|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Print Sandi Patty, one of the early female stars of Christian music, has become synonymous with powerful vocals. In the 1980s, Dove awards and #1 hits were common for this music mainstay whose career has covered several decades. The last decade or so has seen Sandi Patty become a sought-after performer with orchestras nationwide covering Broadway tunes, classic songs, and hymns. Her latest venture includes over 20 dates this Holiday season with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for her Yuletide Joy Christmas Show. Yuletide Joy is also her latest release, and it’s a great celebration of Christmas. This may shock those who know me, but at Christmas I want traditional Christmas music and this delivers. “Sing a Song of Gladness/Worship the King” opens the album with chimes, a choir, and Sandi Patty’s voice. This, along with many of the other tracks, makes no bones about the reason we celebrate Christmas. The best arrangement award for this album goes to the festive and fun “Jingle Bells,” which just makes you want to go play in the snow. Styles change from the traditional arrangement, to jazz, to a German opera arrangement. I’m not kidding! It’s funny, it actually works, and Sandi Patty gets to showcase her range. Then the project changes to Latin before ending where they started. “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is slowed down and given a groove and room to breathe as it leads us into “Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child.” My favorite Christmas song is how I usually judge any Christmas album. If “O Holy Night” isn’t done to my liking, I don’t usually care how great the rest of it sounds (weird, I know). So, after the first nine songs were so good, I was hoping not to be disappointed, and I wasn’t. A beautiful arrangement soars to a rousing finish in which Sandi Patty hits the note I was waiting for her to hit, showing again that she has one of the biggest ranges in music. “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” wraps up one of my new favorite Christmas albums. The simple piano arrangement is a fitting end to this holiday journey. I know for many it’s important to know what Christmas songs are on an album, so here’s a track listing.
1. Sing a Song of
Gladness/Worship the King Start to finish, I loved this project. Normally it’s not really my style of music, but for Christmas it works perfectly. Sandi Patty has the voice to make jazz, pop, opera, and show tunes all shine. She applies that here and the results are top-notch. If Christmas is celebrated from Thanksgiving to Dec 25th at your house, then this CD is for you.
ninetyandnine.com © 2005, Jamin Tuttle ------- Jamin Tuttle is now ready for Christmas. |
|
|
