Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I'm on record as saying Viola is blessed with one of the best voices in Christendom and though the bloated CCM industry may never come to recognise the fact at least she's able to put out some attractive albums. This one is a Christmas offering but before you scuttle away claiming you've heard "Away In A Manger", "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" and "O Come All Ye Faithful" (all songs here) just too many times, give a listen to this. For, not only does that sweet and sinuous voice delicately ark and weave over excellent acoustic orientated arrangements, the melodies on the first track aren't the too familiar ones either! Great production, superb voice and a joy to the ear which, together with the Rebecca St James effort, have brought a bit of brightness to my carol-listening vigil this yuletide.


Also reviewed in CR60:
This album subtitled A Christmas Celebration With Viola, is a reworking of an album first released in Hawaii in 1997. Before you switch off and think not another twee Christmas album, read on. Viola has a voice that you will never tire of listening to, the production is superb as are the arrangements. There is a wide selection of Christmas classics from Away In A Manger with a different melody to a very soulful medley of White Christmas and I'll Be Home For Christmas . If you are at a loss as to what music you can put on while having a drink with friends or play while granny is around over the holidays, this album will work perfectly and is still great to listen to when you want to unwind a bit.
9
Tim Holden

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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