First Call And Friends - An Evening In December Vol 1: A Christmas A Capella (re-issue)
STYLE: MOR / Soft Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 20015-3141 LABEL: Discovery House Music MG175IPAACS FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1 RRP: £12.99
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
In the US this has been long considered a Christmas classic and when originally released in 1985 catapulted First Call from the relative anonymity of the providers of backup for Sandy Patty and Nashville session singers to bona fide Christian music stars, not to mention gaining First Call a Grammy nomination. Now, thanks to Discovery House Music (Everlasting Books & Music in the UK), the album is back in catalogue again and no doubt will find a niche with those who like the idea of Christmas carols and songs given elaborate acapella arrangements. It has to be said that the harmonies displayed here are absolutely stunning and the blend of voices displayed by Marty McCall, Bonnie Keen and Mel Tunney is dazzlingly inventive so that even the most hackneyed of yuletide anthems ("The First Noel", "O Come O Come Emanuel", "Joy To The World") take on a fresh sparkle. Marty McCall's classical training and his knowledge of medieval and renaissance music are brought to full effect here. The "and friends" do their part too with Cynthia Clawson, Wayne Watson and David Meece all offering pleasing lead vocals. Only the cheesy rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" featuring Dave Boyer lets the side down. But compared with the yuletide dross annually dished out by the CCM companies each year, this is still a Christmas album deserving of its high reputation.
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