Everyone's favorite
new age
synthesizer/acoustic trio returns with a twenty-year retrospective of
holiday
traditions; easily their strong suit and what they are most famous for in the public eye. Recorded live at over six venues on their latest tour, the group presents a balance of contemporary favorites, international
Christmas standards
and
traditional
religious hymns
. A guest appearance by
Johnny Mathis
on
"O Tannenbaum"
definitely ranks among the highlights; as well as their anthemic rendition of
"Deck The Halls."
And while those loyalists most likely already have performances of most of these tunes, it's still a fun little disc that brings out the joy and spirit of the
season. ~ Rob Theakston