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MercyMe's The Christmas Sessions is Christian pop/rock of the highest order. This truly talented band (Bart Millard, Nathan Cochran, Mike Scheuchzer, Robby Shaffer, Jim Bryson, Barry Graul) delivers big-time for the holidays; its new release is a well-crafted and consistently fine seasonal offering. The 12 terrific tracks include ten well-known favorites, many newly arranged here, one ethereal instrumental ("Away"), and one tender original ("Joseph's Lullaby" by Bart Millard and Brown Bannister).

MercyMe successfully delivers a variety of styles here. The album has a heavenly start, opening with far-away choral music and strings, then dives headlong into a marvelously-executed, soft rock presentation of "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear." MercyMe also nicely transforms "Angels We Have Heard on High" into "Gloria," a very catchy rock anthem. On "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," the band blends classical sensibilities into the pop/rock mix. In contrast, MercyMe employs a New Orleans blues/jazz theme on its "Winter Wonderland/White Christmas" medley, and surprises with a cool country rendition of "Silent Night." The album's slower, softer side surfaces on several introspective pieces like "Christmas Time Is Here" and "Drummer Boy." The musicianship is first-class, and Millard's genuinely exciting vocals are emotive, often delivering a simmering punch with a slightly raspy edge. Music like this makes foot-tapping impossible to stop!

MercyMe's The Christmas Sessions is a highly desirable selection for those who enjoy pop/rock albums the holiday season. Even the CD's appearance is outstanding--it resembles an old LP with a nostalgic black "vinyl" look. Nicely done!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Bart Millard - Vocals
Nathan Cochran - Bass
Mike Scheuchzer - Guitar
Robby Shaffer - Drums
Jim Bryson - Keyboards
Barry Graul - Guitar

Keyboard programming and piano on "Joseph's Lullabye" - Blair Masters
Strings arrange by Carl Marsh
Strings performed by The London Session Orchestra
BGVs: Michael Mellett, Travis Cottrell, Drew Cline, Bart Millard, Barry Graul, Mark Nicholas & Amy Grant on "Silent Night"
Percussion: Eric Darken
Boychoir arranged by Carl Marsh
Boychoir performed by Philadelphia Boychoir
Steel Guitar - Paul Franklin
Trumpet - Mike Haynes
Trombone - Barry Green

"O Holy Night" produced by Pete Kipley
Vocals - Bart Millard
Drums - Bobby Shaffer
Bass - Nathan Cochran
Guitar - Mike Scheuchzer
Piano/B3/Synth - Jim Bryson

Produced by Brown Bannister (except "O Holy Night" Produced by Pete Kipley)
Recorded by Steve Bishir

MercyMe

The Christmas Sessions

Artist link

Track List