Bryan Duncan has met his match in the NehoSoul Band. Their smooth, soulful and funky backing is the perfect complement to his blue-eyed soul. I suspect that this is the music that Duncan has wanted to make his entire life. He did well within the confines of CCM, but he sings like a bird set free with his new band.
This is exactly as advertised--authentic holiday soul. This isn't your standard CCM, inspirational, pop, or rock. It's soul music with a little bit of funk, and a hint of jazz or blues. If you're not sure what that sounds like, imagine Stevie Wonder performing smooth and slightly funky renditions of holiday classics with an all-star band complete with great backing vocals. It's not a perfect comparison, but it gives you an idea of the sound.
The sound is just right on this CD. There's no overblown or maudlin production. Despite his powerful pipes, Duncan's vocals are understated but infused with that energy that is uniquely Bryan. He sounds better than ever. Song of Salomon also provide great guest vocals.
Highlights abound. One of my favorites is "Christmas Time Is Here." This is a classic that I associate with one of the Charlie Brown Christmas specials, where I first heard it. It's a dreamy song with a touch of melancholy that Bryan handles perfectly. I don't know why more people haven't recorded it.
"Little Drummer Boy" is a captivating fusion of soul and funk that makes you want to move. It's Bryan at his best, breathing new life into a classic. "Silent Night" and "Oh, Holy Night" don't suffer from any excess. Like all the songs, they go down smoothly. There's not a bad song.
On "This Christmas," the one original song by Bryan, he sings of the love that transcends the season, and it's what he wishes for us all. He closes the recording with the beautiful "What A Wonderful World."
This is one of the most unique and best offerings of the season. It's one of the best in Bryan's career.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Joe MontagueBryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band swing into this Christmas season with a truly festive album, a NehoSoul Christmas. I remember when I met with Bryan Duncan last winter he told me he since hooking up with the NehoSoul Band he felt his career had been rejuvenated. The swinging R&B instrumentals of bassist Ricky B. Rogers, the always awesome guitar work of Walter Finch, Phil Curry tickling the…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Jamie Lee RakeA staple of CCM radio in the '80s and much of the '90s, Bryan Duncan continues his journey on the comeback trail (after a live album earlier this year) with a NehoSoul Christmas. Whether or not it solicits new business, Duncan should have no trouble ingratiating himself with his old fan base. Though a blurb on the front insert insists that Duncan and his Neho Soul'sters proffer "100% authentic…More from Bryan Duncan
1998The Last Time I Was Here
2005Music City Live
1995Christmas Is Jesus
2000Joyride
Mercy Alive! (Video)
1996My Utmost For His Highest: Quiet Prayers
