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Our Review

The Heartland Men's Chorus (HMC) is a large ensemble (over 25 voices each in Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone, and Bass) that has been entertaining audiences in Kansas City since 1986. This is a volunteer chorus of gay and gay-sensitive men who seek to make a positive cultural contribution. They certainly made a positive impact on me.

A New December covers some interesting territory, and the layers of voices interact and communicate quite well. Some of these arrangements are relatively challenging, and Joseph Nadeau's strong artistic direction keeps the group moving down the right path. I particularly enjoyed the 7/8 treatment of Deck the Halls--snappy and unique! The dark and moody tones of Lux Aurumque spread like a rare and discordant, mystical blanket as the song unfolded. The vocal layers were fascinating and moving, especially when the bass voices dropped WWAAAAAYY down. In general, the full choral segments were more effective than the individual soloists; there is, after all, strength in numbers. And although the offering's technical aspects are solid, there are some miking issues that obscure voices.

As the name suggests, A New December is not exclusively about Christmas, and its range makes the album more versatile. These enthusiastic and committed singers have talent. Anyone who loves exploring choral music for the holidays should check out the HMC and A New December.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

A New December has been five years in the making. We selected the best from those years to create a work that includes an exceptionally wide and diverse range of music--yet reflects on the quiet of winter as we prepare for new life to emerge in spring. A timely thought as we all hurry through the holidays and deal with a sometimes chaotic world. I hope you will take time and enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Joseph P. Nadeau, Artistic Director

Rick Fisher, Executive Director
Lamar Sims, Accompanist
Scott Gregory, Recording Engineer
Bungalow Creative, Graphic Design


From the Website:

Heartland Men's Chorus provides excellence in performance while advancing men's choral music, building community, and reaching out to diverse audiences.

Heartland Men's Chorus is Kansas City's gay men's chorus, singing out in Kansas City since 1986.

The members of HMC have joined together for the purpose of making music as a not-for-profit, volunteer chorus of gay and gay-sensitive people who are making a positive cultural contribution to the entire community.

The Heartland Men's Chorus

A New December

Artist link

Track List