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Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester has long been a favorite of mine. Beginning as a backup singer to Bette Midler in the early 1970s, Manchester possesses a marvelously melancholy vocal instrument; the sound is husky honey and red wine. On Joy, a 2007 Koch Records re-issue of Angel's 1997 release, Manchester is an adult-contemporary pop/jazz priestess serving up warmly contemporary holiday gems. I first heard this album when it initially issued ten years ago; it's just as rewarding today as it was then.

Manchester's vocals are flanked by a modest jazz combo (usually bass, piano, guitar,drums), and the ambiance is smokey and intimate. Everything is nicely played here. The artist's When You Wish Upon a Star (sweetly framed by just the guitar, harmonica, and vibes), a track I rarely stumble across while reviewing holiday fare, is moving without the schmaltz. Manchester's original There's Still My Joy (written with Beth Nielsen/Matt Rollings) is beautifully bittersweet; Joy nicely captures the emotional dichotomy of the holiday season, balancing the buoyant hope and spirit of Christmas Day with the sense of loss that, for many of us, lingers close beside. The number includes a brooding Celtic flavor complete with accordion and penny whistle, viola and cello. It is an excellent, albeit darkly contemplative, holiday number; if you are not familiar with it, have a listen. Manchester's other original cut (written with Carole Bayer Sager) is Christmas Angel. This is a sassy jazz piece; it is satisfying, but not as memorable as There's Still My Joy.

I am writing in the wee hours of the morning, and Manchester's low-key, velvety voice perfectly matches the quiet magic of moments like these. Her Joy is a classy classic for those who enjoy sophisticated pop/soft rock fare with a jazzy edge.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

Melissa Manchester: vocals
Lewis Nash: drums
Eddie Gomez: bass
Matt Rollings: piano, Wurlitzer piano
Dave Hungate: rhythm guitar, bass, trombone
Farrell Morris: vibes
Martin Taylor: guitar
Reggie Young: electric guitar
Kirk Whalum: tenor sax
Pat Bergeson: harmonica
John Mock: penny whistle
Joey Miskulin: accordion
Kristin Wilkinson: viola
David Davidson: violin
John Catchings: cello
Robert Baily, Louis Nunley, Russ Taff & Chris Willis: background vocals

Produced by Steve Buckingham & Matt Rollings
Executive Producer: Jay Landers

Melissa Manchester

Joy

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Track List