Our Review
Nancy Allen's stocking will be full this Christmas because she's been a very, VERY GOOD girl! A Christmas Kiss is easy-listening pop perfection: Allen impresses on every level. She has a terrific voice--clear, confident, and emotive; and her musicianship is superb. In fact, the professionalism of all players (Allen and her small ensemble) is top notch. She is backed by six musicians (Jeff Cox, Russ Davis, Brian Fullen, Jeff Kirk, Anthony LaMarchina, and John Pell) who enhance her presentation, but never obscure it. Kudos, too, to arranger John Pell for small truly terrific versions of holiday classics we have heard so many times before.
In addition to great pipes, Allen brings an indefinable something else to this project; she genuinely loves what she is doing and is not simply going through the motions. The album opens nicely with a well-blended "White Christmas/Let It Snow!" medley. The dozen balanced tracks mix the sacred with the secular, and Allen excels at everything--her flashy and fun "Santa Baby" is pricelessly sexy, and her moving "Some Children See Him" will bring tears to your eyes. Her bouncy and vibrant "Mary's Little Boy Child" leaves Harry Belafonte in the dust (well not quite, but you get the idea), and she's everyone's little girl singing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" (with cutesy accompaniment that provides the slightly hokey, but endearing, touch).
A Christmas Kiss is a splendid smooch for the season. Thank you, Nancy Allen, for the loving peck-on-the-cheek. I appreciate the sentiment and hope to replay the moment again and again!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)
More
From the liner notes:
At Christmas time I feel a myriad of emotions. I go from silly giddiness to awesome reverence in a matter of moments. I am both excited and peaceful. I am filled with joy and hope, yet painfully aware of those who experience depression and loneliness at this time. Most of all, I am overwhelmed with the thought that God freely gave such a precious gift to anyone who believes. I pray that this music will bring laughter, joy, peace and hope; and help to prepare our hearts. So. . . pucker up,get out the mistletoe and get ready for "A Christmas Kiss"!
--XXOO, Nancy
Bass: Jeff Cox
Piano, Keyboards: Russ Davis
Drums: Brian Fullen
Flute, Tenor Sax, Tenor Recorder & Alto Sax: Jeff Kirk
Cello: Anthony LaMarchina
Guitar: John Pell
All arrangements by Russ Davis
Nancy Allen
A Christmas Kiss
Order from CD Baby
Label: JoySong Productions
Length: 46 minutes
Genre: Pop
Release: 2001
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| White Christmas/Let It Snow! |
| Santa Baby |
| I'll Be Home for Christmas |
| I Saw Three Ships/Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella |
| Some Children See Him |
| Mary's Little Boy Child |
| Away in a Manger |
| Carol of the Birds |
| Silent Night |
| My Favorite Things |
| I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus |
| Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer |