David Britton Christmas - REVEIWED

World class baritone and Shadowlands Music recording artist David Britton has been busy prepping for the brick & mortar release of his holiday themed full-length CD, Christmas, which released October 9, 2015. The project, which is distributed through New Day Distribution, follows on the heels of Britton's impressive patriotic EP, American Glory. 

Christmas, which released digitally last year, showcases the unique ability of the classically trained Britton, who has performed at Carnegie Hall and with opera companies around the world, to effortlessly merge his diverse influences. He wraps his incredibly rich pop-classical sound (with a twist of anthemic rock) into and around these timeless holiday classics. The result is a poignant collection of cozy favorites and a blend of powerful yet intimate moments, custom made for the Christmas season.

The project launches with a creative new arrangement of the classic carol, "Joy to the World," which features heady rock 'n' roll undergirding classical piano and the added bonus of a gospel choir. Fans of Trans-Siberian Orchestra will love it! Britton pulls back for a reverent rendition of the more melancholy contemporary Christmas hymn, "Mary, Did You Know." He draws on the classic crooners like Bing Crosby for inspiration on the old school classic, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," then presents a breathtaking, intimate rendition of the beloved carol, "O Holy Night," one of the signature songs from his live shows.

"Angels We Have Heard On High" gets an updated treatment, as Britton is once again backed by a gospel choir, giving listeners the idea that they may indeed be listening to angels from on high, extolling the birth of the Savior. Angels continue to take center stage on "Whispers," an original Christmas hymn co-written by Britton and producer Billy Smiley describing the miraculous events of the first Christmas morning from the perspective of the mighty warrior angels who heralded the Messiah's birth.

"The First Noel" starts on a low and tranquil note before building to a soul stirring crescendo. Britton displays his jazz chops on a happy version of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," then mellows out for the richly orchestrated holiday favorite, "I'll Be Home For Christmas." The 12th century hymn, "The Wexford Carol," merges ancient melodies with contemporary instruments to create an audience favorite, while "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" allows the fresh arrangement to underscore the mystery of the Christmas story.

Britton encourages listeners to get cozy with his warm and inviting rendition of "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)," before closing the project with another original, "Sing Noel," written by Billy Smiley and CCM legend Scott Wesley Brown. On this lovely Christmas hymn, Britton shares the microphone with Christine Dente from Out of the Grey.

"In a world that is full of so much turmoil and pain, it is my goal to use music to shed a glimmer of light; to bring comfort to those that grieve, peace to those at war, hope to those that fail, encouragement to those that feel alone, joy to those in despair," says Britton. "I am grateful for the opportunity to create music that does not fit within any specific genre, that allows me to leverage the unorthodox musical influences of my life, that people of all generations and tastes may find something that speaks to them. Above all else, it is my desire that those who listen may see past me to the One who created all things."

For more information about Britton and Christmas, visit davidbritton.com.

My Thoughts:

If you enjoy Christmas music, you REALLY want a copy of this beautiful project!!  David Britton's voice is clear,pure and passionate.  You will be swept away with traditional carols and modern songs familiar from your childhood. This project captures the rich quality of a trained vocalist, but also the tender intimacy of the relationship that was gifted to us through the birth and death of Christ.

I've been a long time fan of Christmas music, and I must say, this is a special and beautiful addition to any collection.  I am happy to recommend this to everyone!  It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! 

About David Britton: 

Growing up in a missionary family afforded David Britton the unique opportunity to experience a broad range of cultures, to gain language skills in English, Italian, French and German, and to sing in churches around the world. The experience fostered a love for classical music and spurred him to study classical voice at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. This led to Britton receiving his Master's Degree in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.  
 
Britton has performed with Opera San Jose, Opera Santa Barbara, Festival Opera, Intermountain Opera, Livermore Valley Opera, and the North Bay Opera. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in New York as Townsend Harris in The Dawn of Japan by Toroku Takagi with the Orchestra of St. Luke's.