One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Christmas season is the music. One of the things I get excited about is new, contemporary music that tenderly reflects the true religious meaning of the holiday. After all, how many versions of Jingle Bells can we stand. This month I'll describe some excellent albums by stars of the complete Country & Western spectrum that incorporate such new music. I've also noted the composer(s) of the music; they deserve much of the credit and we frequently overlook their contribution to the success of any music we hear or buy.
Contemporary CountryThe Sweetist Gift - Trisha Yearwood
This album by Trisha Yearwood features several nice holiday songs. "Take a Walk Through Bethlehem" (Ashley Cleveland, John Barlow Jarvis, Wally Wilson) is an uptempo number that calls us to not get caught up in the rush of the season, but to celebrate the peace of our Saviour. "It Wasn't His Child" (Skip Ewing) explores the often overlooked viewpoint of Joseph. Other good songs include "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and the often recorded "There's A New Kid In Town."
Let There Be Peace On Earth - Vince Gill
Breath Of Heaven - Vince Gill
The first of the Vince Gill albums contains another John Barlow Jarvis tune, "One Bright Star." This album features Vince's tenor voice accompanied by contemporary, if not quite country-focused, instruments. Another song worth the listen is "Let There Be Peace On Earth" (Sy Miller and Jill Jackson), which is most appropriate this year. This song introduces Jenny Gill in a wonderful father-daughter duet.
The second, "Breath Of Heaven" is a full-orchestra-accompanied vocal collection that predates Garth's attempt at a similar sound with "Magic Of Christmas." It contains many traditional favorites but has two beautiful new songs toward the end of the album. "A Cradle In Bethlehem" (Al Bryan & Lawrence Stock) as well as the title song co-written by now-wife Amy Grant and Chris Eaton are two contemplative songs that have the potential to be classics. I'll have to look for the sheet-music.
Good News - Kathy Mattea
My all-time favorite Country Christmas album is this one by Kathy Mattea. It contains only new contemporary songs, so this one is different than anything else you'll find. All the cuts are worth the price of the album, but the one I enjoy the best is a Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene tune called "Mary, Did You Know." Many other artists in all genres have recorded this song, but the Mattea version is, IMHO, the best. I had the privilege of singing this in a mass choir of 1500 voices last summer in Ocean Grove, NJ and our choir at the First Baptist Church of Westfield, NJ is singing it this holiday season. If you only buy one Christmas album, I'd make it this one.
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