Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

The opening song exhorts us to "hear the angels' voices" and it feels like that's exactly what you are listening to on this album. North Carolina-based Taranda's gorgeous vocals are what struck me most about these songs - whether on the quieter numbers like the beautiful rendition of "Still, Still, Still/O Holy Night" that opens the collection or the livelier "Cool Yule (with Up On The Housetop)", with its big band arrangement. Simpler traditional gospel is represented by "Jesus, What A Wonderful Child (with I'm His Child"), happy clappy in the best sense. Fans of traditional Christmas songs will be pleased by the distinctive but respectful renditions here, and those looking for something fresh will be pleased also, for example with the moving "Who Would Imagine A King?" So, variety is one of the many spices on this album. If I have any qualms it's about the practice of combining songs as is evident from some of the titles listed. The album sells itself short in a way by appearing to have only eight tracks, but in fact if you separate them out there are 11, and all excellent. Apart from Taranda's versatile voice, praise is due to the Southern gospel renowned producers Wayne Haun, Jason Webb and Geron Davis for such a professional product.

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