John Schlitt - The Christmas Project

Published Saturday 30th November 2013
John Schlitt - The Christmas Project
John Schlitt - The Christmas Project

STYLE: Rock
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 146857-21444
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Having long been an admirer of Mr Schlitt and recognising that his work with Petra gave us one of the finest voices ever to grace Christian rock, I was still awe-struck by the end of the first track. The "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah is hard enough to sing even with classical training but here the 63 year old Illinois native perfectly strikes the highest of notes in a stunning display of vocal dexterity. If Schlitt singing Handle is not exactly what old Petra buffs had in mind when they gave their Kickstarter support to get this album recorded, they wouldn't have been bemused for long. There are still plenty of arena rock sounding guitars in evidence while his readings of "O Holy Night", "We Three Kings" and "What Child Is This" effortlessly blend rock elements, symphonic embellishments and that classic carol vibe. My favourite cut is the beautiful "O Holy Night" though the sunshine pop of "Good Christian Men Rejoice" and the blue-eyed soul of "The Spirit Of Christmas" are growing on me fast. One of the best Christmas albums you're likely to hear this or any year.

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