I have this little rule: no Christmas music before Thanksgiving. So, when Turkey Day is over, I’m never too devastated– some of the greatest, most nostalgic music in my collection can finally be played for the next month.
I cannot possibly share it all with you, but over the next four weeks, I’m gonna try my absolute best. All of the folks won’t be gospel artists, but they’re singing about the birth of the King, so… yeah.
Up first is Kelly Price. She released her Christmas album One Family: A Christmas Album in 2001. She’s got some great arrangements of classic songs, plus some good original ones.
She also enlists the help of Mary Mary, Kirk Whalum, Donnie McClurkin, BeBe Winans, Shirley Murdock, the Williams Brothers and Wynonna Judd, among others. One of my favorite tracks is “Silent Night,” arranged by Donald Lawrence (which, incidentally, I first fell in love with back in 1991, when Stephanie Mills recorded the same version on her Christmas album). Also worthy of mention is “In Love at Christmas,” the churchy “O Come All Ye Faithful” and her rock/gospel version of “Go Tell It,” especially the vamp.
For those of you who haven’t been impressed with the lackluster holiday offerings of most current artists, do yourself a favor and add a new favorite to your collection. It’s an instant classic.
Listen to (and prolly fall in love with) “Silent Night”:
Well???
I would just like to send an e-hug for the statement made above: "I have this little rule: no Christmas music before Thanksgiving. " This should be put into NATIONAL LAW.
Hehehehee... e-hug received. :-)
Wow... haven't heard (of) this album since the NYU years. The only two songs I remember on here are the one where the entire family sings ("Give thanks to God"... cue organ), and the one where her little boys sing with her ("Remember the Christmas candy dish" / "I do..."). LOL! Good times.
(yes, I'm catching up! pray my strength of mind). KELLY PRICE'S Donald Lawrence-produced "SILENT NIGHT" -- which I submit was ACTUALLY/originally arranged by Elbernita Clark* -- is the BEST arrangement of Silent Night ever. The sexy, Christ-centered tone, her soprano lilts at the end, the orchestration, the background, the classic lines: "lay Your head upon my breast"... The best. Ever. *D. Lawrence admits this fact; he also -- as are we ALL -- is a beneficiary of that great Legacy. Go Twinkie!!!
LOL @ Cooki - few appreciate that song. Byron - well excuuuuuuuse me... I guess everything DOES all come back to Twinkie Clark, doesn't it? ;-)
first, i havent been around for EXCELLENT reason; the office accepted my excuse. but LOOK at what i found!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBOrJw8FrCs