David T. Clydesdale

Item: The Sound of Christmas
Author: Julie Henry

The Sound of Christmas

(1994)

Reviewed by Julie Henry

Discogs YouTube

Label Word RecordsThe LighthouseDecember 1994

adult contemporary ccm classical

Every year I look forward to adding more Christmas music to my collection. This season, I am glad to have found The Sound Of Christmas, arranged, orchestrated, conducted, and produced by David T. Clydesdale. What an assortment of holiday favorites with some new songs added. There is something here for everyone. There are a couple of jazzy, big band type numbers. Eric Champion and Amy Morriss along with the Sound Of Christmas Orchestra and Singers start the album off with a medley of "Its The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "Winter Wonderland." Later on the album is Timothy Scarr and Andrea Robinson with the S.O.C. Orchestra singing "Go Tell It on the Mountain/Amen!" These artists certainly can belt out those songs with gusto and their voices sound good together.

There is the traditional, fireside rendition of "The Christmas Song" by Ray Boltz and Babbie Mason with the S.O.C. strings. This is quite a beautiful arrangement and the two really complement each other's voices well. Cindy Morgan, Bryan Duncan and the S.O.C. orchestra and Double Choirs do a very modern arrangement of "O Holy Night" that is quite pretty. Although contemporary, it probably wouldn't disappoint those listeners who prefer the more traditional arrangements of that holiday classic.

There is a very lovely instrumental medley consisting of "Carol of the Bells", "Toyland," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," and "The Waltz of the Flowers." There is also a medley which is called "Christmas Lullaby Medley:" "Coventry Carol," "Away in a Manger," "What Child is This?" "Rocking Lullaby," and "The First Noel."

Point of Grace with the S.O.C. orchestra sing "This Gift." The group Anointed, accompanied by the orchestra, sings "Sing For Joy!" which is sort of a pop, lively Caribbeanish type number. Both add a lot to the album with these contemporary songs.

"Grown-up Christmas List," sung by soprano Bobbi Page with the Double String Orchestra is such a poignant reminder of what Christmas means to an adult. Page's strong, high notes make this a joy to listen to. If you are looking for an all purpose Christmas album, may I suggest this Sound Of Christmas. I think YULE love it!