“Christmas Time” was released last year from Mission House Music, just on the cusp of Suite’s cut-off time, but this is an album worth mentioning, as Jim Murphy’s style is just want many folks look for in a holiday album. Warm and ripe, he tends to cover this mix of contemporary songs and traditional carols with a dramatic flair, stopping well short of the over-the-top line. What I do find interesting is his phrasing. Immediately evident in the opening “Carol of the Bells,” Murphy wisely mixes it up a bit, here and there coming in just off the beat, enough to refresh the familiar song. Producer George Hairr oversaw the vocal arrangements as well, and they play a big role in making “Christmas Time” as appealing as it is. Murphy is supported strongly throughout these ten tracks, the background vocals seamlessly cushioning Murphy’s own solid tones on the spectacular “O Holy Night” and especially able as he punches all the right notes on “Save the World.” Murphy’s dramatic rendition of “We Are the Reason” showcases his vocals with a soaring melody line, and Charity Von’s guest turn helps to make it a standout track.
“Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)” is an exceptionally moving holiday song, and Murphy handles it perfectly, his gentle vocals just restrained enough to let the story stand out. Lovely. There is one misstep on “Christmas Time” though, and I found it to be a jarring one. Midway through the album, in the worst possible place actually, a techno club track shows up, the title track full of percolating showy beats. I can only guess that Murphy and Hairr were attempting to score with a younger audience, but it is particularly jolting in its placement between the emotional “Mary Did You Know” and the sacred tone of “O Holy Night.” It’s an ill-conceived idea that tries too hard and fails miserably. But it’s a testimony to Murphy’s considerable charm and vocal strength that he’s able to win you back after it. Don’t let it stop you from enjoying “Christmas Time” from Jim Murphy and Mission House Music.
