Reviewed by Tom Lennie

Essentially, this Xmas offering from David Phelps of Gaither Music fame is a reworking of that vocalist's classy 'One Wintry Night' recording of 2007; but with several significant differences. First, while both discs contain the same number of songs (15 - and an hour's worth of music), there are a couple of song variations - "Santa Claus" and David's fine "Blue Christmas" disappear and are replaced with Buddy Green/Mark Lowry's "Mary, Did You Know?" and Irving Berlin's "White Christmas". Secondly, these takes are all new and were recorded among friends in David's voluminous barn on the Phelp's family farm! Thirdly, this version has been picked up by Authentic for UK distribution. Fourthly, a DVD of the entire proceedings (plus some extra commentary and slides) are here included on a bonus DVD offering. So in the informality of this rather unusual setting, you can observe Phelps on top of his specially-crafted circular stage, surrounded by orchestra, band and dark-robed choir, with camermen and sound crew perched on the rafters! Phelps delivers a masterful repertoire of favourite (and occasionally adapted) carols along with several of his own worthy creations. Musical performance, video footage, sound quality and production all unite in excellence. Admittedly arrangements are occasionally a tad OTT, but to be honest, this works to the singer's advantage on the closing "O Holy Night". I've encountered some terrific renditions of this beautiful song - not least Matthew Perryman's take on the gorgeous 'Your King Has Come'. But Phelp's version here is by far the most stirring I've heard - stealthily building in atmosphere before reaching an almost overwhelming crescendo - a true vocal triumph.

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