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Every year around Christmas Eve, long after we've put Christmasreviews.com to bed to await Santa's visit, I open up a package from Paul Janocha, bass player for the once-a-year band Yes, Virginia. It is almost like getting a visit from Santa himself because inside the package is alway a wonderful gift, a gift of the greatest music of all time: Classic Rock. It is then my duty to see to it that this gift is given to all the world by posting a review and link.

2003 was no exception, except for the fact that I was unable to execute my part. Unfortunately, by Christmas Eve 2003 there were too many crises and distractions here for me to effectively cope with any more reviews or Web site updates. For that failure, I must ask the forgiveness and forebearance of Paul and the Yes, Virginia gang. This year, should such forgiveness and forebearance be forthcoming, I'll do a better job at this end.

Because Yes, Virginia's 2003 EP offering, Father Christmas was worthy of a nice write-up, a write-up that is only now being undertaken. This year's edition ran the gamut--from 16th century carol (Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming) to a couple of late 20th century rock classics (Put A Little Love In Your Heart and Greg Lake's I Believe In Father Christmas), along with a remarkable rendition of Sleigh Ride.

While all four selections warrant mention, I was particularly impressed with the driving rhythm and unique minor-key arrangement of Sleigh Ride. It is a show-stopping number. Mario Padovani's vocals on Put A Little Love and Father Christmas are also notable, mainly for their classic rock gravitas. With their rhythm, vocals, and power riffing, the Yes, Virginia CDs are always impressive in their ability to convey the spirit of 70's anthem rock. With any luck, this trend will continue.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Performed by:

Mario Padovani: vocals (Tracks 2 & 4), keyboards, guitars (Track 1)
Joe Merkel: lead guitars, vocals (Track 1)

Paul Janocha: bass

Gregg Hoffmann: drums

Overproduced by: Mario Padovani

Engineered & Mixed by: Paul Janocha at Ken-Del Studios

*No reindeer or elves were seriously or permanently injured during the recording of Track 3

Yes Virginia

Father Christmas
(EP)

Artist site

Track List