Ed Cash, Allen Levi and Bebo Norman - "Joy"
(1997, Anchor Productions) * * * *
The Music
Ed Cash, Allen Levi and Bebo Norman - "Oh Come Emmanuel"
Ed Cash, Allen Levi and Bebo Norman - "Oh, What A Wonderful Child"
Ed Cash, Allen Levi and Bebo Norman - "Mary's Prayer"
It's a rare moment when one finds an album of holiday-inspired music that doesn't sound like it's been recorded and heard a dozen times over. This album, which brings together the formidable talents of three of Christian folk's best-known artists, is one of those rare holiday albums that is so good it almost seems a shame only to hear it for two months out of the year.
Recorded in 1997, Joy finds three young artists at a crossroads. Ed Cash is widely known within the contemporary Christian music community, as he produces albums for major acts including Caedmon's Call. Allen Levi is a recording veteran, having produced twelve albums in his career. And Bebo Norman, who has now produced four critically acclaimed albums for Watershed Records, was just beginning his career. Separately, the three were producing music of high quality and strong artistic vision.
Together they created an album of nine reinterpreted classics and three originals that showcases their ability to collaborate musically in a way few other artists in the genre have before. Only one song on the album (Bebo's "Mary's Prayer") features a solo performance. The rest of the songs are built through strong acoustic melodies and harmonic vocals. The result is an album that resonates through repeated listens, one you'll want to hear periodically throughout the year.
Song selection is clearly the key to the album's success. "O Come Emmanuel" is rarely included on contemporary Christmas albums, but the trio takes to their interpretation wholeheartedly. The hymn is transformed into a beautiful three-part a cappella rendition that allows each artist ample opportunity to showcase his voice. "What Child Is This?" starts out as a mild acoustic guitar melody for solo voice, but following a single verse the piece morphs into an almost madrigal structure, complete with a jazzy upright bass in the background.
The trio's originals don't disappoint either. "Mary's Prayer," which comes near the end of the album, features Bebo Norman alone with his guitar on what may be the most stunning modern Christmas piece, written in the words of Mary. "Your feet will walk on water, your eyes pierce the dark," she sings to her son. "Your heart will save the souls of man, your hands will bear the scars ..." The song, a simple lullaby, is timeless and stands its own regardless of the season.
Allen Levi's "Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child" is a more upbeat track that features a full church choir. The song is a solid example of a melody that fits with performance by a full congregation ... this is an outright celebration of the birth of Christ, and it's impossible to hear it without feeling better almost instantly.
Together, these tracks form a testament to what happens when three musicians come together to record a holiday album meant to be enjoyed year-round. It may take some effort to hunt down a copy of Joy, which was independently produced and distributed nearly a decade ago. But it is well worth the time to find an album that stands the test of time like this does. Give it a listen, then share the joy.
The Music
Ed Cash, Allen Levi and Bebo Norman - "Oh Come Emmanuel"
Ed Cash, Allen Levi and Bebo Norman - "Oh, What A Wonderful Child"
Ed Cash, Allen Levi and Bebo Norman - "Mary's Prayer"
It's a rare moment when one finds an album of holiday-inspired music that doesn't sound like it's been recorded and heard a dozen times over. This album, which brings together the formidable talents of three of Christian folk's best-known artists, is one of those rare holiday albums that is so good it almost seems a shame only to hear it for two months out of the year.
Recorded in 1997, Joy finds three young artists at a crossroads. Ed Cash is widely known within the contemporary Christian music community, as he produces albums for major acts including Caedmon's Call. Allen Levi is a recording veteran, having produced twelve albums in his career. And Bebo Norman, who has now produced four critically acclaimed albums for Watershed Records, was just beginning his career. Separately, the three were producing music of high quality and strong artistic vision.
Together they created an album of nine reinterpreted classics and three originals that showcases their ability to collaborate musically in a way few other artists in the genre have before. Only one song on the album (Bebo's "Mary's Prayer") features a solo performance. The rest of the songs are built through strong acoustic melodies and harmonic vocals. The result is an album that resonates through repeated listens, one you'll want to hear periodically throughout the year.
Song selection is clearly the key to the album's success. "O Come Emmanuel" is rarely included on contemporary Christmas albums, but the trio takes to their interpretation wholeheartedly. The hymn is transformed into a beautiful three-part a cappella rendition that allows each artist ample opportunity to showcase his voice. "What Child Is This?" starts out as a mild acoustic guitar melody for solo voice, but following a single verse the piece morphs into an almost madrigal structure, complete with a jazzy upright bass in the background.
The trio's originals don't disappoint either. "Mary's Prayer," which comes near the end of the album, features Bebo Norman alone with his guitar on what may be the most stunning modern Christmas piece, written in the words of Mary. "Your feet will walk on water, your eyes pierce the dark," she sings to her son. "Your heart will save the souls of man, your hands will bear the scars ..." The song, a simple lullaby, is timeless and stands its own regardless of the season.
Allen Levi's "Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child" is a more upbeat track that features a full church choir. The song is a solid example of a melody that fits with performance by a full congregation ... this is an outright celebration of the birth of Christ, and it's impossible to hear it without feeling better almost instantly.
Together, these tracks form a testament to what happens when three musicians come together to record a holiday album meant to be enjoyed year-round. It may take some effort to hunt down a copy of Joy, which was independently produced and distributed nearly a decade ago. But it is well worth the time to find an album that stands the test of time like this does. Give it a listen, then share the joy.
posted by Jonathan Sanders @ 3:33 AM
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