A staple of CCM radio in the '80s and much of the '90s, Bryan Duncan continues his journey on the comeback trail (after a live album earlier this year) with a NehoSoul Christmas. Whether or not it solicits new business, Duncan should have no trouble ingratiating himself with his old fan base.
Though a blurb on the front insert insists that Duncan and his Neho Soul'sters proffer "100% authentic Holiday soul music," they get more diverse than that appellation implies. For starters, the set opens with the Amos Milburn oldie "Christmas Comes but Once a Year," a lament for the holiday's monetary toll that could do Brian Setzer's swing band proud as it's heard here.
Toward album's end, Duncan sounds to be making plays for smooth jazz radio spins. His smoky vocals and subdued arrangements make that a possibility on what they do with "Oh, Holy Night" and "Beth Nielsen Chapman and Michael McDonald's "Peace" make that a pleasant possibility.
Elsewhere, Duncan sounds to be all about paying homage not so much to the baby Savior, but some of his (not His) R&B influences. Their "Winter Wonderland" finds the middle ground between Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" and "Isn't She Lovely." The charts they bring out for "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" bear some resemblance to those for Natalie Cole's mid-'70s debut hit, "This Will Be," but that's no bad thing.
Duncan does well by songs that few should dare try, if only because definitive versions already exist. A NehoSoul rendering of Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time Is Here" may not have you forgetting the original children's chorus version from the first Peanuts cartoon special, but Duncan does it justice. Ditto "What A Wonderful World," though anyone would be hard pressed to top Louis Armstrong at it.
Though not quite packing the resonance of hits like "Blue Skies" and "Love Takes Time," Duncan's NehoSoul Christmas present is not a waste of good aluminum. Here's to hearing him back in regular rotation soon.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Joe MontagueBryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band swing into this Christmas season with a truly festive album, a NehoSoul Christmas. I remember when I met with Bryan Duncan last winter he told me he since hooking up with the NehoSoul Band he felt his career had been rejuvenated. The swinging R&B instrumentals of bassist Ricky B. Rogers, the always awesome guitar work of Walter Finch, Phil Curry tickling the…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Michael DaltonBryan Duncan has met his match in the NehoSoul Band. Their smooth, soulful and funky backing is the perfect complement to his blue-eyed soul. I suspect that this is the music that Duncan has wanted to make his entire life. He did well within the confines of CCM, but he sings like a bird set free with his new band. This is exactly as advertised--authentic holiday soul. This isn't your standard…More from Bryan Duncan
1998The Last Time I Was Here
2000Joyride
2005Music City Live
Mercy Alive! (Video)
1996Blue Skies
1995Christmas Is Jesus
