Album Reviews: Christmas Classics – Handels Messiah, A Soulful Celebration

Over the next few days we’ll take a look at some Christmas projects thatare our favorites this time of the year – every year. Add your favorite in the comment section, as we share with you what we consider to be the definitive Christmas classics from yesteryear. Check out the feature in its entirety at Gospelflava.com.

The who’s who in Gospel and way beyond gather together for this Quincy Jones-assembled masterpiece interpretation of Handel’s famed oratorio, with significant input from Mervyn Warren and friends. Where else can you find Commissioned and The Clark Sisters singing on the same song? (”Lift Up Your Head, O Ye Gates”). This one is also intriguing for the ingenious march through musical styles as outlined in “Overture: A Partial History of Black Music”, for the pre-stardom rap entry of Busta Rhymes in front of the The Boy’s Choir of Harlem on “Glory To God”.

Also noteable are Chris Willis‘ contribution, and the ‘everyone-join-in’ “Halleluiah Chorus”. Some strict traditionalists might have gasped, but we think Handel is still proud of this one.

Various Artists

Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration

Reprise Records1993

Reviewed by Stan North for Gospelflava.com