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The Montana A Cappella Society is an all-volunteer organization of nonprofessional singers from the Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana. Imagine, if you will, hearing carolers in your front yard, and when you throw open your door, there stand 22 smiling singers wearing 1800s attire, knee-deep in snow. At first glance, you are tempted to slam the door, but then you begin to listen closely and realize that these folks are darn good. These are fantasy carolers, the ones you wish were patrolling the neighborhood at Christmastime. Christmasse Comes But Once a Year captures that impromptu concert in your front yard, and it makes you feel warm, fuzzy, and fulfilled every time you play the CD.

This group flat-out does a terrific job. OK, they may not be the Robert Shaw Chorale, but who would want those stuffy losers tramping about in the yard? When the Christmas season rolls around, and you want to be surrounded by the love and informality of family and good friends, would you not prefer the Society of talented community members clustered at your door? Director Don Matlock does an excellent job with the group, and the a cappella singing is strong, clear, and filled with joy. You just know that the Society members love what they are doing, and that passion shines with every note.

I do, however, have a complaint. Christmasse Comes But Once a Year slides to a stop after only 36 minutes, and the 22 tracks are quite short (only seven reach at least two minutes in length). I suppose when you are caroling from door to door, you just cannot afford to let the individual songs drone on forever. On the other hand, once I throw the CD onto my sound system, and I curl up in a comfy chair beside the fire, I want the pleasure of this Society's company for a lot longer than just 36 minutes! Ah well, the next album had better be more substantial!

My favorite tracks? Past Three a Clock is a great little traditional English number that does not get around enough, and the Society makes this fun piece fly on all levels. I am also a sucker for the ever-gorgeous Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming; the Society does it justice here.

Shine on, Montana A Cappella Society! I am a longtime aficionado of a cappella singing, and I wish you were on my doorstep right now!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

Montana A Cappella Society

Don Matlock, Artistic Director

Soprano: Robin Clute, Janys Jellison-Manning, Nanette Seltzer, Sarah Windsor, Marcus Wuensche, Pam York
Alto: Pam Crowley, Shelley Loranger, Dawn Matt, Terry Ryan, Chris Wise
Tenor: J.R. Iman, George Mason, Pete Richardson, Scott Southwick, Terry Strom
Bass: Boyd Cobb, Mike Daniels, Tom Hardy, Ron Heppner, Dan Hooten, Russ Lawrence

Frances Matlock, Manager & Costume Designer
Terry Ryan, Executive Producer

This remarkable vocal ensemble from the Bitterroot Valley of Western Montana was formed in 2003 and gave its first public performance only two months later. The Society now performs regionally, promoting public awareness and audience appreciation for the art of a cappella singing (voices without instrumental accompaniment).***

The Society is an all volunteer organization of non-professional singers, representing a cross section of the community from varied musical backgrounds, occupations and ages. *** During the Christmas season the focus is on both secular and sacred holiday music, delighting audiences with fully costumed performances in replica 1800's attire... This recording features favorite selections from Christmases past, with sincere thanks to our audiences and listeners. Happy Christmas to you!

Montana A Cappella Society

Christmasse Comes But Once a Year

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Track List