Search - David Phelps :: One Wintry Night: A David Phelps Christmas

A Christmas treat!

4partharmony | 10/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First, I have to admit that David Phelps is my favorite male singer. When I heard him sing "O, Holy Night" with the Gaithers, I was immediately hooked! I have his first Christmas project (Joy, Joy) and I like it well enough (some parts better than others). One Wintry Night is a huge step forward. The songs are much more sophisticated and complex. David is an amazing talent - a beautiful, expressive voice, songwriter, producer, and now add arranger to the list.



Some highlights: the vocal arrangments are a real treat. Traditional carols are given a new twist and often set in a medly with other carols or an original composition. I love The Singer, One Wintry Night (the title track), and Hark the Herald (can't get that out of my head!). It's just nice to hear a Christmas compilation that doesn't sound like the same old thing. Each song is so well planned. In fact, I'm buying extra copies to give as gifts.



Two quibbles: the first is grammatical. The Hallelujah chorus has a jazzy new treatment which I like, but it bugs me that he sings, "for the Lord God omnipotent shall reigneth for ever and ever." Either sing "shall reign" or "reigneth." "Shall reigneth" is just plain wrong. Someone should've caught that. I also like "If Everyone Believed," but I don't like the forced way in which he sings it. He's probably trying to expand his range and appeal, but it doesn't work for me. With a voice like David's it just seems wrong not to use it properly. I'd rather hear the same song done right. I find myself skipping this track.



I give this project 4 and 3/4 stars. Sample a few of the songs and listen to David sing - you'll see what I mean. You'll be blessed and you won't be disappointed. David's cd's never leave my player!



"

Great!

PGH Mike | Pittsburgh, PA United States | 11/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK, keep in mind this is a Christmas album. I actually enjoy the variety of sounds, from the Hawaiian "Blue Christmas", to the strong ballad "One Wintry Night", to the rockin' "Hallelujah". I wouldn't want to listen to a Christmas album where every song sounded the same, and Phelps surely didn't take this approach. Kudos to Phelps! Overall, I think each track is done well. As with most CDs, a few are absolutely great, and a few are less worthy. Regardless, this is a Christmas CD that should be in everyone's collection, an absolute must for Phelps fans. Enjoy..."