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Our Review

I love listening to this flavor they call "downtempo", described in Wikipedia as "a laid-back electronic music style similar to ambient music, but usually with a beat or groove unlike the beatless forms of Ambient music". I like its soothing beats; these days I need a lot of soothing. There isn't a lot one can say about the instumentals, which range from quirky to almost muted, since these are electronically produced. But about the featured vocalist, Rachel Leslie there is more to say. Classically trained at New World School of the Arts, Ms. Leslie's smooth, sweet voice easily makes the transition to pop. In keeping with its downtempo vibe, her vocals are, while not devoid of emotion, delivered with an understated elegance befitting the genre.

My favorite track was Jingle Bells, which pulled out all of the stops, including an intricately layered instrumental arrangement and a vocoder-enhanced vocal performance by Ms. Leslie. As a lover of contemporary pop, I appreciated the arrangements and the vocals on Christmas Chill. This one will remain in this season's mix long after the reviewin' is done.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the promotional materials:

Looking for a new and different Christmas album to put on at this year's holiday party that isn't Jessica Simpson and Nick Leachy singing "It's Cold Outside"? This just may be what your 20- or 30-something cocktail party needs. Peter "Peas" McEvilley envisioned an album of Christmas classics that retained the holiday spirit and beauty of songs like "Joy to the World", "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Angels We have Heard on High" but wanted to recreate them in a way that will appeal to people with a discerning taste for new and innovative music.

feat. Rachel Leslie PEAS

Christmas Chill

Artist link

Track List