This Christmas is the first Christmas album and thirty-sixth studio album by American singer Aretha Franklin. Produced by Franklin and Tena Clark, it was originally released on October 14, 2008, as a Borders exclusive, consisting of eleven cover versions of Christmas standards and carols. In 2009, the album was reissued by DMI Records. This Christmas peaked at number 102 on the US Billboard 200.
Critical reception
Allmusic editor Andy Kellman wrote:
Track listing Credits taken from the album's liner notes.Franklin, Aretha. "This Christmas, Aretha" (Album Notes). DMI Records. 2008.
Personnel Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.
Vocalists
Aretha Franklin – lead vocals (1, 4–7, 10), vocals (2, 3, 8, 9, 11) Edward Franklin – vocals (2) Tawatha Agee – backing vocals (4) Shelly Ponder – backing vocals (4) Fonzi Thornton – backing vocals (4, 7), BGV contractor (7) Brenda White-King – backing vocals (4, 7) Lisa Fischer – backing vocals (7) Vaneese Thomas – backing vocals (7)
The Fire Choir (Tracks 1, 5, 6 & 10) Bridgette Bryant Alvin Chea Lynne Fiddmont Wendy Fraser Dorian Holley Clydene Jackson Susie Stevens-Logan Carmen Twillie (also choir arrangements and conductor) Oren Waters Gerald White Terry Wood (also choir contractor)
Musicians
Timothy Heinz – keyboards (1, 6, 10) James "Big Jim" Wright – keyboards (2, 3, 7) Richard Gibbs – acoustic piano (4, 9) Darryl Houston – organ (4, 9) Aretha Franklin – acoustic piano (5, 8) Paul Jackson Jr. – guitar (1, 2, 6, 7, 10) Matt Dahlgren – guitar (4, 9) Teddy Richards-White – guitar (4) Nathan East – bass (1–3, 6, 7, 10) Charles "Volley" Craig – bass (4, 8, 9) Ricky Lawson – drums (1–3, 6, 7, 10) Arthur Marbury – drums (4, 8, 9) Luis Conte – percussion (2, 3, 7) Michito Sanchez – percussion (7) Brandon Fields – saxophone (7) Onita Sanders – harp (8)
Music arrangements Bill Meyers – orchestral arrangements and conductor Suzie Katayama – orchestra contractor Timothy Heinz – rhythm arrangements (1, 6, 10) James "Big Jim" Wright – rhythm arrangements (2, 3, 7) Aretha Franklin – arrangements (4, 8) H. B. Barnum – conductor (4, 8, 9)
Production and Technical
Ken Batchelor – A&R Tena Clark – producer (1–3, 5–7, 10, 11) Aretha Franklin – producer (4, 8, 9) Les Cooper – recording (1–3, 5–7, 10, 11) Todd Fairall – recording (4, 8, 9) Michael J. Powell – engineer (4, 8, 9), consultant (4, 8, 9) Al Schmitt – mixing, string recording Don Goodrick – assistant engineer George Gumbs – assistant engineer Tony Rizzo – assistant engineer Ed Woolley – assistant engineer Steve Genewick – Pro Tools editing Doug Sax – mastering at The Mastering Lab (Ojai, California) Ivy Skoff – production coordinator Ruth Bowen – product manager Diana Barnes – art direction, design Timothy White – photography Mia Morgan – styling Katherine Bocci – gown designs Renee Garnes – make-up Carlton Northern – hair Travolta Williams – hair
Charts Chart (2009–2011) Peakposition
References