Review and More

Our Review

Jennifer Graf's Tidings of Christmas showcases her classically-trained soprano on 16 traditional carols. A professional vocalist who favors both opera and holiday caroling, Graf is a woman after my own heart. She possesses a soprano with fragile clarity, but enough muscle to convey confidence and emotional commitment throughout. Her light, well-controlled vibrato adds depth, and the minimalist piano accompaniment provides a classy focus on her vocals.

The album opens well with an a cappella bar of In the Bleak Midwinter, one of my favorites; as the piece continues, Graf's vocal and Terry Musselman's piano nicely build both in volume and intensity. Graf's voice is especially lovely on the melancholy Coventry Carol and the nicely-phrased What Child Is This?, but the best track is the all-too-brief Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen, which presents a cappella harmonies (with Graf apparently on both parts). In the middle, the album mixes the mood with jazzy interpretations of Christmas Time Is Here and God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.

Tidings of Christmas is a solid holiday offering, especially for those who want to share their living rooms with a talented soprano this Christmas. Invite Jennifer Graf in for a hot cocoa, and she may reward you with sweet seasonal renditions.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

More

From the liner notes:

Jennifer Graf: lead vocals and flute
Terry Musselman: piano
Carrie Weston-Landon: additional vocals on "Angels We Have Heard on High"
Amy Graf Kozel: additional vocals on "Silent Night"

Jennica Musselman: CD cover and liner notes design
Kate Sykes: cover photo
Brian E. Smith, Lynn Graf, Jennifer Graf: additional photography

All songs arranged by Terry Musselman and Jennifer Graf

Jennifer Graf is a professional soprano who sings regularly in Philadelphia, New York, and throughout the Northeastern United States. She is at home in opera, musical theatre, oratorio, and early music; and holds a Master of Music Degree in vocal performance from New England Conservatory, where she graduated magna cum laude. Some of her credits include roles in The Pirates of Penzance, The Marriage of Figaro, La Boheme, Carmen, The Impresario, The Chocolate Soldier, Meet Me in St. Louis, Camelot, Handel's Messiah, Vivaldi's Gloria, and Bach's St. Matthew Passion.

Jennifer is also Founder and General Director of Olde Towne Carolers, a professional holiday music company that performs in the eastern Pennsylvania region. She has often been a guest soloist with the Terry Randall Trio, singing jazz standards and favorite show tunes.

Jennifer Graf

Tidings of Christmas

Artist link

Track List