Artist: David Phelps
Title: O Holy Night: A Live Christmas Celebration
Website: http://www.davidphelps.com
Style: Christmas Holiday
Label: Word Records
Rating: 8 out of 10
By C.W. Ross

This release was recorded live on David’s farm located in southern Tennessee. So you get the added experience of both fans reaction and interaction on this release. The event was also captured for a DVD.

Before setting out on a solo career Phelps gained acclaim during his eight years spent with the Gaither Vocal Band. With over a three octave range and ability to hold high notes for extended periods of time Phelps has built his reputation as a great singer

O Holy Night: A Live Christmas Celebration is a jammed packed 15 tracks that last for just under 1 full hour. While the songs are Christmas classics Phelps makes them come alive and adds modern elements through the passion found in his vocals. The songs also feature rich choir background vocals that add to that rich feeling.

My favorite tracks were the more upbeat tempo type of songs like, “Hallelujah,” “If Everyone Believed,” along with “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” that features a very interesting arrangement that even though I’ve heard this song covered many different times I’ve never heard it done like this before with its rich vocal harmonies.

I think that this release will appeal mostly to an adult audience with its traditional sounding songs.