Dave Barnes “A December to Remember” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Better Than Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, In Bethlehem

Christmas music can be the cause of contention. Purveyors zealous of the faith are insistent that every Christmas song should honor the deeper meaning of Christmas by making explicit the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Thus, any song that mentions the name of Santa is deemed to be from the pit. Others on the other hand take on a slightly more liberated view that as long as the message of Christ is somehow heralded at the heart of the album, it is perfectly acceptable if there are a few cameos of Santa and his reindeers on the record.  Dave Barnes certainly belongs to the latter. On "A December to Remember" Barnes certainly knows how to toe the line between "religious" songs that get to the meat of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as well as more "secular" songs that celebrate the nostalgic communion of family members and the tinkling glow of romance around the fireplace.  Perhaps at the chagrin of purists, there is even a song explicitly about the man with the bag.  Not only are the themes of this record variegated, the music itself gravitates towards Barnes' soulful swagger with chunks of jazz, country, big band and pop all infused into the mix.

"A December to Remember" is the follow-up to Barnes 2010 festive debut "Very Merry Christmas." Just like its predecessor, this current offering has a high quotient of newly composed selections. Featuring 6 originals (4 written and 2 co-written by Barnes) "A December to Remember" showcases Barnes more personally reflections of the season. However, there is a major augmentation from Barnes' last Yuletide offering; this time Barnes around has decided to co-helm the record with none other than stalwart producer Brown Bannister.  Bannister has been producing records for over 4 decades having overseen award winning projects such as Amy Grant's earlier smashes, land mark albums by Michael W. Smith, and career forming albums for Chris Eaton, Rich Mullins, Kim Hill, Kathy Troccoli, Paul Overstreet, David Meece, Wayne Watson, the Imperials, Glenn Garrett and many others.  Bannister's experienced hands behind the sound board show when each of these songs is individually crafted with its own unique sound defying expectations and genres.

Romance gets the top billing with album opener "Better than Christmas Day." Sounding like the soundtrack of one of those gorgeous old time movies, curling around the fire place doesn't get cosier than this on this amorous sounding big-band-like jam.  Featuring some jaunty B-3, the bouncy "So Santa" sounds like the type of jazzy Harry Connick Jr. would covet.  More middle of the road between romance and faith is the family focused "Christmas Eve." Rich in its melodic construction, "Christmas Eve" is one of those recent compositions that could stand toe-to-toe with some of the Christmas classics such as "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "The Christmas Song."  Moving on to more religious ground is "In Bethlehem."  Here Bannister and Barnes show their ingenuity again.  With the Blind Boys of Alabama providing the backing, Barnes goes into doo wop territory as he re-tells the story of Christ's birth through voices and hand clapping-like percussions.

Barnes is no stranger to the country music; he has recently crafted a Grammy Award nominated number 1 for Blake Shelton "God Gave Me You." "When Love Was Born" finds Barnes getting his own feet wet in the genre with this countrified ballad that showcases what a power balladeer Barnes is.  As for the more traditional offerings, "Please Come Home for Christmas" is a standout.  Featuring some hearty organ riffs and Barnes' bluesy vocals, homecoming has never been more welcoming.  If you are looking for a well rounded Christmas record with songs that expound on the season's truth in Jesus Christ as well as songs that get us into the spirit of the season, "A December to Remember" is the perfect choice.

 

 

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