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Earlier this fall, I reviewed Tina Lambert's first release An A Cappella Noel (reviewed here), and I liked it a lot. Lambert had initially crafted the CD to assist her family in caroling, and the rest is history. That unassuming release became quite the little hit, and her Christmas in A Cappella is the natural follow-up.

Is this new release better than the original? That's a tough question, and the answer is decidedly mixed. Lambert certainly has a lovely voice, and when she harmonizes with herself (through the magic of technology), she creates lovely walls of sound on holiday favorites. Christmas in A Cappella is a substantially beefier release than the original, and that's a good thing. This new offering has nearly 40 minutes of music and covers 15 numbers, including many that are favorites of mine. Like her first CD, Christmas in A Cappella is exclusively on Lambert's voice--no accompaniment. That puts the focus appropriately on her.

Although I enjoyed this 2009 offering, and I particularly love the concept of blossoming a cappella harmonies, the recording mechanics--for whatever reason--made this offering sound less natural than the first. There is almost a tinny cast to some vocals, and the harmonies sound a bit muddy in spots. That's a shame--because Lambert really does have a fine voice and great instincts when crafting harmonies. Putting the sound issues aside, I enjoyed Lambert's moving interpretation of Lo, How a Rose e're Blooming and her uplifting treatment of Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

If I ever need a harmonizing pro to impressively ramp up the quality of our neighborhood carolers, I will definitely keep Tina Lambert in mind. Her commitment to the holidays and Christmas music is inspiring!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

All songs are traditional carols and hymns, arranged by Tina Lambert (except "Caroling, Caroling").


From the artist's Website:

I have sung in many church choirs and choral groups, singing alto, soprano and tenor (at one time or another). Over the years, I began experimenting with digital music recording, layering several tracks of my vocals. Traditional church hymns, especially those about Christmas, are one of my favorite styles of music. My 'A Cappella Noel' CD was inspired by my sister and mom who wanted to go Christmas caroling one year. I sing all of the parts to every Christmas carol without any musical accompaniment. Some of the parts are fairly standard but others are improvised. Years later, this CD was given as a gift to my father-in-law, who passed it along to Jeff Marginean at JEMAR Entertainment and Frog & Scorpion Records.

Recently I have also produced another Christmas CD named 'Christmas in A Cappella' to be released in Oct/09 through Ken Kessler's new record label, 'Sounds of Christmas'. I am very excited for this release...

Tina Lambert

Christmas in A Cappella

Artist link

Track List