We at AGM are true lovers of the holiday gift-buying season and the wonderful Christian holiday of Christmas. And being fans of the holiday – we are therefore required to love all things Christmas music. We’re going to help you sift through all of this year’s holiday offerings, and hopefully you can find that one (or more if you so please) seasonal recording to make your holiday the best it possibly can be! These aren’t all Southern Gospel releases – but there may be a few here that you might find enjoyable as well!
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound – A Jazzy Little Christmas (Gaither Music Group)
For fans of: Tony Bennett, Michael Buble’ or The Four Freshman.
Great to have on while: relaxing with the family in front of a cozy fire!
The group takes us back to the early days of quartets with this new recording, reminiscent of the sounds of the Four Freshmen and the jazz of Tony Bennett. You don’t want to miss out on the intricate harmonies and fantastic arrangements on songs like “Christmas In Manhattan,” “Happy Holiday/It’s The Holiday Season” (featuring Leif Shires), and “Peace On Earth (with Silent Night).”
The Singing Contractors – Building a Christmas to Remember (Gaither Music Group)
For fans of: country based duos like Wilburn and Wilburn or Brooks & Dunn or the duo’s popular viral YouTube videos.
Great to have on while: reading your advent devotions!
Aaron Gray and Josh Arnett, The Singing Contractors, began harmonizing while working on houses, laying a strong foundation as a powerhouse duo with viral videos and national media appearances. The hard-working, sing-while-they-work, digital sensations are building a Christmas to remember, sharing holiday cheer and the hope of the season with new renditions of household favorites
Jim & Melissa Brady – Christmastime (Daywind Records)
For fans of: singer/songwriters who have the voices to match their thought provoke lyrics and impressive melodies.
Great to have on while: baking cookies with the family!
From new songs they’ve written just for this project, to some favorite classic Christmas tunes, Christmastime is filled with songs that mean Christmas to them. Award winning producer, Jason Webb, created breath-taking orchestrations, with arrangements that bring excitement and nostalgia, and usher in the spirit of the holiday season. It’s a celebration of home, family, and the true meaning of Christmas.
The Erwins – What Christmas Really Means (StowTown Records)
For fans of: progressive mixed groups and trios known for intricate harmonies like The Hoppers, 11th Hour, and The Nelons.
Great to have on while: wrapping those last minute gifts!
The Christmas story unfolds in song, from the prophets’ foretelling of Messiah (“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “His Name Shall Be Called”), to the birth of the Christ child (Gloria Gaither lyric “Ordinary Baby”), the celebration of angels (original song “Good Will”, Chris Tomlin’s “Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy),” and the visit of the magi (Brian Courtney Wilson’s Gospel song “Give Me A Star”).
Donna King – All the Lights (Journey Records)
For fans of: inspirational big-voiced divas of Gospel music like Sandi Patty, Allison Speer, TaRanda Greene, and Lauren Talley.
Great to have on while: the kids are building the first snowman of the season.
All the Lights is the follow-up holiday release to King’s AGM nominated releasse Song of Noel. All the Lights picks up where Noel left off with big arrangements and stellar vocals from King. King’s love for the Christmas season is notable on a slew or original songs like “You’ll Find Christmas,” “Anything Is Possible,” and the title cut. Her cover of the oft-forgotten classic “I Wonder As I Wander” is an album highlight.
11th Hour – The Greatest Gift (Sonlite Records/Crossroads Music Group)
For fans of: country-tinged progressive mixed trios like The Nelons, The Martins, and Sisters.
Great to have on while: opening presents on the big day!
11th Hour continues its treck up the Southern Gospel tiers, becoming one of the hottest new acts to hit the industry in years. The Greatest Gift features mostly traditional holiday offerings with 11th Hour’s unique take and impeccable harmonies. You’ll love their arrangements on holiday classics like “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “The Christmas Song,” and hymn “Go Tell It On the Mountain.”
Down East Boys – Comfort & Joy (Sonlite Records/Crossroads Music Group)
For fans of: traditional Southern Gospel quartets and arrangements like the Kingsmen, Kingdon Heirs, and The Old Paths.
Great to have on while: driving around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights.
TheDown East Boys released their brand new Christmas album on October 11. They are sharing the nativity story on Comfort And Joy, their Christmas EP featuring classic songs, smooth harmonies and a high-energy medley. The voices of lead Ricky Carden, baritone Daryl Paschal, bass Zac Barham and tenor Doug Pittman set the tone for a season of rejoicing in Christ’s birth.
Collingsworth Family – A True Family Christmas (StowTown Records)
For fans of: traditional Southern Gospel music with classic Christmas arrangements and lush orchestrations.
Great to have on while: mingling at your annual Christmas get-together!
From the very first upsweep of the familiar Christmas tune, “The Spirit of the Season” (from The Polar Express), to the final, triumphant line “Fall On Your Knees, O Hear the Angel Voices”, A True Family Christmas is just that: true to the traditions, warmth, and the memories that make the celebration of Christmas near and dear to the Collingsworth Family’s hearts. You don’t want to miss their renditions of “Carol of the Bells” or “I Call Him Lord.”
Master’s Voice – The Season to Sing (Horizon Records/Crossroads Music Group)
For fans of: quartet music with a holiday spin featuring mostly new Holiday renditions.
Great to have on while: taking a mid-day stroll through the snow.
Master’s Voice released their new Christmas album on October 11. The team brings a traditional quartet style to The Season To Sing, a Christmas album that tells the story of Christ’s birth and the meaning it holds for all of our lives. With only a few traditional Christmas songs, Master’s Voice captures the spirit of the season with new music about finding joy in life because of salvation. The group’s cover of CCM classic “How Many Kings” is fantastic.
Johnny Minick – The Joy of Christmas (65South Records/Main Street Music Group)
For fans of: Christmas crooners like Nat “King” Cole, Mel Torme’ or Frank Sinatra.
Great to have on while: cooking the Christmas dinner!
Bring in the holiday spirit with ten brand new tracks from phenomenal vocalist, Johnny Minick! Songs such as ‘The First Noel,’ ‘Winter Wonderland,’ and ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ will have you grinning ear to ear and singing along with Christmas cheer! This recording is great for fans of traditional music without a lot of new tunes getting in the way.
Michael Wayne Smith – Peace On Earth (Independent Release)
For fans of: Southern Gospel soloists like Joseph Habedank, Ivan Parker, or Riley Harrison Clark.
Great to have on while: cooking the Christmas dinner!
Fans of Michael Wayne Smith have been asking for a Christmas release from the up and coming soloist for years. This holiday release is sure to please most fans with a strong selection of holiday classics like “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Mary, Did You Know,” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” His two new tunes “Reign Forevermore” and “This Is the Christ” are not to be missed.
The Browns – Christmas In Our Hometown (StowTown Records)
For fans of: show-stopping mixed groups and trios known for their showmanship like the Collingsworth Family or The Isaacs.
Great to have on while: cooking the Christmas dinner!
Just in time for the Christmas season, StowTown Records announces the digital release of a new Christmas recording from one of Christian music’s most talented musical families, The Browns. Christmas In Our Hometown features Shelly, Michaela, Adam and Andrew, collectively known as The Browns, at their very best, with moving harmonies and classic instrumentation.
