This exciting original Christmas spiritual, "Goin' To Bethlehem," by Jay Althouse opens with the men stating the rhythmic theme, followed by the middle voices and finally the sopranos. The three verses include much repetition but plenty of surprises-including a women's section contrasted by the men, and an optional high descant on the driving finish. A fresh new work that's solidly rooted in the classic spiritual traditions. An Althouse winner and a must for your holiday concerts! An exiting new Christmas spiritual from Mary Kay Beall and Jay Althouse. "Two folks comin' to Bethlehem town. No room, no room!," Includes brief solos for one male and one female. Every Christmas concert needs a spiritual and this powerful a cappella number is IT! "Have You Heard The News? Is everything you have come to love and expect from a Jay Althouse Christmas spiritual, and a whole lot more. Lively and quick lyrics, solid rhythmic hooks, and refreshing parallel chords fill every phrase, followed by melodic riffs from the men's section. A contrasting middle section gently holds back before the A section returns including a well-written modulation and rousing descant over the final flourish. A great addition to your choral library. "Star Of Glory" is an exciting, original, a cappella Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse in the tradition of his "No Room," "Have You Heard?," and "Whisper! Whisper!" Lots of effective dynamic contrasts make this a thrilling choral work for both singers and audience. Lush, slow middle section contrasts with up-tempo opening and closing sections. A quality choral work for your Christmas concerts. Another memorable Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse. Strong dynamic contrasts (from "Whisper, whisper, tiny baby in a manger lay" to "Shout it out from the hills and valleys; baby born today") make this a winner for your choir. A lush middle section contrasts with the rhythmic excitement of the opening theme. Brief, easy solos for both a male and female singer. A cappella.

Songlist: Goin' To Bethlehem, Have You Heard?, Star of Glory, Whisper! Whisper!

"Have you heard the story of the baby boy, born in Bethlehem?" From that simple question Jay Althouse has crafted another superb, original Christmas spiritual. It features contrasting dynamics (excellent for teaching phrasing), male and female solos, and a tender middle section which contrasts with the hushed excitement of the opening and closing melody. Includes a descant on the final chorus. " Whisper! Whisper!" - Another memorable Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse. Strong dynamic contrasts (from "Whisper, whisper, tiny baby in a manger lay" to "Shout it out from the hills and valleys; baby born today") make this a winner for your choir. A lush middle section contrasts with the rhythmic excitement of the opening theme. Brief, easy solos for both a male and female singer. "Star of Glory" is an exciting, original, a cappella Christmas spiritual from Jay Althouse in the tradition of his "No Room," "Have You Heard?," and "Whisper! Whisper!" Lots of effective dynamic contrasts make this a thrilling choral work for both singers and audience. Lush, slow middle section contrasts with up-tempo opening and closing sections. A quality choral work for your Christmas concerts. "Look-A That Star" - What a great new Christmas spiritual! It's the perfect a cappella number for your choir: the simple harmonies and rhythmic pulse propel this piece from beginning to end. Features dynamic contrasts, a lush middle section and two short solos. Your SATB and 3-part mixed choirs will sound their very best on Look-A That Star. " Alleluia Seven" - Much repetition and a catchy makes this 7/8 number deceptively easy to learn. Opens with eight measures in 7/8, then a smooth, homophonic andante section in 4/4, followed by a repeat of the opening 7/8 section. Great for competitions and festivals.

Songlist: Have You Heard?, Whisper! Whisper!, Star of Glory, Alleluia Seven

Octappella : Christmas   

The fourth excellent CD by Utah-based, all male Contemporary octet Octappella, who apply their trademark intricate, tight harmonies, cutting-edge arrangements and bright, solid vocal percussion to 13 Christmas favorites. Jester Hairston's "Mary's Little Boy Child," the wonderful original "Come and See" by group member Matt Cropper (who also does a lot of Octappella's arrangements), a marvelous arrangement of "O Come All Ye Faithful," a sizzling, jazzy rendition of Sammy Cahn's "Let It Snow," Jay Althouse's spirited foot-tapper "Whisper! Whisper!," a pair of innovative Deke Sharon arrangements, "O Come O Come Emanuel" and "Sleigh Ride," "O Holy Night," another nice original, "Christmas Time," by group member Wes Brewer; and the spirited "Child of God" by Emily Crocker are immediate favorites. But "Stars Were Gleaming," "Once in Royal David's City" and "Joy to the World" are also incredible, as if we are hearing these standards for the first time. A brilliant, fun, seemingly effortless, envelope-pushing collection-one of the best we've heard this year!

Songlist: Mary's Little Boy Child, Come And See, O Come All Ye Faithful, Let It Snow, Stars Were Gleaming, Whisper! Whisper!, O Come O Come Emmanuel, Sleigh Ride, O Holy Night, Christmas Time, Child Of God, Once In Royal David's City, Joy To The World