Our Review
What a treat, this close to Christmas, to receive the highly original December Tales. Built on the foundation of Robert Stoddard's original compositions, December Tales features John Huntington's rich baritone accompanied by a variety of orchestral arrangements anchored by the piano of Ann Christensen Bunker.
This record often reminded me of a stage musical. I was probably led to this impression by the traditional arrangements, coupled with Huntington's stage-trained voice. There is also the matter of the compositions themselves, the style of which is both novel and familiar, and whose melodies were among the most unusual I've heard this season. It is almost as if one were actually listening to the soundtrack from a broadway show that (if one had seen the show) tells a Christmas tale. All that remains to be heard is the interstitial dialogue and a theatrical climax.
The songs are contemporary sacred carols, written and orchestrated by Robert Stoddard as Christmas gifts to family and friends over a period of almost thirty years. All except for the title cut, December Tale, which was written by science fiction writer Orson Scott Card. Card's haunting haiku makes a fitting finale for this longstanding Christmas tradition.
--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2000)
No More
John Huntington
December Tales
Artist link
Label: Gladsong
Length: 40 minutes
Genre: Broadway
Release: 2000
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| A Simple Carol |
| Spell of Nöel |
| How Far to Bethlehem |
| Baby Jesus, Sleeping There |
| Of a Dark Night |
| Glory |
| What About Jesus? |
| I Cradle You Close |
| Caroling |
| Angels on Christmas |
| The Tiniest Star |
| One Gift |
| Ornaments |
| Looking Across the Manager |
| Find Him |
| December Tale |