Christian Music News

Michael W. Smith invites host of A-list performers to join on new Christmas record

Nashville, TN - Three-time GRAMMY® winner Michael W. Smith partnered with Rolling Stone Country today to announce the September 30 release of Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, featuring an all-star lineup of guests - Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald.

An acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas is Smith's fourth Christmas project, following the successful releases of Michael W. Smith Christmas (1989), Christmastime (1998) and It's A Wonderful Christmas (2007).

"This is the most unique and unusual record I've ever done in my 31-year career. The entire record was sequenced together before we recorded one song," recalls Smith. "Sonically you're hearing me in a way that you've probably never heard me before. At one point it's like Smitty meets Buble'. There's my granddaughter's voice singing the song from 'Home Alone,' plus the whole orchestral and symphonic feeling of Christmas, mixed together with all these amazing voices and guests - yet it all fits together in a remarkable way."

"Marking his debut as an album producer, CMA Awards and CMA Country Christmas producer Robert Deaton was inspired by Smith's performance with Jennifer Nettles during the 2013 CMA Country Christmas television program, and suggested to Smith they create a full Christmas recording as co-producers. The two welcomed renowned orchestral maestro David Hamilton as a third co-producer, who arranged and oversaw the London Symphony Orchestra's recordings on the project.

"When we started talking about who could be on this record with him, the list got really narrow really fast," remarked co-producer Robert Deaton. "There's a difference between a singer and an artist, or a celebrity and an artist. While we were fortunate to have these amazing guests on the record, it all feels like a cohesive piece and you never leave the fact that it's a Michael W. Smith record. That was important. That, along with working with co- producer David Hamilton, who is the resident genius, was amazing. This entire process has just been phenomenal."

Eager to create a one-of-a-kind project to be played at Christmastime for years to come, Smith and Deaton were inspired by the original Carpenters Christmas album, wanting nostalgia to hit listeners right at the top of the record. Thematically, the album is uniquely divided into three sections, creating an overall arc to the recording. Beginning with the childlike and wintery aspects of the start of the Christmas season, the collection evolves with songs and instrumentations reflecting the true meaning of Christmas with the celebration of family and faith, concluding with what Christmas brought to the world, the birth of Jesus.

This fall, Smith will bring holiday cheer to audiences across the country as he launches "The Spirit of Christmas Tour." Smith's long-time friend and fellow GRAMMY® winner Amy Grant will co-bill with him in Dallas, Minneapolis and Atlanta. Tickets for many shows are on sale now. For a full list of tour dates, and ticket information, visit michaelwsmith.com/tour.

Source: 
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