When Christmas Comes

Personnel: Kim Walker-Smith (vocals); Tore Kulleseid (electric guitar, keyboards); Jeffery Kunde (electric guitar, acoustic bass); Anton Patzner (violin); Lewis Patzner (cello); Trey Gunn (piano, keyboards); Brandon Aaronson (piano); Andrew Jackson (keyboards, programming); Josh Fisher (drums, percussion); Jeremy Edwardson (programming); Molly Williams, Katie Torwalt, Andy Williams (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Jeremy Griffith.
Recording information: The Soundhouse, Redding, CA.
When Christmas Comes is the first set of Christmas recordings from Kim Walker-Smith. The worship leader switches between hymns and pop standards, from "O Come All Ye Faithful" to "Winter Wonderland," and puts as much energy into the lighter material as she does the solemn moments. The backings range from sparse and acoustic to large-scale productions that incorporate string arrangements, yet the set can be enjoyed from beginning to end, as there are no drastic shifts in tempo and feeling. The sequence of songs smoothly glides along, ideal for small Christmastime gatherings. ~ Andy Kellman