The newest release from Red Mountain Church is a Christmas album. Several months ago, I hosted a podcast with the singers and musicians that make Red Mountain Music. (Listen here.) Now, their Christmas album, Silent NIght: Advent Hymns from Red Mountain Church has been released.
This is a different album. First off, the songs are not old hymns put to new music. The musicians made the decision to maintain the original tunes. Choosing to keep the original melodies makes the album more appealing.
Secondly, Ashley Spurling is the only vocalist. A wise move. Spurling’s vocals are flawless throughout. Her vocal talent is best showcased on the slow and quiet songs like “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent” and “What Child Is This?” She communicates a certain longing with her voice, a sense that contributes well to the desire for redemption that marks the season of Advent.
The only complaint I have with this album is that the group chose not to do what they do best: take an unknown hymn and introduce it to a new generation. I would have enjoyed one or two Gadsby Christmas songs thrown into the mix – songs unknown to most listeners and given new life on a RMC album. Instead, Red Mountain Church chose to play it safe with the classics.
But let me say this: they do the classics well. The arrangements are creative enough to sound fresh, but not so creative that they get on your nerves. A true feat indeed in the crowded Christmas-music market today.
Click here to sample some audio clips from the album.
Download Silent Night
