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Our Review

Mandy Spencer is a rare breed. On What Christmas Means to Me, she manages to sound sexy, but just like the girl-next-door. Her rich alto has that come-hither quality with sultry undertones, but she still pulls off that good-girl country aura. Nice!

Spencer's in mighty fine company on this release. Country/bluegrass artist Milo Deering's acoustic guitar and fiddle on Silent Night provides the perfect framework for Spencer's simple vocals; she later layers on intricate harmonies, making this track probably top my list. On Baby, It's Cold OUtside, Spencer sings the duet with Dave Alexander, a top-selling western artist with tons of vocal texture and great chemistry to boot. Spencer herself delivers big-time on each number; her style is jazz-infused adult contemporary with country leanings. She sings with warm confidence and character; I could listen to that voice all night.

What Christmas Means to Me is a lovely easy-listening opportunity for the holidays. Invite this intimate ensemble into your home this season and discover what Christmas means to Mandy Spencer--it may mean a lot to you, too.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

Vocals--Mandy Spencer

Musicians:
Piano--Roland Elbert
Drums--Gene Glover
Bass--Marshall Morris
Electric Guitar--Jim Casey
Trumpet--Larry Spencer
Saxophone--Paul Nagy
Trombone--Keith Adkins
Background vocals--Cheyenne Davis, Robyn Baird

Special Guests:

Pete Brewer--Saxophone on "What Christmas Means to Me" & "Winter Wonderland"
Milo Deering--Acoustic Guitar and Fiddle on "Silent Night"
Dave Alexander--Vocal on "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (appearing coutesy of DAP Productions)

Executive Producer--Mandy Spencer
Producer--Larry Spencer
All songs arranged by Larry Spencer except for "Please Come Home for Christmas" (Don Bozman)
Engineered by Martin Baird

Mandy Spencer

What Christmas Means to Me

Artist link

Track List