SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
HOPE IN A MANGER
GOLD CITY
LABEL: NEW HAVEN RECORDS
PRODUCER: CLIFF DUREN AND DANNY RILEY
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 21, 2025
GROUP MEMBERS: DANNY RILEY (BARITONE), JOSH FEEMSTER (LEAD), CHRIS JENKINS (TENOR), JEFF CHAPMAN (BASS), AND TERRY WOOTEN (PIANIST)
SONG LIST:
- Something’s Happening!
- I Pray On Christmas
- O Holy Night
- Jesus, The Light Of The World
- Silent Night (Heavenly Peace)
- Born This Happy Morning
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
- How Many Kings
- Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
- White Christmas
BREAKDOWN:
It’s time for a little Christmas magic and Gold City is here to deliver it. For the first time in two decades, this legendary quartet has released a new Christmas recording. Hope In A Manger features ten special songs that are sure to put listeners in the holiday spirit. Danny Riley and writer/arranger/producer Cliff Duren co-produce this special project that truly captures the sense of wonder and happiness that this season brings. For this album, the group wanted to present a mix of classics and soon to be classics citing that the traditional Christmas songs have been recorded many times over the years.
This exciting album opens with the inviting “Something’s Happening!” This joyful anthem tells of the birth of our Wonderful Savior. Something glorious is happening! “I Pray On Christmas” is a fun, groovy tune, featuring each member, written by Harry Connick Jr. and first released in 1993. I pray on Christmas that He’ll get me through another day! “O Holy Night” is a Christmas staple done in grand fashion by this powerhouse group. Josh Feemster’s powerful lead and Chris Jenkin’s soaring tenor are featured on the verses while Jeff Chapman rattles the basement on the last note. Next, the group delivers a soulful rendition of the Cleavant Derricks penned tune “Jesus The Light Of The World.” The powerful song lifts praise to the Light of the world, Jesus. “Silent Night (Heavenly Peace)” is a fantastic arrangement of the classic standard with an added chorus. “Holy, Holy, Hope in a manger for you and me. Bow down and worship. Come rest your eyes on the King. Jesus, our Heavenly Peace.” “Born This Happy Morning” is a fun, uptempo tune that celebrates the Birth of Jesus. Joy to the world has come! Jeff Chapman’s smooth bass is featured on the classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” His voice fits this timeless song like a glove. Chris Jenkins takes the lead on the beautiful ballad “How Many Kings.” This incredible song praises Jesus who came down from His Throne to save us from sin. Only one King did this for us. This incredible album closes with two more classics: the advent hymn “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” and the doo wop version of the ever popular “White Christmas.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Christmas time is here again! Gold City captures the magic of the holidays while reminding listeners of the true reason for the season. Top notch production, incredible vocals, masterful instrumentation, and great song selection. This album is a fantastic addition to the Christmas playlist and will bring joy to all who listen.
Highlights include: “O Holy Night”, “Silent Night (Heavenly Peace),” “How Many Kings,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and “I Pray On Christmas.”
5 out of 5 stars! For more information, visit: www.goldcityministries.com
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