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This CD was somewhat deceptive in its packaging, with just a reflected image of Ted Brabham on the cover. Because there is actually a lot going on here, much more than is revealed by first impressions and more, probably, than I will be able to address here. The cover does, however, plainly bill Ted Brabham and friends, so I may be exaggerating just a tiny bit about it's being deceptive.

What I hope to achieve with my little joke is to express how pleasantly surprised I was by some of these arrangements, which are simple, down home, inspirational, and if not quite toe-tapping enough to be considered gospel, certainly of the Gospel. They are, in fact, arrangements that would sound familiar to any East Texas Methodist or Baptist, piano-laden, and featuring a series of singers and instrumentalists.

I enjoyed listening to every song, and while it is always a little unfair to comment on one or two high points when so many took part, that's what I do. My favorite song was My Favorite Things. Not, strictly speaking, a Christmas song, it is still the sort of song that blends easily with some of the more hard core carols. With a haunting choral refrain, Brabham's version conveys, at times, an almost gothic pensiveness. This is followed up with another unusual selection, Toyland. I particularly enjoyed Dana Robinson's voice and Ted Brabham's sentimental arrangement.

Near the end of the record is an R&B rendition of Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, courtesy of Zach Squymes' guitar, that made me think I spoke too soon about the lack of any gospel-influenced music on this record. Like most of the other arrangements, this one was understated while at the same time making its point with unquestionable musicianship.

Clearly, there is no mistaking the musicianship, the sentiment, and the heartfelt joy of Ted Brabham & Friends' A Christmas Collection.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2003)

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From the liner notes:

Ted Brabham has played piano all his life. He has also been a government official, a criminal defense attorney, and a political operative. He fell on hard times before he made this record, but I'll let him tell his story.

Ted Brabham and Friends

A Christmas Collection

Artist link

Track List