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Not pop, not jazz, not gospel, not blues, not soul, not even, strictly speaking, classical, though at times it does have something of a classical patina, Marnell's spirited vocal arrangements defy any sort of classification. Nevertheless, I have to put everything in its rightful place, and Marnell's place seems to fall somewhere between classic American pop and easy listening.

Although he is a baritone, the power in Marnell's voice reminds me a little bit of Paul Robeson. Marnell's songbook reflects a love of classic American Christmas songs, and all of his arrangements register in a spiritual and reverent way.

Of passing note, Marnell is the superintendent in charge of nighttime maintenance requests for the U.S. Senate and three of the selections, including the title track Come to the Manger, were co-written by Senator Orrin Hatch.

I haven't heard anything quite like Marnell, and I enjoyed the novelty of his old-fashioned reverence. He has a voice that could easily sing blues or soul; that he chooses the pop idiom makes him somewhat unique among singers today. Lovers of traditional Christmas will find Marnell's Come to the Manger a feast for the ears.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Produced by Marnell Tanner

Mixed and Mastered by Derek Nash at Clowns Pocket Recording Studios, Kent, England

Recording Engineer, Derek Nash at Clown Pocket Recording Studios

Musicians:

James Treweek: Piano, keyboards, programming

Mike Caswell: Guitars

Scott Garland: Flute and clarinet

Christ Burgess: Drums

Vocals:

Yona Dunsford, Emer McParland, David Combes, James Spilling, Iain Mackenzie

Vocal Arrangemnts by James Treweek

Lead and Background Vocals Recorded at Clowns Pocket Recording Studios, Kent, England

Featuring Sam Shaw & Louise Clare Marshall

Marnell

Come to the Manger

Artist link

Track List