Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The Many are a house band of The Plural Guild, a collective of musicians from Chicago and this, their debut album, is nothing short of stunning. Thanks in large part to a beautiful opener "Holy Is Your Name" encouraging us all to join in with the angels celebrating the Messiah's miraculous birth, 'Advent & Christmas 2015' is a triumph even when they turn their attention to predictable numbers like "Hark The Herald Angels Sing". The sweet-voiced Hannah Rand sings on "Holy Is Your Name" aided by the heavenly voices of Olivia Harris and Lesley Michelle and a simple but effective piano and rhythm accompaniment gives the song a mood of sincere adoration. That mood is also achieved on the wistful midtempo "In This World". In a Christmas music scene overflowing with production line carols and banal Santa songs this album is a worshipful masterpiece and with a download available for a six dollar tip is much recommended.

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