Peace of Christmas

A PEACE OF CHRISTMAS - Michael Peace

     

Sounding like a cross between B.J Thomas, Gary Puckett (Union Gap), Dennis Yost (Classics IV) comes Michael Peace with a special holiday album, PEACE OF CHRISTMAS, an album that brings meaning back to the words "warmth” and "tradition". Envision yourself gathered around a crackling fireplace, with family and friends, as the snowflakes spiral downwards, just outside your window, listening to the strains of music that recapture the spirit and essence of a holiday season as it used to be, as it ought to be, and it still can be. Have a listen to Michael's reworking of a classic: LITTLE DRUMMER BOY. This is a "rendering" that gives the song a "new", more contemporary, "sound” without losing it's traditional essence and flavor. From first note to last, the song is delivered with warmth, the kind of warmth that has been so hard to find in recent times. You can't go wrong with this one. Then there's the original "SNOWFLAKES" that, as Mike puts it, "makes your soul want to sing", as you walk through the freshly fallen snow in anticipation of this special time of the year. "HUSH HUSH", another original, one of my favorites, pulls you in with a classical feeling that really does make it seem as though it's been around for a decade or two, or three. "IF WE DON"T SEE YOU SOON" gets a top rating, a truly top notch song, on the basis that it is "one of those songs" that you'll find yourself wanting to listen to again and again and again. Another personal favorite. When it comes to being cheerful, "CHRISTAMS IS COMING" fits the bill. Catchy, the kind of song you may very well find yourself wanting to sing along. Tender is the word that best describes "SOFTLY FROM HEAVEN". Wonderful piano accompaniment and plucked guitar, words by Jackie Bartels. "A SILENT NIGHT" is another favorite that begins with a dialogue, a dramatic retelling of a story, the story of a Christmas spent in the trenches during World War 1, a story of friend and foe coming together, for one brief moment, to set aside differences, for one brief moment, to embrace peace, for one brief moment, to show, for one brief moment, that even in the worst of times, we can come to our senses long enough to express good will even towards those whom we may be in conflict with, albeit, a small step towards peace, but a step worth taking, and Michael tells it well...a must listen. All in all, an excellent album akin, in spirit, to Bing Crosby's "WHITE CHRISTAMS", with a unique spirit all it's own. The songs are memorable, well written, and the performance is warm, sincere, genuine, satisfying. Michael, noted for his smooth vocal style, respected by peers and associates, brings meaning back to the word "tradition". A PEACE OF CHRSITMAS is obviously a labor of love and it shows in one gem after another. "A SILENT NIGHT" is, in my opinion, the "piece de resistance", but the entire album is a "must have". Hear CD Snippets Brian Anthony - Wickman Music Canada