“Emmanuel”
Norman Hutchins
From Norman Hutchins & JDI Christmas (JDI/Universal Music Group, 2009)
www.cdbaby.com/cd/jamesroberson

“Next time you’re riding down the road in your car, sing this to the Lord. You’ll get where you’re going much faster.”

JDI Records hitmaker Norman Hutchins makes this declaration at the opening of “Emmanuel,” a full-throated choir outing with a place at the Christmas gathering, but it’s appropriate any time of the year. “Emmanuel” is not a reworking of the ancient and familiar carol, though it interpolates a line from it. Rather, it’s a new song that encourages the listener to be encouraged and worship through the troubles of life.