Search - Mark Lowry :: Mary Did You Know

To the next level!

Wendy Vickers | Nashville, TN | 10/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
God must really be crazy about Mark Lowry.



Not only has he been given exceptional gifts with comedy, the written word, and overall communication with an audience, but he also is blessed with one of the best voices out there. A male equivalent combination of Karen Carpenter meets Patsy Cline, his singing is smooth, pure, expressive and emotive.



Mark's new Christmas release "Mary Did You Know? A Mark Lowry Christmas" is a showcase for his versatility and an opportunity to hear him do holiday songs well known in the secular world (he even takes on a Bruce Springsteen-like arrangement of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"). There is plenty on this album for those who love the fun and those of us seeking our goose bumps. The two biggest winners on this album are an emotional "Let There Be Peace On Earth" and his version of "The Christmas Song". His superb vocal phrasing on the latter track especially ranks, to my ears, up there with some of the greats in the business.



The album's title track marks by my count the 8th recorded version of "Mary Did You Know" that Mark has done, either solo or as part of the Gaither Vocal Band. Mark and his production team of Michael Sykes and Michael English keep it fresh with a string/piano arrangement and a deeply felt vocal performance.



Mark once again has top flight musicianship support, most familiar being Michael English and Reggie Smith on backing vocals (continuing the unique blend they contributed to Mark's "Some Things Never Change" album), Kim Lord and Amber Franks of Lordsong, Joyce Martin and Judy Martin Hess, Nashville keyboard ace Gordon Mote, and Crystal Taliafero, whose credits include stints and work with Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, on percussion.



Mark has taken his singing to the next level on this album. Don't be surprised if you find yourself playing this one even outside of the Christmas season.



"

Mark Lowry Fan

DWC | Cove, OR USA | 12/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have enjoyed watching Mark Lowry's comedy with the Gaithers. His beautiful voice and singing was always secondary to his comedy. Then I began noticing what a great voice he had. His singing is by no means second rate, rather it is second to none. This album is now one of my favorite Christmas albums. When I heard that Mark Lowry wrote "Mary did you know" I wanted to get a recording of him singing it. I was not disappointed. The rest of the songs are also very well done.

Any fan of Christmas music will want to have this recording."