Reviewed by Tom Lennie

David Phelps has been moving large crowds with his fine voice since joining the influential Gaither Vocal Band in 1996. Here this Dove Award winner appears with the inevitable Christmas album. As many previous years' experience has proved, it takes a standout seasonal offering to truly impress Cross Rhythms reviewers, and I confess I came to this one with a touch of skepticism. I was in for a fairly pleasant surprise, for Phelps has clearly put a lot of musical initiative and hard work into this. Certainly there appears the traditional Christmas classics - "O Come Emmanuel" is just one that receives sensitive (and in this case, a cappella) treatment. The inclusion of "Away In A Manger" may appear very twee, but this is a strong, unhurried version (though nowhere as good as Allen Levi's stunning take on the 'Joy' collaboration with Bebo Norman). Similarly, "Blue Christmas" makes enjoyable listening, without topping Elvis' rendition. Perhaps Phelps' finest cover is of that enduring carol "O Holy Night", which he masters beautifully. A further real strength of this venture is the inclusion of six original songs - craftily written and varied in musical and lyrical make-up - these are exciting new compositions. "Hark The Herald" (not that version) is a pull-out-the-stops praise anthem, while "One Wintry Night" is a moving, moody treat, with Phelps' characteristic emotional highs and lows. An interesting experience, and a disc you're likely to pull out from the shelves on succeeding Christmases.

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