Bryan Duncan

Item: A NehoSoul Christmas
Author: Joe Montague

A NehoSoul Christmas

(2005)

Reviewed by Joe Montague

Discogs Apple Music

Label Red Road RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2005

funk r&b soul

Bryan 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 keys, and drummer Sam Matthews will enrich your Christmas season and make a nice accompaniment to your eggnog and mistletoe.

The jewel that really shines on a NehoSoul Christmas is "This Christmas" an original tune penned by Duncan. The timbre of this man's soulful voice never ceases to amaze after almost three decades in the music industry. The backup vocals provided by the ladies of Song of Salomon add texture to a beautifully arranged number. This is a song (4:09) that leaves you wanting more -- you are almost pleading, 'Please tell me it isn't over already.' I see this song being at the top of the charts this Christmas season. In fact I would be very surprised if we don't find "This Christmas" on a meteoric rise to the top of the mainstream charts as well.

The opening track "Christmas Comes But Once a Year" disarms you as it begins with traditional chimes and then very quickly moves into a jump jive and wail with Duncan's voice at its R&B best. With Marc Atkinson, David Inamine and Fred Schreuders providing splendid backup vocals it is no wonder Duncan has referred to this song as his personal favorite. The use of horns is just a foretaste of things to come. If you aren't snapping your fingers and tapping your toes by the time this song ends you better check for a heartbeat.

Keyboardist Phil Curry does a great job with the arrangements on the number two track "Silent Night". In fact Curry is so outstanding on the keys throughout this album that despite what the credits said I double checked with Duncan's management team to make sure that it was not Duncan himself playing on some of the tracks.

"Winter Wonderland" may not be what you have become accustomed to in years gone by but Duncan, Jo-Anna Salomon, Aimee Salomon, and Danene Sepulveda provide us with a jazzier interpretation that will enhance your snuggling with a loved one by an open fire.

Just so you don't think this project completely abandoned sentimentality, I guarantee traditionalists will love "Christmas Time is Here." Bryan Duncan has experienced his fair share of trials in recent years, some he would admit have directly resulted from choices he has made, but it brought joy to my heart hearing him sing this song with such freshness and simplicity. He is on record as saying that he has created works more technically and musically perfect in the past but none seems to have brought him the same joy as a NehoSoul Christmas.

The album fills out nicely with "Little Drummer Boy," "Oh, Holy Night," and "Peace" before swinging back into action with an easy flowing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." You will want to take your loved one by the hand and waltz her around the dance floor when this tune begins to play -- I know I plan to.

Give yourself an early Christmas present and buy a NehoSoul Christmas. As a child my parents always let us take the edge off the excitement by letting us open one present early. There I just gave you the excuse you needed (wink).