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Our Review

Stylistically diverse, Shawn Glynn's This is Christmas offers more surprises than one would have thought possible for only seven tracks. Not only that, but several of the tracks challenge our usual expectation of saccharine sweetness typical so many holiday efforts. Though Glynn has an inherently sweet voice, most of these selections are emotionally weighty. For example, the title cut (composed by Glynn) This Is Christmas put me in mind of the melancholy of Vince Guaraldi's work on Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown. (The first take seems more pop, where the alternative take has more of a dance sensibility to it; both suggest a blue mood.)

Maintaining this pensive mood, the ironically titled Overjoyed (another Shawn Glynn composition) has an almost nostalgic feel to it, though the mood is belied by generally upbeat lyrics. Likewise, the very danceable Ring In The New Year's toe tapping beat is undermined somewhat by having been played in a minor key. However, this track highlights the fine instrumental quality of the CD. Madonna would appreciate the multiple layers of guitars and percussion on display here. I know I did.

This is Christmas features an up and coming pop music composer and vocalist, with nice R&B sensibilities. But be ready to hear the sound of a blue Christmas.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

Shawn Glynn: vocals, keyboards, piano
Rick Donaldson: drum kit
Nuno Miller: guitar
Sophia Jackson "SoJay": vocals, background vocals
Sam Cino: drum kit/percussion
Devrim Eldelekli: guitars, classical guitar
Dawn Sinclair: background vocals
Lynn Kastner: background vocals
Kahlile (Lilly) Stewart-Thompson: vocals
Mitch Gino: upright bass, additional programming

Mastered by: Richard G. Benoit
Produced by: Mitch Girio and Shawn Glynn

Shawn Glynn

This Is Christmas

Artist site

Track List