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Our Review

This cool little album is right up my alley. Annelise LeCheminant is an excellent alternative rock/acoustic rock/folk rock performer who offers up super-cool arrangements of seven holiday classics on Christmas. Before you even hear the CD, you sense something special about the release. The lovely artist's smiling face absolutely radiates personality, almost leaping off the shimmering album cover, and you know you want to hear what this talented woman can do. Fortunately, she can do plenty--LeCheminant's soulful alto has warm charm and texture that welcomes and uplifts the listener. The arrangements transform these well-known chestnuts in subtle ways that speak directly to me; the simple settings made me feel like part of the show. Very, very nice.

All seven tracks have real merit, although the album is way, way too short (27 minutes). I particularly liked The First Noel with its fine violin (Jenne Fleenor) and sharp harmony vocals (Scat Springs). The album closes deliciously with a high-energy, hand-clappin', knee-slappin' version of Go Tell It on the Mountain, including some sly sermonizing by Scat Springs.

If you enjoy acoustic rock/folk, you will definitely want to spend at least 27 minutes this Christmas with the talented Annelise LeCheminant. As my fabulous father-in-law likes to say, this album's a keeper!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

Arrangements were created by all those involved in the recording process.

Annelise LeCheminant: Vocals & hand clapping!

Also on the album:
Paul Allen (guitar, bass, percussion, knee slapping!hand clapping!)
Steve Brewster (drums)
Jenee Fleenor (violin)
Gary Lunn (bass)
Scat Springs (background vocals & sermon)
Pino Squillace (percussion)
Matt Wilder (bass, guitar, keys, hand clapping!)

Produced, Engineered, Mixed, Mastered by Matt Wilder.


From the Website:

Biography of Annelise LeCheminant

Since beginning her music career, Annelise LeCheminant has been described as "enchanting," "refreshing," and "engaging" as she captivates audiences with her soulful, venturesome sound. This singer/songwriter/guitarist is a musician audiences simply can't ignore. She skillfully applies creativity and artistry to her music, developing a sound that is reminiscent of a well-stamped passport, having visited many genres and brought them home. Her music is a cohesive blend of alternative groove-rock, gypsy jazz, and soul, with a little flavor from the saltshaker of a European cafe.

Arriving somewhat late to the music industry, Annelise wasted no time in acquiring the skills necessary to make her mark in the world. In 1999, she began teaching herself to play the guitar. One year later, she took a 1600-mile leap of faith to Nashville to refine her vocal talents with coach Brett Manning, and within a few months she was playing open mics and writers' rounds. For the next few years, Annelise played two or three nights a week in Nashville to fine-tune her performing skills while penning new songs. In the fall of 2003, she began recording her debut album, You Never Know, with producer Matt Wilder, on a self-owned label, MoxyShop Records. In the studio, Annelise played acoustic guitar on most of her songs--an accomplishment in itself. Annelise released the 16-track record in August 2004, with several "A-list" Nashville players adding their talents to the project. She then began sharing the stage with them, holding her own as a guitarist and singer.

Annelise LeCheminant

Christmas

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Track List