Reviewed by Tony Cummings

It has to be admitted that Texas-based Deborah Wedekind, otherwise known as DeDe, is making considerable progress in the music world despite still not having been signed to a label. This classy Christmas set was produced by Grammy winning Jeff Bova (Celine Dion) and shows far more versatility and flair than you usually hear on a CD of Christmas songs. Her publicity sheet suggested that there are elements of French, Celtic, Latin, classical, Motown, African tribal and Americana in these arrangements and sure enough they can be heard. The second song, "One Child", for instance, sounds like something from the Lion King movie while her original "Canon On The Lord's Prayer" is an extraordinary tour-de-force with layer upon layer of vocals and instruments. Occasionally the eclecticism gets in the way of full appreciation of DeDe's classically trained voice but on the whole, this is an extremely enjoyable and highly original Christmas offering.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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