Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

On the evidence of this 10 track CD, checking in at just under 39 minutes, Rufus Harris from Waterford, Michigan, USA, is a talented guitarist, whether electric or acoustic. On this Yuletide project from 2006, he's taken some old favourite carols, mixed in a couple of recent pieces, done some reworking and arranging, let himself go on a few axe solos and in so doing has managed to escape any accusations from me of excessive Christmas cheesiness. True, his vocals are a little lightweight, but his instrumental and sound engineering proficiency makes up for it: even the antique and done-to-death stuff ("Silent Night", "The Little Drummer Boy", "Joy To The World" et al) benefit from some very thoughtful production, and the opening track, David Crowder's "Come And Listen", has some nice synth strings and good female backing vocals. In clumsier and less capable hands, this might have been Cringe with a capital C but 'Come And Listen' is an admirable Christmas project from an underrated talent.

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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