Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Peder Eide is an American independent Christian artist who's enjoyed considerable success in his homeland. He's also a guy who really enjoys Christmas. That is his self-confessed reason for including a version of "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" in this collection. It could be naff, but surprisingly isn't and really helps to achieve Peder's purpose in reminding us of the joy of Christmas. It should come as no surprise as, from the opening chords of the first song, "Angels We Have Heard on High/Unto Us" you realise that this album is not what you were expecting. It then continues to surprise you with superb versions of "What Child Is This" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - you'll never want to hear these on a church organ again. What is more, the original numbers sit well amongst their better known counterparts. This is definitely a Christmas album with a difference, original in arrangement and execution and one you will want to keep playing.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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