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Acappella Family Christmas is a generous "combo platter" of an album, holding 21 tracks that cover well over an hour! No single group, the membership of Acappella has fluctuated over time, all under the leadership of Keith Lancaster, a minister who serves in the Nashville area, and his Acappella Company. This recording is actually a "best of" presentation, incorporating the Acappella Company's last three holiday releases.

Not surprisingly, this feast consists exclusively of a cappella holiday music, and it is first-rate. The 21 cuts have a distinctly religious orientation, but the lovely arrangements are never staid. The youthful, uplifting atmosphere has a distinctly pop feel on some numbers, like "Noel," "There Were Angels," and "Christmas Medley"; in other spots, the flavors are electro-synth ("Joy to the World"), wah-wah jazz ("That's What I Love About Christmas") or doo-wop swing ("Merry Christmas"). Almost all tracks are well-familiar. For me, the best songs had the simplest arrangements and glowed with heart; these included the reverent "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," and the sweet "Here We Come A-Carolling Medley."

Keith Lancaster and his Acappella Company are to be commended for an impressive body of work! Acappella Family Christmas should be a well-received family member in many homes this holiday season.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the Web site:

The Acappella Company began as a dream in the mind of young Keith Lancaster. Unusually gifted by God with exceptional musical range in his voice, and a unique ability to compose memorable songs, Keith recorded his first album, singing all the parts a cappella, at an early age. Now, as the founder of The Acappella Company, Keith heads up producing the most unique and diverse a cappella projects ever recorded, using the finest all-vocals techniques, technology, and voices available.

While still heavily involved with leadership in The Acappella Company, Keith also works as a Worship Minister in the Nashville area. You can find him every weekend at the Madison Church Of Christ.

Over the years, the Acappella Company has released three Christmas albums. We brought them together and chose the best of the best to create the longplay (73 minutes!) Acappella Family Christmas. Several of the songs have been remixed with new vocals, and we've thrown in four new songs as well... including Acappella's great arrangement of Little Drummer Boy.

Acappella

Acappella Family Christmas

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Track List