SPOTLIGHT CD REVIEW: THE KEYS TO CHRISTMAS- JEFF COLLINS
SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
THE KEYS TO CHRISTMAS
JEFF COLLINS
LABEL: CROSSROADS RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2016
PRODUCER: JEFF COLLINS
ORCHESTRATIONS: CODY MCVEY AND DAVE WILLIAMSON (ON “WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR’S EVE?”)
SONG LIST:
Medley (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; O Come, All Ye Faithful; Joy To The World)
Baby It’s Cold Outside
The Man With The Bag
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Linus And Lucy
Go Tell It On The Mountain
Mary Did You Know?
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
Carol Of The Bells
Come, O Come Emmanuel
THOUGHTS:
Jeff Collins is one of Southern Gospel’s premiere record producers, label executives and pianists. While he is usually behind the scenes helping other artists such as the Kingdom Heirs or the Inspirations, Collins is front and center on this simply fantastic recording. If this album doesn’t put you in the Christmas spirit, then I don’t know what could. The aptly titled The Keys To Christmas collects thirteen classic holiday songs showcasing the musical talent that is Jeff Collins. From the bombastic opening medley to the Gospel styled “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” there is something on this record for everyone to enjoy. This is not just background music as some might suggest. Each song is masterfully played by both Collins and his supporting musicians including Tony Creasmen (Drums), Jeremy Medkiff (Bass & Electric Guitars), Jason Webb (Hammond B3), and Tim Surrett (Bass).
The standout tracks, in my opinion, are the somber “Mary Did You Know?,” the jazzy “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” the epic “Carol Of The Bells,” and the Latin rhythm infused “Let It Snow.” Perhaps my favorite track on the record is the uniquely arranged “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” This version of the classic is simply spellbinding in its blend of the original classic with the main theme of the television series Downton Abbey. This arrangement gave new life to a song that has been covered many times. This track had an epic feel that could easily be used in a television or cinematic experience.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
OVERALL, THIS RECORD IS AN INCREDIBLE COLLECTION OF CHRISTMAS CLASSICS PERFORMED BY AN EQUALLY INCREDIBLE TALENT. JEFF COLLINS AND COMPANY BLEW ME AWAY WITH THEIR MASTERFUL PLAYING AND CREATIVE ARRANGING. THEY BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO MANY SONGS THAT HAVE BEEN COVERED EXTENSIVELY.
GO GET THIS CD ASAP! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!
5 OUT OF 5 STARS
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON JEFF COLLINS, VISIT: http://crossroadslabelgroup.com/ and http://crossroadsrecordingstudios.com/