Beyond December marks the return of one of the most enduring groups in contemporary Christian music-enduring in all senses of the word. First Call has withstood the winds of change, braved the tribulations that come along in the journey of life and, most importantly, has remained consistent in their honesty about our earthly struggle and in their illumination of God's truth. Beyond December finds First Call capturing the celebration that is Christmas in a unique and liturgical way.
Reconfiguring its membership again, the group has emerged this time as a duo-just Bonnie Keen and Marty McCall. However, the project features some of the industry's most notable artists rounding out the sound and lending their talents, including Amy Grant, Gary Chapman, Larnelle Harris, Wayne Watson, Russ Taff, Ashley Cleveland, and Melodie Tunney.
It hardly seems like ten years since First Call recorded An Evening In December, their debut album and a perennial holiday favorite. The decade that has since passed has developed both depth and definition in Keen and McCall-they have weathered personal and professional storms and, as a result, they have evolved in their artistry. It seems fitting, in light of all that the years have brought, that First Call would return to and reflect on that first hallowed and life-transforming December.
"Heaven's Coming Down" focuses not only on the fact that the Son of God "came down" to earth two thousand years ago, but also on His continued revelation and involvement with us today. "After December Slips Away," co-written by Keen, is one of just three tracks that find Keen and McCall singing duet arrangements. It reminds us that Christmas can last far beyond the duration of the calendar season, because Christmas is about Jesus and not the festivities.
Careful not to over-look traditional hymns, the group has chosen to include the standards, "What Child Is This?" and "In The Bleak Midwinter." Indeed, established and original material alike find First Call going beyond the glitz and trappings that often cloud the meaning of this holy day and, thereby, putting Jesus once again at the center.
Beyond December does have a couple of cuts that seem shamelessly geared towards radio play but the majority of the songs are very worship-oriented. David Maddux, who was part of the Evening in December team, brings his vocal arrangement expertise to this project as well. Unlike Evening in December which had First Call singing back-up harmonies for their guest soloist, Beyond December has Keen and McCall sharing in the prominence-creating a series of trio and ensemble pieces. Among the harmonic highlights is "Child In A Manger" in which husband and wife Amy Grant and Gary Chapman join First Call on a stark and folksy melody. Adding diversity to their approach, "Carol" showcases a lush medieval influence. "Born A Sacrifice" unites Keen and McCall with their original partner, Melodie Tunney, displaying their seamless and renowned a capella vocal blends.
As one would expect, the musical accompaniment and production on this album are superb-with some truly unique percussion provided by Eric Darken and Steve Hindalong (The Choir). Brilliant solos and unique arrangements, as well as excellent musicianship and production adds Beyond December to First Call's impressive catalog of Christmas projects.
On this album, we encounter First Call transcending the trials of our human condition and the trappings that have obscured the inspiration of Christmas, drawing our attention once again to the amazing miracle that God is with us both in Christmas and "beyond." Beyond December is a triumphant step for First Call in both their artistic development and personal journeys.
Similar sounding releases
2002Steve GreenWoven In Time
1997The MartinsLight Of The World
20004HimHymns: A Place of Worship
2002Michael W. SmithWorship Again
1983Amy GrantA Christmas Album
1995Bryan DuncanChristmas Is Jesus
