The Christmas Collection is a Christmas compilation album released by American pop and Christian singer Amy Grant in 2008.
According to Amy Grant's official website,
Album information The compilation includes fourteen previously released Christmas songs from Grant's three Christmas studio albums, A Christmas Album, Home for Christmas, and A Christmas to Remember, as well as four new songs.
Of the four new tracks, two are cover songs and two are original compositions. The two covers are "Jingle Bells" and "Count Your Blessings". The latter is taken from the 1954 jukebox musical film White Christmas, and even though Grant has stated she has not watched it yet, she recorded the song for its message. The version of "Jingle Bells" is a cover of the fast-paced arrangement written by Marty Paich and originally recorded by Barbra Streisand. The two new original compositions are "I Need a Silent Night", co-written with constant collaborator Chris Eaton ("Breath of Heaven"); and "Baby, It's Christmas", co-written with husband and fellow singer Vince Gill.
Track listing The album contains a shortened version of "A Mighty Fortress / Angels We Have Heard on High". The intro of "Sleigh Ride" actually begins over the end of "Baby, It's Christmas", and continues non-stop in a successive flow.
Personnel
Music credits (Tracks 1, 3, 5 & 7) Amy Grant – vocals Michael Omartian – acoustic piano (3) Blair Masters – keyboards (3) Pete Wasner – keyboards (3) John Hobbs – acoustic piano (5) Tom Bukovac – guitars (1, 3) Ilya Toshinsky – guitars (1, 3) Vince Gill – guitars (5) Craig Nelson – bass (1, 5) Michael Rhodes – bass (3) Paul Leim – drums (1, 5) Chad Cromwell – drums (3) Jack Gold – arrangements (1) Marty Paich – arrangements (1) Carl Marsh – orchestral arrangements (1, 7) Shane Keister – orchestral arrangements (5) Isobel Griffiths – orchestra contractor (1, 5, 7) The London Session Orchestra – orchestra (1, 5, 7) Mike Casteel – music preparation (1, 5, 7) Eberhard Ramm – music preparation (1, 5, 7) Tim Davis – backing vocals (1), BGV arrangements (1) Lisa Cochran – backing vocals (1) Mark Ivey – backing vocals (1) Aimee Joy Weimer – backing vocals (1) Corrina Gill – Bible verse recitation (3)
Production Michael Blanton – executive producer Amy Grant – executive producer, co-producer (1, 3, 5, 7) Brown Bannister – producer (1–8, 10–14, 16–18) Ronn Huff – co-producer (2, 11) Michael Omartian – producer (9, 15) Doug Sax – mastering Sangwook Nam – mastering assistant Mastered at The Mastering Lab (Ojai, California). Mandy Arola – A&R administration Jan Cook – creative director Tim Frank – art direction Roy Roper – design Kristin Barlowe – photography Trish Townsend – stylist Blanton Harrell Cooke & Corzine – management
Production and Technical credits (Tracks 1, 3, 5 & 7) Steve Bishir – recording, mixing, orchestra recording Matt Coles – recording assistant, mix assistant Brown Bannister – additional engineer Billy Whittington – additional engineer Traci Sterling Bishir – production manager Recorded at The Sound Kitchen (Franklin, Tennessee) and Townsend Sound Studios (Nashville, Tennessee). Orchestra recorded at Abbey Road Studio One (London, UK).
Charts Weekly charts YearChartPosition2008The Billboard 20041Billboard Comprehensive Albums47Top Holiday Albums5Top Christian Albums2Top Christian and Gospel Albums2
End of year charts YearChartPosition2009Billboard Top Christian Albums16
References
Amy Grant Christmas Collection Track listing on Amy's site