Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Jonathan is of course as well known on the Christian circuit for his ability as an always amusing raconteur as for his work in opera (he was recently touring the UK as part of the Glynbourne team). Musically, he has also found a niche which connects with Christian audiences eschewing much of his classical/operatic repertoire in favour of modern worship songs, Bob Dylan and, on this set, a batch of Christmas songs which, hearteningly, favours the incarnation rather than those dread chestnuts roasting on an open fire (though "The Christmas Song" does crop up on the last track of the album). Jonathan's legions of supporters will enjoy their favourite's bass/baritone interpretations of "In The Bleak Midwinter, "Away In A Manger" and "O Holy Night" while his readings of Graham Kendrick's "Thorns In The Straw" and Paul Field's "The Christ In Christmas Time" are exemplary. On occasions Jonathan displays a tendency to over-emote, but that is a fault of many classically-trained vocalists attempting a more popular repertoire. But with some fine production work from Mark Edwards, whose deft touch on the concert grand is consistently effective, this is a Christmas set which will be bought by Veira supporters for several Christmases to come.

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