Our Review
The multi-talented Luther Barnes is a gospel singer extraordinaire. On the generous (54 minutes!) Christmas with Luther Barnes, Barnes presents a soulful crop of ten holiday tracks.
Barnes has a great R&B/gospel voice, pumped up with emotion and texture. He especially shines on funky gems like Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child; his intense enthusiasm is infectious. Unfortunately, the lush instrumentation sometimes slightly masks the artist's excellent vocals, and this issue is more pronounced on the tracks featuring Lisa and Cynthia Barnes, whose clear voices are not as powerful as Luther's. This album is all about faith; in fact, the artists sometimes insert monologues, sermonizing to the listeners a bit. The coolest cut is the Christmas Medley, a combination of Away in a Manger and Go Tell It on the Mountain; the latter segment is a rollicking ride with kickin' harmonies. The Red Budd Youth Choir is also appropriately angelic on Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
Luther Barnes smoothly delivers a heartfelt holiday message on Christmas with Luther Barnes, and R&B/gospel fans should take notice.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)
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From the liner notes:
Producer: Luther Barnes for Luther Barnes Song Ministries
Executive Producer: D.A. Johnson
Lead Vocalists:
Luther Barnes
Lisa Barnes
Cynthia Barnes
Wanda Morgan
Tevis Harris
Red Budd Youth Choir
Musicians:
Keyboards: Emmanuel Lyles, Jason Britt, Roy Greene, Derrick Adams
Bass guitar: Roy Barnes, Mark Greene, Jamareo Artist, AJ
Drums: Eugene Barnes, Donald Barnes, Emmanuel Lyles, Calvin Manning
Lead Guitar: Mark Greene
Horns: Mark Shoun, Tamahi Gorham, Marens Anderson
Background Singers: Bonita Greene, Wanda Morgan, Tevis Harris, Cynthia Walker, Lisa Barnes, Derrick Adams, Luther Barnes
The Sunset Jubilaires on "Let's Go to Church on Christmas Day" and "Silver Bells"
Haywood Barnes, William Pope, Roy Barnes, Demetric Smith, Williams Barnes, Roy Greene, The Red Budd Youth Choir on "Hark the Herald"
Luther Barnes
Christmas with Luther Barnes
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Artist site
Label: Air International Records
Length: 54 minutes
Genre: Gospel
Release: 2007
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| There Is Room for Thee |
| On This Special Day |
| Oh Holy Night |
| Let's Go to Church on Christmas Day |
| Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child |
| Hallelujah to the Lamb |
| Silver Bells |
| Christmas Medley |
| Hark the Herald Angels Sing |
| Silent Night |