Is it too early to start talking about Christmas? I guess it’s too late to be asking that question.
The Isaacs have a Christmas-themed CD, just out on the Spring House/EMI label. Called simply, Christmas, the new album offers 14 songs split roughly in half between popular carols and anthems, and new songs or recent favorites. As one would expect from this Gospel music powerhouse, much of the material conveys the Christian message of the nativity, though a number of modern secular pieces are included as well.
Only one has a bluegrass feel, It’s Christmastime Again, but many bluegrass lovers follow and appreciate the vocal abilities of these fine family singers. Even on such a universal pop classic like I’ll Be Home For Christmas, the unaffected purity of the voices and the subtle simplicity of the arrangements betray the influence of the parking lot, and the church house. You hear the same on Sonya Isaacs’ lovely take on Mel Torme’s The Christmas Song.
It’s all great stuff, and will make a perfect accompaniment to any family Christmas, for families that lovely traditional American Christmas music, and bluegrass Gospel-tinged harmony, that is.
Audio samples are available in iTunes or at Amazon.com.