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Three years ago, I reviewed Lords a Leaping: Volume II, a clever combo of holiday offerings executed by a talented group of singer-songwriters hailing from central Pennsylvania. So when John Cimino, the moving force behind the "leaping lords" projects, contacted me about Volume III, how could I possibly say no?

Like its predecessors, Lords a Leaping: Volume III presents a tasty melange of original seasonal offerings--with two well-known favorites tossed into the mix for extra flavor. The album opens with "church bells" and horns on Forty Foot Santa, a humorous ditty about the town's holiday display. The players here are friendly and capable, and the musical variety (from goth rock to pop/folk and jazz) provides fine synergy. You get the impression that you honestly know these artists--that these friends are in fact your friends, too. The ambiance is totally intimate and familiar, and the mood is comfortable and fun.

Volume III has much to offer. The easy simplicity and lovely vocals (Jennifer Bell) on Come, Christmas, Come are affecting; the dark mysteries of the goth-inspired Venie Exultemus Domino are even more so. My favorite numbers, though, must include the sweetly upbeat, lightly rockin' Silent Prayer with a resilient melody that replays the cheery affirmance that "hope is alive" (the cut appears twice, with a "Reprise" as the closing track). I also relished the minimalist, acoustic presentation of Is This Christmas?, the melancholy, universal tale of how the holiday's hustle-bustle undercuts the season's true meaning.

I have considerable admiration for independent artists who rally together every year or two to craft and present freshly-minted Christmas pieces. The originals are thoughtful and memorable, and the musicianship is strong. The next time I am cruising on I-80 through Central Pennsylvania, I will undoubtedly be humming one of the Lords a Leaping holiday pieces with a broad smile on my face. Thanks a bunch, John Cimino, and Merry Christmas!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

John Cimino: guitar bass, vocals, slide whistle
Michael Hughes: drums, vibraphone, vocals, mirth
Brett Albert: keyboards
John Wagoner: guitar, bass
Jennifer Bell: vocals
Adam Bell: vocals, piano
Brandon Giuffre: guitar, vocals--track 7

Rob Sheffer: trumpet
Kevin Rieth: trumpet
Joe Laucks: saxophone
Suzanne Laucks: clarinet

Mixed and mastered by John Wagoner

From the Website:

"Lords a Leaping" is a group of songwriter friends from Central Pennsylvania who decided that creating some new Christmas tunes, and revamping some old ones might be fun! The goal of Lords a Leaping is to create "new classics" for current and future generations to enjoy.
In 2002, Lords a Leaping, Volume I was released with several original songs written by John Cimino, a great musical version of Silent Night arranged by John Wagoner, and a few remakes of old classics. Volume I received critical acclaim and sold out in 3 weeks. Who knew Christmas music was in such demand?
In 2004, Lords a Leaping, Volume II was released, with original songs contributed by Adam Bell and John Cimino, new arrangements of old favorites by Brett Albert, Adam Bell, and John Wagoner, and a special contribution by Rusty Gun Revival with their song "The Greatest Gift". This album proved to be just as shockingly popular as the first.
This year, we proudly release Lords a Leaping, Volume III. With eight new original songs, Lords a Leaping adds to its extensive catalog of original holiday music.
Since 2002, we have entertained crowds during the holiday season in a variety of venues. Touring theatres and elementary schools for example, was a new adventure for us all! We have been able to accomplish some rewarding things as well, such as raising money to contribute to local food banks. Through it all, the goal of Lords a Leaping has remained the same- to share our love of the Christmas season through music and, in doing so, to hopefully brighten a few lives in the process.

Central Pennsylvania Artists

Lords a Leaping: Volume III

Artist link

Track List