The Clark Sisters Family Christmas
Karew Records/EMI Gospel 2009
www.emigospel.com
Although The Clark Sisters Family Christmas CD rightfully showcases the four fine ladies on the cover, the Moss Brothers steal the show.
Don’t get me wrong: the Clark Sisters’ tight harmonies — a mix of Pointer Sisters flair and Andrews Sisters charm — are ready-made for a Christmas album. Indeed, their rendition of “O Come O Come Emmanuel” is exquisite with only piano accompaniment. Their cover of “Drummer Boy” is the funkiest I’ve ever heard, magically transforming the children’s novelty into a praise and worship opportunity. They give “Do You Hear What I Hear” a lovely reading.
But first cousin Bill Moss, Jr. and the Nashville String Machine turn “We are the Reason,” a ballad that in other hands could be run-of-the-mill, into a big production number that sweeps the live Detroit audience off of their feet. J Moss’ groovy take on Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” plants the song firmly in the 21st century. It may be that “This Christmas” has surpassed “Glory to the Newborn King” as the most popular carol in the African American community.
The album certainly lives up to its billing, as three generations of Clark-Moss family members participate in the project, including Clark-Moss 3.0: Kierra Sheard and drummer/writer/producer J. Drew Sheard II. The two collaborate effectively on “Beautiful Christmas,” a smooth, rhythmic R&B number that sounds like a bonus track from Kiki’s Mixtape.
The album’s most charming moment is when the Clark Sisters relive a childhood memory by singing an impromptu version of the “Chipmunk Song” (was Karen playing Alvin?). Not only is it the first time the Clark Sisters sang an octave lower than any original number, but the “choir” coda they give Ross Bagdasarian’s Christmas evergreen has to be heard to be appreciated.
The Clark Sisters Family Christmas is far superior to the ladies’ first holiday album, released some thirty-plus years ago on Sound of Gospel Records. The earlier outing found the sisters still searching for their trademark sound and the result was not their finest moment. Even Mother Mattie’s contribution couldn’t help. But under the skilled direction of A-list producer Asaph Alexander Ward, the Clark Sisters and their extended family have the sound down on The Clark Sisters Family Christmas.
Four of Five Stars
gPod Picks: “This Christmas,” “Drummer Boy.”
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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Nice review although I don’t agree that the Moss brothers stole any show. Bill Moss Jr. is not their nephew, he’s their first cousin. Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and Bill Moss Sr. were siblings.
Thank you for correcting the error regarding Bill Moss, Jr.’s relationship to the Clark Sisters. I will correct the text.
Nice review exept J. Moss changed the standards for This Christmas, and it will be hard to vocally touch what he has just recorded..lol And they get 5 Stars from me because every song ROCKED!!!!!!!!! LOVE U CLARKS!!!! BEST FEMALE GROUP IN THE WORLD!!!!
I just got a hold of the Clark Family Christmas Album. Awesome, awesome, awesome!!! This is a must have. Nice Ode to the Chipmunks!!
The Clark Family Christmas Album is awesome, awesome, awesome. There’s something for everyone. Even the Chipmunk song was incredible!! Only the Clark Sisters could do it!!