Bishop T.D. Jakes unveils a new Christmas album, "The Gift Remains," featuring Mary Mary, Brian McKnight, Kirk Whalum and BeBe & CeCe Winans on his second holiday project to be released October 21.
"It's more than a tree," Bishop T.D. Jakes' rich baritone muses on Dexterity Sounds/ Rhino's outstanding new Christmas CD. "It's more than the carolers singing, the crowds and the fun… it's more than all of that. It's about Jesus: His gift that remains. Now, it's true we acknowledge Him in December but he's much more than a holiday. He's the gift that remains in January, February, March, winter, spring, summer, and fall. He's the God of it all... Acknowledge the fact that all things that begin end, and all things that start, finish and all the people that come and go, you can deal with it - as long as you have the gift that remains…"
The twelve-song collection boasts seasonal favorites and brand new yuletide offerings. Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum turns in a cozy track entitled "Angel's Medley," a combo of "Gloria In Excel sis Deo" and "Angels We Have Heard on High." Debbie Winans does a majestic interpretation of the David Foster-Natalie Cole chestnut "Grown Up Christmas List." BeBe Winans strikes up an orchestra for his regal cover of "Joy to the World" and sister CeCe Winans delivers a majestic "O Little Town of Bethlehem."
Crooner Brian McKnight offers an urban-flavored reading of "The First Noel" while Sheri Jones-Moffett (who led the Tri-City Singers' #1 hit "Encourage Yourself" in 2007) brings sparkle to the acoustic groove "The Gift Remains." The project is rounded out with sing-a-long by Mary Mary, the Joint Heirs duo, Angel Chisholm (daughter of Jacky Clark of the Clark Sisters), and Cyndy Paisley. In between songs, Bishop Jakes' sonorous baritone offers inspiring Christmas messages of hope and faith.
Bishop Jakes' Dallas-based Potter's House Church has a membership of over 30,000 and a host of community-oriented ministries. He and The Potter's House Mass Choir have released three other hit CDs, including the Grammy-winning 2003 project, "A Wing and a Prayer."
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