GOOSEBUMP-INDUCING HOLIDAY RECORD OF THE YEAR
After 10 years of leading worship for Beth Moore’s wildly
successful Living Proof Bible study
events, it is no surprise that Travis Cottrell’s new Christmas collection would
incite a reputable buzz among worship ministry personnel across the nation. But
expectations aside, listeners will in no way be prepared to be so genuinely
moved by Ring the Bells,
Cottrell’s first holiday recording.
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Christmas music has always been revered for its rich
spiritual heritage, but Cottrell supercedes any standard treatment of these
distinguished carols, elevating them to a higher place of spiritual emphasis—a
testament to his truly unique talent in orchestrating a sensitive set that
gives honor where honor is due.
Backed by the London Symphony Orchestra and a magnificent
choir, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and the
impeccably executed “O Holy Night” are swabbed with creative, larger-than-life
arrangements that will no doubt be published for church use in the near future.
Another classic, “What Child is This?” benefits from
Cottrell’s beautiful baritone and a mandolin/nylon-string guitar accompaniment.
Including the rarely recorded second chorus adds to the simple beauty: “Nails,
spear shall pierce Him through/The cross be borne for me, for you/Hail, hail
the word made flesh/The babe, the son of Mary.”
Effortlessly intermingled with standards, half of Ring
the Bells is made up of original hymns. The
title track highlights the golden-throated Natalie Grant in a feature that
perfectly complements Cottrell’s own substantial pipes. “In the First Light” is
an orchestral dream, dramatically re-telling the Gospel story from the manger
to the cross. And “Jesus Saves” is by far the greatest contribution to the
record, exclaiming Jesus’ very purpose for being born and the reason why we
celebrate so intensely.
If you buy just one holiday record this year, this is it. Ring
the Bells is the perfect amalgamation of
Cottrell’s artistic abilities and distinct call, which has an overwhelming
effect on the listener. Some may call it goosebumps. –Andrew Greer