Kirk Franklin and the Family Christmas (CD - 1995)

Personnel: Kirk Franklin, Tamela Mann, Dalon Collins, Chris Simpson, Sheila Brice, Stephanie Glynn, David Mann, De Clinkscale, Jeanette Johnson, Carrie Davis-Young, Kesha Grandy (vocals); Ray Fuller (acoustic & electric guitar); Ricky Grundy (strings); Donald Hayes (saxophone); Bobby Sparks (piano, keyboards, synthesizer); Buster & Shavoni (synthesizer, percussion); Jerome Allen (bass); Erik Morgan (drums).

Contemporary gospel star Kirk Franklin made one of his most accessible and commercially successful records with CHRISTMAS. From Franklin's heartfelt spoken-word intro to the breezy, smoothed-out version of "O Come All Ye Faithful," CHRISTMAS blends devout Christian messages and the power of traditional gospel with contemporary R&B and hip-hop flavors. It's no coincidence that Franklin's 17-piece chorus is called "the Family," because the entire record is suffused with the warmth and intimacy of a family-oriented holiday event.

In addition to energized versions of such treasured Christmas songs as "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "Silent Night," Franklin & the Family contribute several non-traditional songs that explore the depth of God's love and the Christian basis for the holiday. "Now Behold the Lamb," for example, is a ballad that testifies to the truth of salvation, and features stirring ensemble singing, strong solo vocalists, and plenty of enthusiastic exclamations. The deeply funky "Jesus Is the Reason for the Season" kicks things up a notch with its bumping rhythm and infectious chorus. With its mix of old and new musical styles and its impassioned performances, CHRISTMAS is sure to please those looking for a meaningful and musically fresh holiday album. minimize