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Jeff and Sheri Easter are back with a new Christmas project. Although a couple of traditional tunes are included, It Feels Like Christmas Again is mostly new material. And Spring Hill Music Group's resident producer Michael Sykes is again at the helm. While Jeff typically takes the lead vocal on upbeat tunes, Sheri handles most of the slower numbers. "Something to Shout About" and "I'll Be Home with Bells on" both show that Sheri can move quickly if asked. However, she really shines on easy going arrangements like "Away in a Manger" and a new tune that seems destined to become a modern Christmas classic called "Sweet Baby Jesus." Jeff is quite energetic on "Talkin' 'Bout Love", "Let's Make a Christmas Memory", and other quick tunes. Jeff and Sheri's two children are featured on "The Best Gift of Them All." Unlike other recordings you've heard with children singing boringly and off pitch, the Easter kids have been trained to sing expressively and in tune! The song has a couple of silly moments, but the message of Jesus being the best gift is presented nicely. The real silliness on this project comes when their dad renders "Jingle Bells" (complete with wolf whistle) in his native tongue: "sittin' rite by mah side, was mah purdy wife!" Combining Jeff's bluegrass inspired voice with Sheri's silky alto creates a contrast that would challenge any producer, but once again, Michael Sykes has crafted good musical arrangements that gel these elements. It Feels Like Christmas Again is Christmas music, but it's Easter style. --David Bruce Murray |
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