Reviewed by Phil Thomson

At last, an album of carols with everything but the traditional Christmas carol treatment. For many of us, Christmas music can be oh so familiar that we are likely to be listening to our memories rather than the message. Not this time. This fresh approach hinges on the inspired selection; executive producer Norman Miller has gone to great lengths to select arrangements of well known seasonal titles which simply exude the quality and character of the artists themselves. Twila Paris is here with "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"; there's Carman, Lamelle Harris, Steve Green, Wayne Watson; Sandi Patti with an epic "O Holy Night" - and, from BeBe And CeCe, one of the most riveting deliveries of "The First Noel" you are ever likely to encounter. And in the midst of the roll call of current USA exponents, Chris Eaton offers the sole UK voice with a version of his Sir Cliff No 1 "Saviour's Day". In all, exceptional value. Such is the diversity, this could be any time in the year. Here is your opportunity to make it so.

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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