Description
Our Christmas is a multi-artist Christmas album released on Reunion Records in 1990. Two related compilations entitled Our Hymns and Our Family were released in 1989 and 1993 respectively.
This is an outstanding collection of musicians, producers, and talent. Classic is the overall feel and seamless the style. While ‘Our Hymns‘ lacked a cohesive feel from cut-to-cut, the executive producers have succeded in allowing ‘Our Christmas’ to have a sense of continuity, while allowing for the show-stopping intensity of these performances. Make no mistake about it – this is not background music, but rather a collection of memorable performances that demand attention and appreciation.
Michael W. Smith starts things off with the beautiful «Reve du Noel». Both ethereal and earthy, it is the perfect, romantic beginning to the project. Doing more of what he should have done with his solo ‘Christmas‘ album, Smith’s offering of lush arrangements complements his long-awaited rendition of «Emmanuel».
A definite highlight of this project, Al Green turns on the power with «First Noel». Accompanied with gospel choir, Green preaches the story of this baby’s birth with vigor, conviction, and soul. With the dubious task of following Green’s show-stopper is David Meece‘s remake of «One Small Child», the project’s only original composition. Originally recorded in 1976 for Evie’s classic ‘Come On Ring Those Bells‘ album, Meece adds a renaissance-like harp introduction to this haunting, effective performance.
«O Come, O Come Emmanuel» allows for Bryan Duncan‘s soul-ridden blues style. Clarinet, emotive vocals, and some beautiful phrasing make this a wonderful surprise.
The first ladies of contemporary Christian music, Amy Grant and Sandi Patty, finally join talents in this understated, simple Michael Omartian arrangement of «It Came Upon the Midnight Clear/O Little Town of Bethlehem». Unfortunately the arrangements don’t allow for dueting. It’s basically Amy and Sandi harmonizing for each other. Surely – despite the innovative arrangements and sounds – something could have been written or arranged for these ladies. No one can do what they can…
First Call‘s contribution to the project is a jazz/fusion version of «Angels We Have Heard on High». With Keith Thomas producing, First Call continues its standard-breaking vocalese, but this project lacks a focal point. The innovative arrangement of the album award goes to Phil Keaggy for his bluegrass stylings of «God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen». Produced by Brown Bannister and Charlie Peacock, Keaggy and Kim Hill have some great musical moments and Vince Ebo provides some wonderful vocal backing.
Russ Taff, whose «Near the Cross» on ‘Our Hymns’ was an outpouring of grit and emotions, adds color and character to «Silent Night». Taff has a unique ability to wrap himself around a song and make it his, and he succeeds once again. Closing the project is songstress Roberta Flack who found her way on the project when the originally planned duet with Taff didn’t come together. Flack’s «What Child Is This» is full of subtle phrasing and the storytelling style that this powerful voice is known for.
This is a ‘can’t miss’ addition to your record collection and to the list of best Christmas albums. [Kathleen A. Ervin, CCM, November 1990]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/au/album/our-christmas/1464352275)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. Michael W. Smith – “Reve Du Noel” – 5:12
A2. Al Green – “The First Noel” – 4:33
A3. David Meece – “One Small Child” – 5:12
A4. Bryan Duncan – “O Come O Come Emmanuel” – 3:18
A5. Amy Grant and Sandi Patty – “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear / O Little Town Of Bethlehem” – 5:26
Side Two
B1. First Call – “Angels We Have Heard On High” – 2:49
B2. Mylon LeFevre – “O Holy Night” – 5:19
B3. Kim Hill and Phil Keaggy – “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” – 3:41
B4. Russ Taff – “Silent Night Holy Night” – 4:35
B5. Roberta Flack – “What Child Is This” – 4:16
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Reunion Records.
A full-page advertisement for the multi-artist Christmas album Our Christmas was featured on the back cover of the December 1990 issue of CCM Magazine.
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