Bryan Duncan

Item: Christmas Is Jesus
Author: Vanessa Crooks

Christmas Is Jesus

(1995)

Reviewed by Vanessa Crooks

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Label MyrrhThe LighthouseDecember 1995

adult contemporary ccm soul

I've passed down a tradition. It is the art of the quiet moment sometime after midnight and before dawn on Christmas day. I have always found time to sit in a reverent silence before the Christmas tree. It is more a time of thanksgiving than anything else, and a chance to review my life before God.

That is the written reflection of Bryan Duncan that prefaces his Christmas album, Christmas Is Jesus. Ironically, this project is anything but quiet and contemplative. In fact, the musical backdrop is filled with lush choir and orchestral arrangements and, as always, Duncan's soulful and powerful voice rings confident and clear. The title, Christmas Is Jesus, paints a more accurate picture of the theme and thrust of this project-it is clear from the opening strains to the final note that for Duncan "the joy of Christ's birth is not diminished by even the 'secular' trappings that have become a part of the Christmas season."

Predominantly Duncan covers traditional hymns, among them "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "The First Noel." However, he also includes a few contemporary classics, "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)" and "Please Come Home For Christmas," as well as two originals, "Christmas Is Jesus" and "The Form Of Man." Duncan, who wrote the lyrics for "Christmas Is Jesus," captures the transcendent nature and life-bringing meaning of the season:

Christmas is Jesus A Child for all men Gone from the manger And tomb He lay in Christmas is Jesus God's love coming true A Star from the heavens Has fallen for You

On the other hand, "The Form Of Man," which was penned by Bill Batstone, marvels at the almost incomprehensible fact that God would send His Son to take on the cloak of humanity:

God's thoughts and ways are not our own I can't understand Why He wrapped His love in flesh and blood And took the form of man

Musically, Duncan tries on several stylistic hats on Christmas Is Jesus-from pared-down and meditative to full-bodied and jazzy. Most of the songs have orchestral or string arrangements. Two of the hymn medleys, "Away In A Manager/O Come To My Heart" and "What Wondrous Love Is This/What Child Is This," begin with choral preludes that feature the seventy-five voice choir of The Hollywood Presbyterian Cathedral Church, while "Grown-up Christmas List" showcases the sweet strains of a children's choir. "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)" has never gotten such funky treatment as famed jazz musician Justo Almario lends a blazing sax solo to the piece; whereas "The Form of Man" utilizes an aggressively radio-ready approach. Yet, despite the "wrapping" and the "glitter" that cover much of this album, arguably the best cut (and definitely my personal favorite) is the stark opening rendition of "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day." Its pensive, almost somber, acoustic treatment provides the quiet, reflective moment alluded to in Duncan's written preface.

While there is nothing outstandingly unique about this seasonal album, Bryan Duncan does a creditable job of delivering both standards and more modern selections. Christmas Is Jesus is a must-have for any of his loyal listeners and a good pick for anyone looking for a Christ-centered collection of common holiday fare.