Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Some jazzy piano and a slinky vocal that could almost be from a '50s nightclub diva make "Santa Baby" a nice start to this eight-song mini-album even though I have a deep rooted aversion to Santa songs particularly those sung by professing Christians like Sarah. If you're a country fan becoming aware of Sarah's undoubted vocal talents you might be bemused by this release as there isn't any hint of country here. "Santa Baby" is followed by a so-so version of "White Christmas" (better than Bing's but not half as good as Al Green's version). One of the two really good cuts both lyrically and vocally is "Silent Night", a song that I'm subjected to countless times every yuletide but with a beautiful vocal it might even be an outsider for Cross Rhythms radio play this holiday. Elsewhere there are more schlock Christmas ditties like "Winter Wonderland" and "The Christmas Song" (surely there can be few takers left for chestnuts roasting on an open fire). The other gem on this set is a rendition of Joni Mitchell's "River" (with its memorable image "I wish I had a river I could skate away on"). Not a Christmas song of course and not country. But very good nonetheless.

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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