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Kimmy & Klasse' is the trio of lead vocalist Kimmy Kearse with Johnita Wilson-Dillard (alto) and LeVondra Attidore (soprano). These talented women deliver a sound that is part pop, part R&B, a dash of funk, a spark of jazz, and a lot of heartfelt fun thrown in for good measure.

A Kimmy & Klasse' Khristmas is a holiday card for grateful listeners. In fact, the album opens with a warm conversation among the trio, noting the passage of yet another year, and wishing everyone the best of the season. This relatively short (about 35 minutes) album presents eight Christmas classics and one patriotic number to close ("The Star Spangled Banner"). The music embodies the verve of three great friends doing what they love best--communicating through music. Kimmy Kearse has a powerful instrument, explosive and emotive, and Wilson-Dillard and Attidore contribute pleasing harmonies. The instrumentation sounds like the stylings of a jazz combo playing at an intimate lounge setting.

The harmonies are quite good throughout the album, but are especially impressive on the nostalgic "Auld Lang Syne." My favorite number, however, has to be the a cappella "Star Spangled Banner," which may not be a true holiday song, but provided the perfect finish here. Everything comes together is this final track--the harmonic blend, the energy, and the emotion. Nice!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Kimmy J. Kearse (Lead Vocalist)
Johnita Wilson-Dillard (Alto)
LeVondra Attidore (Soprano)

Unlike most, Kimmy & Klasse' have had many opportunities over the years to develop their skills via live performances, TV and radio appearances, and CD recording sessions. Their profound understanding of each other's musical gifts and skills enables them to created an uncommon and delightful sound. Like Earth, Wind and Fire, these women's voices combine to take you on a spiritual high, while entertaining your senses. In this latest release "A Kimmy & Klasse' Khristmas" they invite you to journey with them as they interpret familiar songs with powerful spiritual Christmas messages in a new and exciting way. You are invited to travel along--as these "sisters in music" embark upon a kaleidoscopic musical journey in celebration of this very special holiday time.
From the Web site:

Based out of upper Marlboro, Maryland, this musical collective, Kimmy & Klasse', hosts the lovely voices of Kimmy Kearse, Johnita Wilson-Dillard, and LeVondra Attidore. Joining together officially in 1994, lead singer Kimmy began singing first with Johnita in 1993, and then with LeVondra while carpooling to work in 1994. Over the years, the women discovered they had a distinguishable sound and a growing musical following ever so eager to enjoy any one of their many performances.

Kimmy & Klasse'

A Kimmy & Klasse' Khristmas!

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Track List