::ALBUM REVIEW::

Israel Houghton has proven to be a musical virtuoso since he stepped into the musical force and made himself known on his stellar debut project, "New Season". He delivers sweeping urban arrangements in the style of Fred Hammond but adds his own mix of thumping acoustic funk and vibrant live horns and strings to disc, which allows Houghton to play with different musical incarnations that has been respected by both critics and fans.

On "A Timeless Christmas", Houghton's very first holiday adventure, he continues in the tradition of his previous collections while tossing in glimpses of familiar Christmas-oriented sounds. It's hard to imagine an album with the intensity of Houghton's infectious energy while capturing the elements of classic yuletide carols, but he does so and shows no sign of fear of the merge. The album opens up with "Nutcracker Overture"; a jingley prelude from Tchaikovsky's infamous score that shimmers with layers of strings, rock guitars and neat tambourine action, but then comes the sweet funk of "Everybody Knows" which reminds listeners of Patrice Rushen's "Haven't Your Heard" with a taste of modernized disco rhythms. The merge is both unexpecting and highly creative. This original cut is hyped with New Breed's harmonizing and killer horns done with EWF's standards. There's lots of changes towards the end, but the song remains refreshing. And there's more of that Christmas magic to dig into. "Nutcracker Interlude" keeps Tchaikovsky's classical-driven Nutcracker suite coming along and is highly dominated by a contemporary jazz groove and eccentric keyboard enhances.

But it's Houghton's funky and creative grooves that gets the album going, even though it drifts away from the old Christmas tradition set in stone by industry vets. "O Come" uses the guitar punches and crafty percussion from Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" to develop this R&B arrangement. "Go Tell It" is even better with the off-the-rafter horns and the swift lead guitar deliveries. Houghton's vocals are pure and inviting; helping to add a little more brightness to the dirty-funk. On the vamp, the music breaks down and allows the musicians to milk the rhythm and groove a little more. It's a break down worth experiencing all year 'round. "Tidings (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)" is transformed into a light classical overture with mellow strings and heart-warming piano touches remiscented to "Carol Of The Bells". The chorus is definitely the song's strongest highlight. The seven-minute "Silent Nocturne", another triumphant moment of musical prosperity, gets a neo-jazz facelift and is graced with jazz giant Lalah Hathaway's smoky vocals, Gerald Albright's smooth sax, Marcus Miller's legendary bass and a sweeping arrangement that challenges any other modern arrangement of the classic carol. Then there is the dazzling Detroit-influenced "By Christmas Day" which leans on Marvin L. Winans' hearty vocals and a musical background that contains milky pullings from a cello, flute and violin.

Notice another important trend on the disc - the special guests continue to pour in. CeCe Winans joins Houghton on the contemporary-gospel arrangement of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". "Hark" opens with a slight rock sound and is gelled with lovely strings Beijing Symphony Orchestra and guest vocals from Contemporary Christian pioneer Matthew Ward. Jonathan Butler also joins in with Houghton on "Least Of These (with Put A Little Love In Your Heart". The song's message strives to direct focus on those that are forgotten and neglected at this time of year. The message of giving "to the least of these" is emphasized here. This cut feels a tad bit obscure and feels out of place for a holiday album, but the message is sentimental towards the real spirit of the holidays.

While Houghton is known for being an accomplished praise-and-worship leader and has tremendously blessed the worship community with unforgettable standards, Christmas albums usually focuses on the themes surrounding Christmas and may be uncomfortable for those expecting more of who he is mostly known for. But the worship giant delivers "Christmas Worship Medley"; a song merging a string of worship choruses from Integrity's catalog along with Jeffrey A. LaValley's "Salvation And Glory". There's not a lot of worship music on "A Timeless Christmas", but the nine-minute "Christmas Worship Medley" should satisfy.

What beautifies this project is its anchoring grip in a wide array of musical styles and combinations. And while most artists struggle to play with different modes of music, Houghton does a terrific job in executing them through this collection of newly-arranged Christmas classics and originals. Definitely one of the more satisfying Christmas projects to be released this year.