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Our Review

No, this Christmas in Connecticut has nothing to do with the outstanding holiday movie (1945) starring Barbara Stanwyck, but it does provide a relaxing musical break on the East Coast. I must confess that I dearly love New England, the land of picture-perfect landscapes for the holidays, and this undoubtedly makes it extra-easy to love Christmas in Connecticut, a compilation of Connecticut-connected artists of all sorts (singers, composers, producers, the works!). With the exception of one instrumental (the lovely and lyrical closing number A Lighthouse Keepers Christmas), the 11 tracks present beautiful vocal numbers that artfully blend pop and classical sentiments. The mood is spiritually uplifting and warmly old-fashioned.

This all-too-brief (just under 29 minutes) album blends traditional carols with original holiday creations. The title track opens the release; Christmas in Connecticut is an inspired number with a brightly memorable choral refrain and a terrific crystalline vocal by Allison Demers. The well-known Christmas chestnuts are, for the most part, presented by "Our Connecticut Choir," and the classic delivery reminds of something I might have heard on an Andy Williams Christmas special many years ago, a description I intend with great affection and enthusiasm. Cassandra Kubinski sings three cuts; her vulnerable soprano embodies the fragile innocence of the season. My favorite number is probably Wendy Quinn's exquisite Night of Silence.

For those who long for New England or just enjoy heartfelt renditions of well-known carols, as well as new holiday pieces that may one day be well-known, too, consider spending Christmas in Connecticut this year.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

"Christmas in Connecticut" created a community of friends and a spirit of celebration that each artist hopes to share with all those who listen in every corner of the state. O Little Town of Bethlehem reminds us of our own small town in Connecticut where visitors flock to mail their holiday cards as the Mystic Lighthouse refelcts the beauty of the season. Everyone that participated in this project is from Connecticut from singers to composers, producers, photographers, artists, and engineers. From all of us: we wish you many night of silence and wonder this season. We are proud to share with you a "Christmas in Connecticut" ... where snow kisses rolling meadows and the moon shines on the sea.... With overwhelming gratitude to God for bringing us together and the beautiful music in all of our lives... we wish everyone a very joyous and blessed holiday.

The Connecticut Singers include:

Sarah Blackburn
Joanne Blum
Colin Britt
Peter Camarco
Phyllis Cassidy
Lorraine Dagon
Wanda D'Agostino
Allison Demers
Donna Dolloff
Louise Fauteux
Cathy Hartley
Brian Hartley
John Jacobellis
Cassandra Kubinski
Judy Lemay
Christopher Malo
Evelyn Mulligan
Wendy Quinn
Lorraine Sapia
Mary Santomento
Luke Scott
Barbara Spielman
Jason Stammen
Marilyn Tamiso
Franklin Tamiso
Pay Washburn
Traci Washburn
Pauline Wood
Donald Wood

Various Artists

Christmas in Connecticut

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Track List