Mother & Child is a compilation of Christmas songs performed by some of today's top female artists. The list of vocalists includes Amy Grant ("Breath Of Heaven"), Kim Hill ("That's Not Why We're Here"), CeCe Winans ("All Is Well Tonight"), and Sierra ("Sweet Baby Jesus"). This project is a very pleasant blending of new talents with known talents, and the blending of new and traditional songs we have come to love.
Christmas past
Memories of Christmas would not be complete for me without "O Holy Night" and a candlelight ceremony on Christmas Eve. Martina McBride does an excellent job with "O Holy Night," starting acapella and bringing it to an awesome crescendo of voice and instruments at the close. Beth Nielsen Chapman shows the beauty and subtle power in her voice with a wonderful rendition of "Ave Maria." Though I am unfamiliar with "Through Your Eyes," it still causes me to reminisce-Suzy Bogguss' tonality and vocal prowess bring alive the memories of childhood and Christmas through the eyes of a child.
Christmas present
Kim Hill's touching, earthy melody, "That's Not Why We're Here," serves as a poignant reminder-it's not for the family gatherings and other funtime holiday activities that we celebrate Christmas. The soft, yet powerful, airy vocals of CeCe Winans bring us a beautifully performed "All Is Well Tonight" with thoughts of today:
The fire is burning, the lights all glow It seems so perfect to watch the falling snow. My children singing their favorite song. And we're all here where we belong. All is well tonight. We celebrate His life. A child is born, Christ the King. And the perfect gift of love Is the greatest gift that Christmas brings.
Christmas - the true meaning
The love and emotion of the words and the expressive vocals of Sierra bring "Sweet Baby Jesus" to life. This song evokes images of Mary singing to her tiny baby in the manger. These are the reflective thoughts and memories of Mary as she looks back at the life of her baby, Jesus. Like Mary, I am in awe and rejoice in the gift we received in Him, from our Heavenly Father. Isn't that the greatest gift anyone could hope for this Christmas?
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse December 1996Reviewed by Julie HenryMother & Child is an album of contemporary holiday music by various performers that focuses on the relationship between Mary and Jesus. There is something here for everyone, as so many different styles are represented in this seasonal collection. Executive producer Tena Clark has combined the likes of Amy Grant singing the hauntingly beautiful "Breath Of Heaven" (also known as "Mary's Song") with…
