Search - Lorie Line :: Sharing the Season 3

Classy and festive

B.P. | Wisconsin, United States | 12/28/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Classy, though not one of my first picks off the self during the holiday season. Because it has a non-traditional flavor which gives the album some good points and a few drawbacks. The performance of Lorie Line and her Pop Chamber Orchestra vividly present a variety of music on this volume. What I love is the touch of harmonica in most of the songs, especially notable in Go Tell It On The Mountain. Plus Lorie Line's piano playing is as beautiful as a music box in track number five: Once In Royal David's City and number eight: Gesu Bambino, as well as number ten: I Wonder As I Wander. These songs plus a few more, share that trait of sweetness, coupled with timely background harmonies from the orchestra strings, (that include; mandolin, violin, cello, guitar and Celtic harp). The real show stopper is the rendition of Frosty The Snowman, a fun and energetic song that really lets out the brass, and will often make me hit the repeat button once or twice. Track nine; Auld Lang Syne, also has a bit of that same characteristic, though it's not quite as strong. But when it comes to track numbers six and seven I once again remember why I often over look this album during the holiday season. Hark The Herald Angels Sing has an atmospheric sound of wind through the trees. An attention getter of course, if you like that kind of stuff, but for me it's one special effect that I could have done without. Then there is The Little Drummer Boy that starts with an almost African beat of drumming, an interesting distinction, but it still sounds a bit out of place.If you're looking for a slight departure from the common holiday instrumental music this CD has the fine quality and variety of instruments that will likely fulfill your fancy. Nicely composed, the combination of songs offered here will round out your holiday selection. [review author: tilley_traveler]"