Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This particular family are well known in Southern gospel circles and this release sees them approach a batch of Christmas standards with plenty of rich harmony. Unfortunately, there is also a great deal of middle of the road orchestration (note, David Clydesdale's fussy embellishments on "O Holy Night") and it's only when the good family allow accompanists like Jeff Taylor on penny whistle and Craig Duncan on hammered dulcimer that the effect moves away from the unfortunate choral muzak sounds of many of the tracks. No doubt the Collingsworths know their market and reckon there is enough of their supporters pleased to hear the group trotting through "Winter Wonderland", "Silent Night" and "Mary's Little Boy Child" (some of which are sung in medleys) but personally I didn't get much in the way of Christmas cheer.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.