Contemporary Christian group Acappella's Christmas CD features many original compositions with the sophisticated production for which the group is known, along with several traditionals, such as 'Go Tell It On The Mountain.' The consonant and stirring harmonies are intricately woven, and the group favors effects processing on some of the vocal tracks, giving them a modern edge. Even when singing about the birth of Christ thousands of years ago, the songs can be energetic and uptempo, such as 'Merry Christmas,' with it's swinging walking bass, and vocal slides. 'The Reason For The Season' meanders through a doo wop feel into a 6/8 meter, while 'That's What I Love About Christmas' is a whimsical jazz-influenced number, with vocal trumpet and trombone solos. The group adds occasional percussion or keyboard to ornament certain tracks, but Acappella's vocal arrangements, and the quality of the performances, are already as filled with bounty as Santa's sleigh! |
