Last year I came across An Acoustic Christmas, by guitarist Tom Hemby. The review I read said this was a CD that would "find its way into your CD player long before the Chistmas Season begins." I’m a fan of instrumental acoustic guitar CD’s, and wondered if the product would live up to its reputation.
Here’s my report. I do indeed listen to these songs all year round. Tom Hemby is a Nashville studio musician who uses God’s gift of creativity to the utmost. He shies away from arranging a song the way others have already performed it, resulting in a CD that is truly remarkable. It’s certainly grown on me over time, but after multiple listenings, I still enjoy his treatments of these Christmas songs. The arrangements are fresh, the styles varied (classical, blues, folk, and more), the sonic quality superb, and the over effect captivating. His skillful use of harmonics is breathtaking at times.
While this CD has little to do with congregational worship, it’s a great example of one man’s efforts to glorify his Savior through skillfully crafted music.
May you be freshly humbled by the coming of the Eternal One Who left his throne of glory to be born as a babe in Bethlehem.
