Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

I have to confess that, when I looked at the cover of this CD, my heart sank. Anything with the word kids in the title invokes memories of some gruesome listening experiences over the years, but in this instance there's nothing to fear. With not a squeaky and off-key kiddywinker in sight, this is a good value package of 22 seasonal pieces, both sacred ("We Three Kings", "Once In Royal David's City", "Away In A Manger", "The First Nowell") and secular ("Jingle Bells", "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town", Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride", Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker"). The cast list is a strong one, with several excellent cathedral and church choirs and some top notch orchestras and brass ensembles, and whilst the album is designed to appeal to the kids, thankfully the sleeve notes, whilst written with kids in mind, don't patronise them, but clearly state the real meaning of Christmas. This is an album that kids of all ages could listen to and enjoy - recommended.

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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