SOUNDING Off: The Best In Recorded Music

Ebony, Dec, 1998 by Lynn Norment

Popular R&B recording artist Brian McKnight showcases his gospel roots with his Christmas recording, Bethlehem (Motown). He kicks off the recording with "Hail Mary," which features the McKnight Family Choir, followed by the percolating, infectious "Bethlehem Tonight" and supermellow "Let It Snow '98," which features Boyz II Men. Maria Cole, widow of Nat King Cole, introduces "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" by sharing family holiday memories. The tender, touching "It's All About Love" showcases vocals from McKnight offspring Niko and Brian Jr., while Claude McKnight and Tim Miner are featured on the beautiful "The First Noel," and wife Julie McKnight and saxophonist Dave Koz perform on "Christmas Eve with You."

CeCe Winans gets listeners in a holiday mood with her Christmas recording, His Gift (Pioneer). With her heavenly voice, she soothes and heals the soul with Christmas classics such as "Oh, Holy Night," "Glory To The King," "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and "Away In A Manger." These are balanced with new holiday songs, such as "Let's Celebrate Christmas" and "What A Child," both co-written by Winans. Gospel music great Fred Hammond co-wrote "He's Brought Joy To The World," and he produced that as well as "Go Tell It On the Mountain." Winans struts her jazz on "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," which flows with a Nancy Wilson breeze.

With his new release, The Nu Nation Project (GospoCentric), gospel singing sensation Kirk Franklin again races to the top of gospel and R&B charts and continues his mission to get the "message of Jesus Christ through to people." Among the stand-out tunes on the recording is "Lean On Me," an inspirational ballad that features Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, U2's Bono and Crystal Lewis. From the album sales, $250,000 will be donated to the Burned Churches Fund. On the spirited song "Revolution," Franklin sings of "no more racism, two-facism." Throughout the 15-song set, Franklin and the Family are upbeat and inspirational as they blend gospel and hip-hop rhythms, all the time making a joyful noise in the name of the Lord.

ALSO NOTED: Teddy Pendergrass, This Christmas (Surefire); Etta James, Twelve Songs of Christmas (Windham Hill); The Real Meaning of Christmas (Vol. 2), featuring John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams and Virtue (Verity); Christmas Harmony (Harmony), featuring Oleta Adams, Kenny Lattimore and Darlene Love, among others; Donald Lawrence & Tri-City Singers, Hello Christmas (Crystal Rose); Natty & Nice, A Reggae Christmas (Rhino); John P. Kee VIP Mass Choir, Any Day (Verity); Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale, Life Is (EMI); Bobby Jones, Just Churchin' (GospoCentric); Christianaires, Standing Room Only-Live (CGI); The Whitfields, Still (Crystal Rose); Regina Belle, Believe in Me (MCA); Shaquille O'Neal, Respect (Twism/A&M); Rush Hour soundtrack (Mercury); Ice Cube, War & Peace (Priority); Luther Vandross, I Know (Virgin); Tatyana Ali, Kiss The Sky (Epic); Keith Sweat, Still In The Game (Elektra); Dru Hill, Enter The Dru (Island); Keb' Mo', Slow Down (Epic); Phyllis Hyman-Remembered (Roadshow); and John Lee Hooker, Best of Friends (Pointblank).