The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana • Page 162

OOO THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1997 1-11 RECORD REVIEWS Collins talent shines brightly on holiday album THE PLATTERS DECEMBER 26 THE DRIFTERS DECEMBER 27 LEN BARRY DECEMBER 28 SONNY GERACI THE OUTSIDERS DECEMBER 29 THE COASTERS DECEMBER 30 Various artists "A Very Special Christmas 3, PolyGram Records. Reviewed by staff writer Diana Penner. 4r4rr4r Here's hip Christ mas music that's fun to listen to. Natalie Merchant goes gospel with the help of a Baptist church choir for Children Go Where I Send Thee, while Tracy Chapman turns in a moving and simple folk version of Holy Night. Despite the title of its song, Christmas, Blues Traveler offers a nod to diversity with mentions of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Soundgarden's Chris Cornell teams up with Eleven for a bit of a surprise: Ave Maria in Old English. (The liner notes don't mention that, so you could go nuts trying to decipher the words.) And Reverend Run the Christmas All-Stars (Mase, Puff Daddy, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Salt 'n Pepa, Onyx, Keith Murray) join forces for a thought-provoking hip-hop take on the holiday with Santa Baby. Other highlights: Sting I Saw Three Ships), Patti Smith (We Three Kings), No Doubt (a frenetic Oi to the World) and The Smashing Pumpkins (Christmastime). Judy Collins "Christmas at the Biltmore Estate, Elektra Records. Reviewed by staff writer Diana Penner.

4r4r4rV2 Collins1 voice never ceases to amaze me: It remains sparkling and clear, perfect for some of the most wonderful carols of the Christmas season. Few contemporary voices are better suited to Hark! the Herald Angels Sing; Come, All Ye Faithful and The First Noel, among other holiday standards she interprets here. For me, Collins brings just the right mixture of traditional reverence and individual styling to these songs, with the emphasis always on the traditional. Her rendition of The Holly and the Ivy is simply enchanting, and her version of What Child is This is delicate and moving. Collins also includes two original numbers: Come Rejoice, an exuberant number, and All on a Wintry Night, atmospheric and pretty, though a difficult song to join in on.

Her style seems a little too refined, however, for the more playful Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Jingle Bells. And this is a live recording, meaning that every time you put it on. vou also have to endure the guitar-laced Silent Night. May all your Christmases be swingin'. Various artists "God With Us, Sparrow Records.

Reviewed by staff writer Michael Ehret. JL JL JL In this companion disc to last year's m-manuel, which told the story of Jesus Christ's birth and life in song, many of the same artists this time sing mostly traditional Christmas carols to new arrangements. To these ears, the new arrangements are an answer to prayer. No songs become stale as quickly as Christmas carols. But if you like carols sung in a more traditional manner, you may not enjoy this disc.

Anointed gets things off to a rousing start with an almost hip-hop version of Joy To The World, while inspirational singer Twila Paris takes a minimalist approach on Silent Night. Most of these songs are new recordings, but a few have appeared on previous Christmas recordings, including songs from Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Green and Indiana's own Ray Boltz. Highlights of the new material include Avalon's peaceful take on Angels We Have Heard On High, Out of the Grey's atmospheric 0 Holy Night and Cheri Keaggy's What Child Is This. Asleep at the Wheel "Merry Texas Christmas, Tall, High Street Records. Reviewed by staff writer Steve Hall.

tt From its openg number, a jaunty, accordion-driven Tex-Mex version of Jose Feliciano's Feliz Navidad, this one's a keeper for your holiday music collection. Asleep at the Wheel brings a fun Texas swing to such classics as Here Comes Santa Claus, Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow and Silver Bells. Singerguitarist Ray Benson's originals in a Yuletide vein are hokey but infectious. Little Drummer Boy becomes a hoppin' tale about a band with a Christmas Eve gig but no drummer. The title track makes you want to break out your boots and 10-gallon hat with the trimmings for the tree.

And T'was the Night Before Christmas transforms into T'was the Night Before, with cowboys with a broken jukebox cheered by the mag ical arrival of a band of legendary Texas musicians living and dead. Benson has an ear for good covers, like the funny Xmas in Jail and the lovely A Christmas Wish, and coaxing talented friends like Tish Hinojosa over for duets. The prettiest numbers showcase other singers Willie Nelson on his Pretty Paper, in a more stripped-down, more plaintive version than Roy Orbison's hit, and Nelson and Don Walser on a subdued, Spanish- 169 Includes Room, Dinner, Concert, and Breakfast for two. JUNE KELLEY ROY THE OVATION ORCHESTRA NEW YEAR'S EVE 239 Includes Room, DinnerChampagne, Concert, Monte Carlo Night.and Breakfast for two. Star ratings: irtck-k excellent; good; it it fair; poor anecdotes between songs.

The first time around, that's fine. After that, I just wanted to get to the songs. (Judy Collins performs a Christ-'. mas concert Dec. 15 at the Circle 'Thpatre Inn Restaurant 231 S.

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McCormick Tribune Foundation, you will give hope to even more people in need. HAND StarNews of LigMs Monday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at at Larvreijce Enjoy dazzling holiday displays featuring more than 4 million lights! Create your own traveling holiday display by decorating your car, truck or van and you could win 2 round-trip airline tickets courtesy of ATA. Ms.

AMIIIICAN THAN Al(l ON ATA YOU'RE ON VACATION 4 I' The Star and The News are looking for the most creative seasonal exhibit on wheels. Vehicles will be judged at the Lights of Lawrence between 7 and 8 p.m. 2 ow) Judges are Pop Culture Reporter Ruth Mullen, Assistant Feature Editor Xms jj r'ecejve Lynn Ford and City Editor Jon Schwantes. holiday cookies compliments of Decorate your vehicle to light up StarNews night and you could win: Marsh. First place Two round-trip tickets to any ATA domestic destination Second place $125 Third place $75 ftn rr.n" im; iM rjimillCir thi, h.

or. ririn -Tr The joy of the holidays is found in the spirit of giving the spirit that carries hope throughout the year. 4i Lights at Lawrence is located in Lawrence Park. Take 465 on the east side to the 56th Street exit and follow the signs to Lights at Lawrence. 1 Season or Sharing Star News Season for Sharing is a fund ol the Robert R.

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