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Our Review

Joe Cerisano has "The Voice": distinctive, raspy-rich, and wonderful. When you hear him sing, you know the voice, but you can't quite place the artist. There's a reason for that. As his own Website touts, Cerisano may possibly be "the most famous anonymous singer in America." He is a featured vocalist with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (famous for its holiday recordings) and has performed with artists as diverse as Richie Havens, Blue Oyster Cult, Placido Domingo, and Michael Bolton. Cerisano is also the "well known" voice behind numerous TV and radio commercials (singing the lead for Plymouth/Chrysler, The Army, Miller Beer, you name it! And now this terrific voice presents Give Love (for Christmas) under the artist's own name.

This is a terrific holiday album on so many levels. The strongest aspect is Cerisano's amazing rock/pop voice; he possesses a powerful instrument, and he knows how to use it. His creative phrasing makes every song his own, and his textured intonation definitely recalls Tony Bennett on occasion. Perhaps equally strong are the fantastic arrangements (Kinny Landrum and Cerisano share arranging credit) that make ordinary holiday chestnuts into something extra-special.

Give Love (for Christmas) presents 14 tracks; perhaps six will be known by all, another seven are relatively modern--and lesser known--holiday offerings, and Kinny Landrum offers one original number ("Glad That I Got You (For Christmas)"). The vocals are supported by full orchestration, and the moods are widely varied--from polished pop to jazzy swing to rockin' gospel.

The album is packed with fine flourishes. The opening number "Give Love" is a superb production piece, incorporating "Away in the Manger" as a backdrop, and touting love as "the one thing that no one ever has enough of." Although "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" can be tiresome, Cerisano's rendition sounds like a cheery Cajun swingfest. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is a classy, classic treasure alive with the artist's sophisticated, ultra-smooth tones. "Please Come Home For Christmas" is a bluesy treasure, and "Silent Night" absolutely rocks with gospel sensibilities. As for Landrum's original, "Glad That I Got You (For Christmas)" is a holiday natural, with a memorable tune, catchy refrain, and sentimental lyrics.

Give Love (for Christmas) is a delightful holiday album that should give "The Voice" a name that everyone will remember: Joe Cerisano. Thanks, Joe, for a great album.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

The Band:
Joe Cerisano: Lead Vocals
Kinny Landrum: Piano & Keyboards
Seth Glassman & Norm Lotz: Bass
Ira Siegel: Guitar
Eric Weissberg: Dobro
Richard Crooks & Barbara Allen: Drums
Charlie Lagond & James Landrum: Tenor Sax
Charlie Lagond: Baritone & Soprano Sax
Richard Henrickson: Violins
Darry Tookes, Arif Vega: Background Vocals

Produced by Joe Cerisano & Kinny Landrum
Arranged by Kinny Landrum & Joe Cerisano

From the Web site:

Joe Cerisano is the featured vocalist TSO (Trans-Siberian Orchestra) and possibly the most famous anonymous singer in America
Joe Cerisano has the distinction of possessing one of the most unique voices in America. He has developed a singing style that has absorbed and combined a wide variety of popular influences, including the roots of rock & roll through the years, mixed with his native West Virginia dialect. The resulting combination makes for the classic and original American singer's voice.

Joe Cerisano

Give Love (for Christmas)

Artist link

Track List