Patrice Wilson: A Christmas Blessing
Breeezy pop standards highlight the better moments on indie gospel singer’s first holiday set
After a brief hiatus from her independent release Sacrifice, gospel singer Patrice Wilson takes on sentimental holiday offerings, worshipful carols and a few uptempo gospel with her first holiday project. Entirely produced by Georgia gospel artist Claude “Deuce” Harris, Jr., Christmas Blessing opens with warm, cozy lounge-jazz renditions of “Winter Wonderland” and “White Christmas.” Her pop-arika vocals – bearing similarities sitting somewhere between Natalie Grant and Terry Dexter – sit well on the smoother offerings. And even when energies pick up (which is pretty sporadic on the set), like on the gospel-drenched “Everyday Is Christmas” and “Jingle Bells,” Wilson take a few careful artistic risks; offering extra ad-libs and appropriately-timed vocal runs. Still, the album runs across a few quibbles. With Deuce’s decision to enclose Ciara-esque club beats and a shot of Autotune on “Christmas Like This” along with the dismal demo-natured drum programming offered on “Joy to the World” and Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas,” Wilson’s moment of shine is eclipsed by a few unfortunate scattered clouds. With a little extra budget boost and a few smart decisions in the production booth, Christmas Blessing would’ve been the go-to holiday album for gospel fans.
J MATTHEW COBB
HIFI DETAILS
- Release Date: 1 November 2010
- Label: Patrice Wilson Music
- Producers: Claude ‘Deuce” Harris, Jr.
- Track Favs: White Christmas, Everyday Is Christmas