Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Despite huge US sales, the inspirational balladry of Sandi Patty has found only a limited fan base in the UK which will probably mean that this new set, released on Sandi's own Stylos label, is unlikely to receive a UK release. With the greatest respect I don't think we Brits are missing much on the plus side the orchestra who accompany the singer are superb symphonians and the lush sounds recorded and filmed here (particularly the bottom end of the violas and celli) make for a stirring musical experience but Sandi's vocals range from saccharine sweetness to Streisand-like melodramatics which, over the course of this performance, at a plush auditorium in Richardson, Texas becomes increasingly unlistenable/unwatchable. The songs are mostly utterly predictable ("Angels We Have Heard On High", "O Holy Night", "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas") and even when they're not ("The Most Wonderful Christmas Waltz") the effect is high kitsch. Not a CD/DVD you would want to find nestling under the Christmas tree.

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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