Michael W. Smith

Michael W. Smith
is recording at famed
Beatles studios- Abbey Road

San Diego, Ca…..(August 6, 2007) —In every genre of music there are the Icons. For rock there was Elvis, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones, for Punk there is U2, and of course the old Rat Pack included- Sinatra, Martin, and Davis-Jr; in Christian music it is currently Michael W. Smith.

Michael has announced the release of his 20^th studio CD. It is called “It’s A Wonderful Christmas”, and it is due to release October 16, 2007.

Michael W. Smith has remained an influence throughout Christian Contemporary music for decades. He is not only known for his performances, his consistency and conviction that have encouraged many- including President’s, but he is known for his ability to compose.

Regardless of where you started and where you’re going in this life; we have our influences. You can draw a line from Michael’s work to his hero John Williams (composer of film scores for “Jaws,” “Star Wars,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Jurassic Park”), “It’s so big and symphonic,” says Smith, who himself has scored two films, including “Second Chance” in which he also starred. “It feels like you’re going to get to the end of the record and you’ll want to see the movie. It sounds like a soundtrack.”

“It’s A Wonderful Christmas” features Michael W. joining forces with the voices of some awesome organized choirs; a 100-voice choir, a 16-member London boy’s choir (directed by John Tobin), as well as a 67-piece orchestra at London’s Abbey Road studios. You will also find featured on this latest project a duet with American Idol’s Mandisa. “The arrangements were great. The room is legendary and the players were unbelievable,” says Smith.

In preparation for this latest release he ventured to create an album with the type of rich arrangements and powerful orchestral sounds that he heard growing-up. But in the middle of putting together a list of his favorite tunes, a burst of inspiration soon found he’d written more than enough new material to fill the album. The only classic is the timeless standard “What Child is This?” with a fresh mixture of Michael’s influences.

To promote his new album, Mr. Smith will be hitting the road for his next tour aptly titled-“It’s A Wonderful Christmas”. He will be joined by the musical family, The Katinas, and each date will feature a full symphony orchestra.

For more information go to: www.michaelwsmith.com