Our Review
A cappella music is extremely challenging, and the slightest misstep is revealed when a singer does not have the helpful cover provided by instrumentation. The ebullient Morning Star Quartet (MSQ)(Eva Maass, Ana Robinson, Aaron Walz, Tony Robinson) sings Holiday Cheer a cappella, and this is no polished classical ensemble. Of course, these four do not pretend to be; instead, the MSQ sings for the sheer joy of it. The members negotiate 21 sacred and secular classics, and they radiate seasonal cheer every moment. This is the well-practiced neighborhood group you hope to see on your street come December, but the ones who do show up are never this good.
Holiday Cheer is an endearing collection of unadorned holiday favorites. For me, the singers' voices melded most effectively on gentle pieces like Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella and What Child Is This?.
Although a bit rough around the edges, the MSQ is a lovable crew, and when they appear on your doorstep, invite them inside for a hot cocoa, a few laughs around the hearth, and some Holiday Cheer. Happy caroling!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)
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From the liner notes:
Soprano: Eva Maass
Alto: Ana Robinson
Tenor: Aaron Walz
Bass: Tony Robinson
Percussion & Ukelele: Tony Robinson
Produced/Edited/Mixed by: Aaron Walz
Recording Engineer: Tony Robinson
Mastering: Chris Hudec
Morning Star Quartet
Holiday Cheer
Artist link
Label: Morning Star Quartet
Length: 45 minutes
Genre: Choral
Release: 2006
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Joy to the World |
| It Came Upon a Midnight Clear |
| Jingle Bell Rock |
| Let It Snow |
| God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen |
| Ring Christmas Bells |
| Deck the Hall |
| Santa Claus Is Coming to Town |
| The First Noel |
| Mele Kalikimaka |
| Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer |
| The Little Drummer Boy |
| JIngle Bells |
| The Holly and the Ivy |
| Jolly Old Saint Nicholas |
| Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella |
| The Joy of Dance |
| What Child Is This? |
| O Come, All Ye Faithful |
| White Christmas |
| Silent Night |