Christmas Worship

This release includes a bonus DVD.
Personnel includes: John Tesh (vocals, piano); Leann Albrecht (vocals); Gary Burnette, Jerry McPherson (guitar); Jim Sitterly (violin, viola); Bobby Taylor (oboe); Mark Hill (bass); Ken Lewis, Dan Needham (drums); Kent Hooper (programming); Kim Keyes, Marshall Hall, Melodie Crittenden, Gene Miller, Nanette Bohannon (background vocals).
Recorded at Bridgeway Studio, Franklin, Tennessee.
Personnel: John Tesh (vocals, piano); Leanne Albrecht (vocals); Gary Burnette, Jerry McPherson (guitar); David Davidson (violin, viola); Jim Sitterly (violin); Love Sponge Orchestra (strings); Bobby Taylor (oboe); Ken Lewis , Dan Needham (drums); Kent Hooper (programming); Gene Miller , Nanette Bohannon, Marshall Hall, Melodie Crittenden, Kim Keyes (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: John Tesh; Ross Pallone; Tom Laune.
Recording information: Bridgeway Studio, Franklin, TN; Ocean Way Studio, Nashville, TN.
Photographer: Charles Bush.
Arrangers: John Tesh; Kent Hooper ; Tim Heintz.
After listening to CHRISTMAS WORSHIP, even the most cynical anti-Teshites might be hard pressed to deny that the new age superstar produces some of the most accessible and finely crafted pop available. Less a straight holiday album and more a combination Christmas/praise-and-worship record, the disc offers creative interpretations of several chestnuts and a generous helping of the same CCM fare Tesh explored on A DEEPER FAITH.
Like several of John Tesh's previous albums, CHRISTMAS WORSHIP includes a number of surprisingly strong vocal performances, most notably on the inspirational power ballad "This Is Your Gift," which recalls PIANO MAN-era Billy Joel. The rest of the album casts a wide stylistic net, featuring everything from a version of "Joy To The World" that glides over Paul Oakenfold-esque dance beats, to an interesting spoken-word piece consisting of a September 11th-related first-person essay. Though listeners looking for a traditional, light-hearted family Yuletide album may want to shop elsewhere, fans searching for a deeper holiday meaning will find a lot to explore and enjoy on CHRISTMAS WORSHIP.