Thursday, 27 November 2025

Gentri - Emmanuel


4 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy Emmanuel here (Gentri's store)

As long as Gentri keep releasing reflective, reverent and uplifting Christmas songs I'll keep on writing about them. This is the sixth year that I've been able to write about the vocalist's seasonal selection of songs - and they've come straight from Broadway to Tinsel Town on their latest collection of holiday tunes. Of course, their vocal arrangements are impeccable but don't forget to pay attention to the textured layers of score which ensconces their voices in instrumental magic - often as essential to the song lyrics as their voices are. Emmanuel is their fourth Christmas album yet they've still got the right balance of hope, optimism and joy to keep everything fresh and exciting. Love the cover art this year too - although a sturdy barn stands behind them, there are certainly allusions to three wise men and the most famous stable in all the world...

The album begins with a five minute odyssey back to the very first Christmas morning - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly begins with graceful strings, muted horns and shimmering percussion before the gentlemen trio sing with exquisite precision of the greatest story every told. A stirring crescendo makes this joyful AND triumphant. Rousing drummer boys and lilting guitar make spirits soar on Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella. The guys have strong solo moments whilst still letting the magic of their harmonies shine like the brightest Christmas Eve star. A beautiful violin solo against a vibrant piano wraps round you like a hug. Coventry Carol / Wayfaring Stranger maximises the impact of the lads' harmonies with a sombre yet captivating a cappella introduction. The tension in the lyrics is palpable, bringing the darker side of the Christmas Story into vivid focus. 

Still Still Still / Gabriel's Oboe shows why the group are still at the very top of the game. They are able to infuse power and emotion into lyrics without belting it to the rafters (though when those moments come, it is utterly thrilling). Do check out the video (youtube) to get a sense of the emotions they feel as they sing. All Is Well features the All American Boys Chorus, a combination that makes this production truly celestial. There is another video available that emphasises the calm serenity of the song - essential listening for when the season gets a bit chaotic. Now, I love that Mary, Did You Know has become such a standard over the past 3 decades or so. It is performed with a genuine sense of wonder - making it a great companion piece for He Is Born, The Heavenly Child (showing that sequencing on any album can really enhance your listening experience). 

Love is Alive is a stunning original number that explores the emotions of the greatest story ever told - the birth of Christ (and what that has meant for believers ever since). This timely reminder of the enormous human capacity to love is swathed in a truly uplifting piano score, radiant strings and a percussive accompaniment that is the song's beating heart.Away In A Manger feels like you have been invited to join the most ornate, opulent carol concert. An engaging and extended piano introduction sets the scene before smooth, heartfelt vocals align. There's a sense of respect and humility for the source material that makes this both sincere and beautiful. The album's finale is Welcome To Our World - a new regal and stately hymn that also feels like it could be in some glorious yet to be written musical. The pomp and circumstance in the song is warranted and leaves you ready to experience all over again.

Ghosts of Christmas past**
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