Over the last decade, Charles Jenkins has infused the gospel radio airwaves with an eclectic mix of hits, ranging from the gold-selling praise and worship anthem “Awesome” to the infectious 5th Ward New Orleans groove of “Can’t Turn Back.” He continues to broaden his musical horizons with a Big Band-styled digital holiday EP, “A Charles Jenkins Christmas” (Inspired People), now available on all digital platforms.
Jenkins composed all the songs on the five-track set. It opens with the bouncy “It’s Christmas Day,” which showcases nimble ivory-tickling, a bold brass section, and a suave upright bass. It’s followed by the jump number, “Let’s Dance,” a dazzling duet with Lena Byrd Miles that feels as thrilling as a Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers dance routine. The ballad “Under the Christmas Sky” is a majestically orchestrated song about the Christ child’s birth. “The Christmas Hop” is a rollicking tune that recalls Cab Calloway’s Swing tracks like “Hi De Ho Man.” The project concludes with a tear-jerking soul ballad, “Christmas Ain’t the Same,” that nostalgically recalls holiday memories with loved ones who have passed away. It’s a brilliant collection of new classics.
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