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• Garth Bowen: A Single Birth
THIS Richmond-based musician sings like he has nothing to prove; never showy, his engaging, assured voice offers an album focussed on the season's chief Reason. He is also an exceptional violinist, with his fiddle woven throughout the arrangements, and an occasional outstanding solo. Bowen has incorporated several originals: 'Alleluia,' 'Glory to the Earth' and 'What Can I Give.' He has wisely set his excellent songs into the context of a variety of Yuletide classics. My favorite of the latter is 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,' which features some great verses not usually heard - containing comments on the human condition and strong anti-war sentiments. GarthBowen.com - David F. Dawes
• Cowboys & Indians: A Cowboy's Christmas
This B.C.-based group takes a different approach to some Christmas classics. Most of the vocals use three-part harmony, with the occasional solo lines - which gives some over-familiar tunes new life. The country tinged guitars are not overly twangy. Highlights include 'O Holy Night,' 'Silent Night,' and a folky rendition of 'O Come Emmanuel,' which incorporates a spirited burst of drums. The standout is Bruce Cockburn's 'Cry of a Tiny Babe' - one of the best versions I've heard. - DFD
• The Royal Heirs: Home for Christmas
This Surrey-based group has been going strong for almost five decades, and have produced numerous CDs. Their skilled playing produces a pleasant, sweet sound. On this all-instrumental CD, four saxophones harmonize, with occasional solo lines by Jim Thirsk "and his golden sax." This is generaly bright, upbeat music which would enhance any easy-going Christmas party. - DFD
• Duo Orpheus: Moon of Winter
This Vancouver-based team consists of flutist Elizabeth McBurney and guitarist Tony Chotem. They specialize in classical tunes, but also branch out into jazz and Latin stylings. This pleasing CD features 16 seasonal selections, with 'My Favorite Things' thrown in for good measure. The music was arranged by Chotem, who is the son of composer Neil Chotem. tonychotem.com - DFD
• Chris Tomlin: Glory In The Highest-Christmas Songs of Worship, EMI
For some time Chris Tomlin has wanted to record a Christmas album. He and his band were joined by Matt Redman, Christy Nockels and new artist Audrey Assad for a live recording in Nashville over two nights. The result is an amazing worship album that reminds me of a Christmas Eve service where everyone's voices are united in singing carols. But what makes this my favourite new Christmas album are the four new originals, the piano-driven 'Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)', the country-influenced 'My Soul Magnifies The Lord,' the wonderful duet with Assad on 'Winer Snow' and 'Born That We May Have Life.' This last is sure to become an inspirational Christmas favourite.
christomlin.com - Kevin Pollard
• downhere: How Many Kings, Centricity
Following up on their nine Canadian Gospel Music Awards in October, including Artist of the Year, downhere now offers up their first Christmas disk. The title track, 'How Many Kings,' which was originally recorded on their Ending Is Beginning album, is one of those Christmas songs that could be easily listened to throughout the year. This song, along with their other originals, 'Christmas in Our Hearts,' 'Gift Carol' and 'Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella,' truly make this album worth a listen. Creative covers of 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman' and 'Good King Wenceslas' are not to be missed. downhere.com - KP
• Big Daddy Weave: Christ is Come, Fervent/Curb/Warner
After 11 years as a band and five No. 1 singles, Big Daddy Weave have now released their first Christmas effort, Christ Is Come, produced by the band's own Jeremy Redmon. This 10-song CD provides holiday classics like 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel' and 'Joy To The World,' along with great original songs like 'Glory,' 'Christ Is Come,' 'Peace On Earth' and the heart-wrenching radio single, 'I'll Be Brave This Christmas.' bigdaddyweave.com - KP
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• Ernie Haase & Signature Sound: Every Light That Shines At Christmas, Gaither
Probably the most high energy and fun-loving Southern gospel quartet, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound offer up their first Christmas album, Every Light That Shines At Christmas. This collection of 16 great songs features traditional favourites, playful remakes and new music, all with their signature harmonies. Highlights include 'Changed By A Baby Boy,' 'Redeeming Love,' 'What Child Is This?', 'Silent Night' and 'Mr. Heat Miser.' The only disappointment is that their sense of humour and energy do not translate on an audio disk. I'd wait for a live Christmas DVD of these songs. ehssq.com - KP
• Mark Harris: Christmas Is, INO
Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Mark Harris, known for his 15 years with 4Him, offers his first solo Christmas album. Highlights include a new recording of his original 1993 classic 'Strange Way to Save The World' and the title song 'Christmas Is,' which he co-wrote with Jim Brickman and is sung as a duet here with his 13-year-old daughter Maddison. Along with four self-penned originals, this 10-song collection includes new arrangements of classics like 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas', 'Little Drummer Boy' and 'O Holy Night'. markharrisonline.com - KP
• Worship and Adore-A Christmas Offering, Integrity
Integrity Music presents an inspiring collection of 11 seasonal songs written and sung by 10 well respected worship leaders, including Paul Baloche, Lincoln Brewster, Jared Anderson, Joel Augˇ, Kathryn Scott, Christy Johnson ('Worth Dying For') and newcomers Kari Jobe and Vicky Beeching. This project is much like past 'City On A Hill' projects, as it features eight songs penned specifically for this project by Baloche, Augˇ, Anderson, Dan Poythress, Chris Eaton, Tony Wood and others. integritymusic.com - KP
• Michael McDonald: This Christmas, Razor & Tie
The blue-eyed soul master Michael McDonald offers up 12 Christmas favourites on 'This Christmas'. Five songs here were previously released on his 2001 'In The Spirit: A Christmas Album' and another three from his 2005 Hallmark store release 'Through the Many Winter: A Christmas Album' but the four unreleased songs included here make for a well-rounded effort. Highlights include 'Children Go Where We Send Thee', McDonald's quite good original 'Every Time Christmas Comes Around,' and the New Orleans-styled 'I'll Be Home for Christmas.' razorandtie.com - KP
• Jim Brickman: The Hymns and Carols of Christmas, Green Hill
If you are looking for a romantic instrumental Christmas album look for the intimate collection of 15 traditional and new Christmas compositions featuring the solo piano of Jim Brickman. He tackles classics like 'Carol of the Bells', 'Joy to the World' and 'Upon a Midnight Clear.' Other highlights here include the violin contributions of David Klinkernberg on 'Holy, Holy, Holy' and the guest vocal of Canadian tenor Mark Masri on 'Christmas Is...'. greenhillmusic.com - KP
December 2009
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