Calvary Chapel, Merritt Island - Christmas Collection
STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 11811-26534 LABEL: Footstep FRCD012 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Trevor Kirk
Christmas music ancient and modern from Pastor Malcolm Wild and the talented worship team who live in the shadow of the Kennedy Space Centre on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Instead of the usual tired recycling of the old Yuletide faves, CCMI has done some good work on arranging the ancients, as witness a medleying of "O Come All Ye faithful" and "Joy To The World", that encourages the listener to sing along; a gentle acoustic guitar-led "Silent Night" with the Calvary Kids singing in two-part harmony (and nearly always in tune); and an atmospheric synth-driven "O Come O Come Emmanuel" with Cheryl Longoria delivering a thoughtful and strong vocal performance, and good use of key changes to add interest. The new (and newer) songs include Julie Miller's "Manger Throne", Chris and Amy's "Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)" (very well sung by Beverly Wild); Lenny LeBlanc's "Come And See", Buddy Greene's "Mary Did You Know" (Mary Barrett's vocals and acoustic guitar) and one from the CCMI Songwriting Academy "Why Did God Come Down", which has an infectious, almost Latin beat, and a strong message in the lyrics. Playing time is a tad on the short side at just over 34 minutes, but the quality makes up for it.
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