David Phelps

So I’ve a confession to offer before I continue this review: I’m a Christmas music junkie. It started a few years ago with a couple Trans-Siberian Orchestra albums and has steamrolled into a sick obsession, culminating in hundreds of discs from artists high and low. On top of that, I’m a sucker for a great voice; you know, the big, powerful, make you ’shake your head in sheer bewilderment at the notes they’re hitting’ type of singer? Well, if you are able to identify with either of those elements even in the least, David Phelps’ latest holiday offering might be right up your alley.

In all honesty, this is probably the best introduction to Phelps listeners can have. Something about the spirit, the nostalgia, and the theatrical nature that these songs possess lend themselves perfectly to the artist’s otherworldly vocal talents. Toss in a well-honed band and some proper arrangements, and all is well.

The album consists of both the live recording as well as a concert DVD, yet both are more or less interchangeable. The DVD is essentially no frills, with no crazy rock star lighting or MTV-esque camera work. In fact, save for one portion where Phelps steps aside in a pre-recorded segment with his sister, there’s little stage banter. That means more music, and, for the most part, that’s a good thing.

The concert draws heavily from Phelps’ 2007 Christmas release, One Wintry Night. Those that found that album not to their liking may do well to pass this one up as well yet hearing and seeing these tracks performed live does clearly up the ante. The artist offers up a collection of mostly traditional songs sprinkled with a few originals.

Phelps’ voice is at it’s best when he’s tackling weightier matters and the majority of these songs provide the perfect palette. The artist’s own “The Singer (Let There Be Light)” is an up-tempo gem that allows his voice to shine and showcases his arranging style as does “One Wintry Night.” “Hark the Herald!” is another such upbeat track while “Lully, Lullay (with What Child is This?)” stands out by incorporating a lovely choir backing and highlighting the singer’s vocal restraint powerfully.

In fact, Phelps’ is perhaps at his best this time out when he’s not laying it all on the line, pursuing that high ‘C’ note. A simple piano-based take on “Away in a Manger (with Sleep Little Baby)” works wonderfully well, backed by a children’s choir as “Silent Night, Holy Night” is treated to a harmonica leading the way. The new classic, “Mary, Did You Know?” is perhaps the best example of restraint here though. Avoiding the obvious points, the artist utilizes his talent to highlight the lyric, rather than overshadow it. It’s a solid lesson for powerhouse vocalists everywhere.

The good doesn’t end there though. Phelps duets with his sister, Sherrie Proctor, on “One King” and it’s truly a highlight. Never underestimate the power of singing together for years. This is incredibly evident as the two sibling’s voices bob and weave effortlessly, harmonizing wonderfully well. Another pure highlight is the artist’s take on “O Holy Night!,” itself worth the price of the collection. This is the time when Phelps lets it all hang out and by the time he’s done, you’re left shaking your head in amazement.

It’s only when Phelps takes on more frivolous tracks that things don’t really connect. “If Everyone Believed,” while not necessarily frivolous, just doesn’t hit home with it’s Christmas wish and pop-flavored arrangement. The same can be said for the acappella take on “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” and the lovely yet forgettable rendition of “White Christmas.” Whether it’s the sheer purity of Phelps’ voice that renders these tracks impotent or if they’re just poor song choices, I can’t really say. The bottom line is that they just don’t seem to work.

But overall, O Holy Night is a great addition to any music lover’s Christmas collection. The DVD would make a nice “in the background” accompaniment to any family’s Christmas gathering and the recording alone will bring thoughts of Christmas’ past, present, and future to listeners minds. And for the Christmas junkie like me, it’s certainly a must-have.

Tagged as: David Phelps, O Holy Night: A Live Holiday Celebration

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