael Omartian. It's pleasant,
traditional, and good background music. - EB
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| Various
A Southern Christmas/Spring Hill |
With songs by Gold City, Jeff & Sheri Easter, and The Martins,
how could it miss? This project will appeal to Southern Gospel fans, country
music buffs, and those who love traditional carols. Most of the songs
have a traditional feel with the Southern Gospel slant most apparent in
the harmonizing during the choruses. Stand outs include "What Child Is
This?" by Glen Campbell, "From Christmas to Calvary" by Ponder, Sykes &
Wright and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by The Cathedrals. - KD
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| John Jonethis
The Ultimate Lounge Christmas/essential |
This perky little album a la lounge lizard Jonethis, kicks off with
a jazzy, uptempo version "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" and "Have Yourself
a Merry Little Christmas,î includes more traditional renderings of
songs like "Christmas Time Is Here," "Merry Christmas, Darling," and features
Jonethis' own song, "The Joy that Christmas Brings." - KD
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| London Festival
Orchestra & Ambrosian Singers
The Beauty of Christmas/Sparrow |
Although there were no standout songs on this project, I enjoyed it
due to the fact it has a timeless holiday feel to it. This will please
any fan of traditional Christmas music with its appealing combination of
vocals and orchestra. - KD
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| Various
The Real Meaning of Christmas Vol. 2/Verity |
Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, and Ben Tankard joined a host of choirs
and black gospel artists to celebrate Christmas with such well-loved songs
as "Go Tell It on the Mountain," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and "Oh
Come All Ye Faithful." - KD
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| Jaci Velasquez
One Silent Night...God So Loved the World/Myrrh |
Jaci Velasquez, joined by Steven Delopoulos and Johnny Philippidis of Burlap To Cashmere and new group Phase 2, has come out with a "new" Christmas single, "One Silent Night...God So Loved." The Christmas single, produced by Brent Bourgeois and Mark Heimermann, merges the Christmas favorite, "Silent Night," with Jaci Velasquez's "God So Loved." - KD |
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Their latest studio effort was completed with the help of Randy Thomas (co-writer of "Butterfly Kisses" and formerly of Sweet Comfort Band and the Allies, who is currently part of Identical Strangers), and is titled hollow.
Scott Riggans and Ben Bauman, who make up the nobodys, feel their music looks at the human experience through the filter of faith and with the perspective of grace, describing the real world honestly - with the hope of Christ offered as the only lasting solution to our struggles. It is their hope that, ultimately, Jesus would be the ìSomebodyî that people will discover in their music.
Call CAP for more information at 615/662-6212
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If I could give 10% of my long
distance telephone billing to Christian Activities Publications at no additional
cost to me, and in most cases save myself a little money, Would I try it
for 90 days? You will be able to use the phone just like always - dial
one and then the number. The benefits of LifeLine Long Distance include:
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