Rob Mathes

Item: William the Angel
Author: Steven S. Baldwin

William the Angel

(1995)

Reviewed by Steven S. Baldwin

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Label independentThe Phantom Tollbooth1998

adult contemporary gospel pop soul

Even though he used to play guitar and keyboards for Chuck Mangione, chances are you've never heard of Rob Mathes. But you certainly know some of the people who know him in this six-degrees-of-separation world. Today, Mathes is an acclaimed arranger, composer, producer, session player and song-writer for a diverse clan of artists, including: Susan Ashton, Babyface, Margaret Becker, Boyz II Men, Tracy Chapman, Eric Clapton, Natalie Cole, Sheryl Crow, Celine Dion, Steve Green, Elton John, Jon Bon Jovi, Michael McDonald, Joan Osborne, David Sanborn, Jon Secada, B.J. Thomas, Shania Twain, Jaci Velasquez, Jody Watley, Vanessa Williams, Stevie Wonder, Trisha Yearwood and Moses (he contributes to the upcoming Prince of Egypt soundtrack). He was also a major contributor to Pavarotti's acclaimed For War Child benefit for Bosnian relief project, and the songwriter of "Good News" from the Kathy Mattea album of the same name which won a Grammy-award. Despite his busy schedule with the prestigious company he keeps, Rob Mathes also continues to be actively involved in a Sunday evening worship service in his hometown of Greenwich, Connecticut, and the occasional Young Life group meeting. His gift may be for music, but his heart belongs to the Lord.

When Rob Mathes is not busy plucking down parts in some studio, apparently he enjoys creating Christmas music. His first Christmas collection was Heart of Hearts. William the Angel is his second and a brand new one called Christmas is Coming, which captures bits of both and more from a 1997 live concert, is being released shortly.

William the Angel is a high-concept album of completely original work that occasionally and strategically incorporates a refrain or a chorus here and there of something more familiar. You get a whole lot more of the Ghost of Christmas Present with these all new songs, than you do of Christmas Past in the form of any visiting carols or Christmasy ditties. The album's centerpiece suite, including the title-track, tells the tale of a chubby, bumbling angel with the mission of saving one soul in what is possibly a metaphor for Mathes's own aspirations. The piano work in the song "William the Angel" couples carols with original melodies, creating a quieter, sentimental song that weaves its yarn over eight gentle, melancholy minutes. William the Angel's compelling story continues in the tracks that follow, all of which are well worth hearing.

The middle-of-the-road (MOR) pop sound draws on a host of influences, resulting in a hopeful sound. Center stage in the mix is Rob Mathes's pleasant voice, and he sounds like a breathy, pop-singer singing shades of soul music. In addition to his song-writing gifts, his voice is one of his most powerful assets, capturing the listener's interest with a clear tenor that whispers and bellows with great emotive effect. Besides Mathes's vocal prowess, the other highlight is Joe Bonadio's drumming and percussion which recalls the rhythmic effects found on Peter Gabriel's albums. However, the guitar and bass work takes too much of a back seat to be of considerable presence. Both are so far back in the mix behind the vocals and percussion to be virtually lost. Mathes's ethereal keyboards and plunky piano parts are more prominent, but still used mostly as background noise and intro/outro bits. Overall, the album is very upbeat in mood, but mostly laid back in delivery. Despite the more hushed tones, however, listeners will be richly rewarded for paying attention to the songs rather than using this as mere background music.

One of the highlights is also the album's most rocking track, "When the Baby Grew Up." It superimposes the melody of "Deck the Halls" with an original song joyfully celebrating the fact that Jesus matured into the Savior. Rob Mathes's style here, combining folky rock and roll infused with bits of gospel and soul, makes this toe-tappin' number a real Christmas party full of fun. Another highlight, "The Magi's Journey," combines a modern message with lyrics from T.S. Eliot's poem "The Journey of the Magi," in a moving song about nurturing belief in a land where holiness has turned wicked. A few tracks, like "The Magi's Bridge" and "Good News" use a group called The Choir of Saints and Friends from Mathes's hometown and church to great effect. They may not be professionals, but the choral parts are pretty, but too few and not crisply produced. "Wake Up, It's Christmas Morning" will have you dancing; "Rest Now, My Brother" weeping; "Christmas is Coming" joyfully expectant. There's not a bad song in the whole bunch, and every one of them puts a contemporary musical spin and message on the timeless themes of worship and adoration of Christ.

As if the quality of the song-writing and playing was not sufficient, the album's best, most surprising, feature are the lyrics. In Mathes's view, the Christ Child is no mere namby-pamby infant in some wishy-washy gift-giving excuse for a holiday, but the most-powerful King of Kings sent to save all humankind. Consequently, these songs conjure stories and images of a Christmas that is both holy and sanctified yet real and earthy. Because he puts a contemporary spin on just about everything he says, the Christmas event seems like it happened just yesterday, making it even more completely and utterly relevant for today.

If this sounds like it would be up your alley, I not only encourage you to pick up the album, but to look for an upcoming PBS - CPTV special, Christmas Is Coming, featuring Rob Mathes's music along with a series of guest artists, including Vanessa Williams, Michael McDonald, David Sanborn, and acclaimed actor Ossie Davis. Or, even better, if you're anywhere near Purchase, NY in mid-December, Rob Mathes will be playing his annual Christmas concert benefitting Food for the Hungry.

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