Rev Tina Redden - Christmas Time: Jesus Is The Reason For The Season

Published Monday 20th November 2017
Rev Tina Redden - Christmas Time: Jesus Is The Reason For The Season
Rev Tina Redden - Christmas Time: Jesus Is The Reason For The Season

STYLE: Gospel
RATING 5 5 5 5 5
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 166391-25820
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD EP
ITEMS: 1
RRP: £10.00

Reviewed by Andrew Wallace

Adding to an already impressive back catalogue this short five-cut EP released in 2013 is Michigan-based pastor Rev Tina Redden's first foray into Christmas music. Redden has a fiery old-time gospel vocal sound which immediately draws comparisons to many of the gospel greats of the '50s, particularly Clara Ward and Dorothy Love Coates. Tina produced and played all the instruments which tends to give the project a bedroom synth demo sound. The only original song here is opener "Happy Birthday Jesus" where Redden's strong vocal is married to a backdrop of meandering, light piano. Although a quirky mix, weighing in at over eight minutes means it severely overruns. Over recorded carols like "Away In A Manger" and "Hark The Herald" are both spoiled by cheap production and dated instrumentation with the latter's bombastic keyboard drowning out much of the vocal. Of the other tracks "Silent Night" is the best here, the gentle background piano leaving room for Redden's raw vocal talent to be exposed. The reverend has a great voice, of that there can be no doubt, but she clearly needs a producer and a decent recording budget to lift her music to the level of the Stellar Award winners.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Cleve Joe Tam Press in Indian USA @ 15:14 on Jan 29 2019

Love this Rev the songs are great as usual. Away in a manger as done in a traditional Gospel style and it was great. We listened to it at church and it is not over done. You have to understand styles of singing. Christians will love it.

Silent night as in the Mahalia Jackson style very good. Happy birthday Jesus is awesome never heard that one guess it's an original too. Sum it up the entire CD was good it really is. Very rare gift Eld. Tina Redden has... God is pleased Woman of God.Sres



Posted by Samatha Kasmeirceck in ft pierce Florida @ 19:18 on Jun 27 2017

Oh my God, I have never heard the song "Away in a Manger" sung like this ever. its a strong Gospel tune that makes you listen more than once. Very skillfully sang from the heart. It sounds really good. A person would have to listen to understand what i mean. by far the best "Away in a Manger" that I have ever heard



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