Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Canadian singer/songwriter Becka deHaan's Christmas album kicks off with a delightful cover of Mahalia Jackson's "No Room At The Inn" which showcases deHaan's piano skills and obvious vocal talents. Elsewhere, further nods to the past are respectfully included with the likes of the African American spiritual "Rise Up Shepherd And Follow", an instrumental rendition of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and straightforward yet skilfully delivered readings of old chestnuts like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "O Holy Night". DeHaan's main asset is undoubtedly her voice and thanks to its power, sensitivity and versatility - not to mention support from a rootsy array of backing musicians - she is able to glide from bluegrass-tinged originals such as "In Summer, Still Unfurled" and "Now Have I Seen (Simeon's Song)" to choral music ("Of The Father's Love Begotten") with everything else in between. In short, this is a seasonal album with a difference and well worth checking out on the lead up to Christmas.

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