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Nancy LaMott must have been quite a person, to have engendered such loyalty in her fans, loyalty that is still evident on her "tribute" web site. Although she succumbed to cancer in 1995, people who loved her are still doing their best to spread the news about the "best cabaret singer of her generation."

I am happy to have the opportunity to hear her Christmas CD, and to bring the news of Nancy LaMott to a few more people.

The record made me sad, listening to it and knowing a little of the story of her passing. So perhaps I heard the music in a sadder light than the record warrants. But as a set, the carols and anthems on this record are more somber than most.

I was unfamiliar with many of the songs on her CD, which is a good thing and which makes me wonder what sources she mined to find some of them. Admittedly, I am not well acquainted with many of her broadway and pop influences. Yet, I was very happy to to hear a record so outside the norm.

On Just in Time for Christmas, she didn't really hit her stride until she performed the medley, What Child Is This/I Wonder as I Wander. This was followed in succession by the title track (the best song on the album) and a nice rendition of Baby, It's Cold Outside with Michael Feinstein. And when she closed with The Christmas Song, I felt as though I could almost hear what it must have been like to catch her live act.

All in all, this is an important Christmas CD because--through Just in Time for Christmas--it gives something new back to the Christmas music tradition. And that is the highest praise I give.

I wish you luck finding this record, but I encourage you to e-mail Ms. LaMott's producer, David Friedman, in case there are any still available.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 1998)

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Nancy LaMott

Just in Time for Christmas

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Track List