Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Yes. . . Cross Rhythms does know we've missed this release by six months. . . This no doubt sold by the bushel last Christmas though it's been a tricky one for me to get my head around. It was produced by the award-winning producer Wayne Ham who was described by one reviewer as "a connoisseur in bringing us back to the sepia-toned era of Frank Sinatra when music was romantic and affecting." So you get the general idea - lush, string-filled orchestrations, occasional contributions from a children's choir and songs which range from the over-recorded ("We Wish You A Merry Christmas") to the downright terrible ("A Holly Jolly Christmas"). The same reviewer who enthused about Wayne Ham suggested that the Southern gospel stalwarts' rendition of "Silver Bells" is "easily giving Perry Como a run for his money." In my jaundiced view that's not saying much. The Perrys were formed by Randy Perry in 1970 and his wife, Libby Perry Stuffle is still with the group, though their current lead singer Andrew Goldman clearly isn't a Perry. They are a class act in terms of technique; just listen to the way they hold the high notes on "O Holy Night". But for me 'A Very Perry Christmas' has stepped so far into easy listening territory it's hardly deserving of the label Southern gospel.

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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