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| January
2014 |
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Julie
Roberts • Good Wine & Bad Decisions
• www.julieroberts.com • 7 Stars
Julie Roberts’ country blues vocal stylings
stand out on her latest release, Good Wine &
Bad Decisions. Opening with the title cut, Julie
delivers with a soulful heart wrapped perfectly
around a masterful musical production. It only
gets better from there with songs like
“Gasoline And Matches” and
“I’m Not Getting Any Better At
Goodbyes.” The pairing of Sun Records and
Julie Roberts is a perfect match - both are
classics! |
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Chris
Rogers • Rollin’ Wheel • www.chrisrogersmusic.com • 6 Stars
Chris Rogers’ five song EP entitled
Rollin’ Wheel is a refreshingly, truly
country CD. The songs are well-written, the
vocals are classic country and the music is a
traditional mix with a little contemporary flair.
It’s hard to pick a stand out song since
they are all so well done, but the opening song
“All Over The Map” definitely garners
attention as does “Some Things You
Don’t.” Looking forward to more music
from Chris Rogers! |
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Williams
& Co • Williams & Co • www.williamsandcompanymusic.com • 6 Stars
Williams & Co (Lucas Moomaw, Alex Williams,
Sam Vanfossen & Daniel Pendergraft) deliver
as promised some “good, honest music,”
on their self-titled CD, Williams & Co.
Opening with the up-tempo, “Don’t Call
Me Cheap,” they set the standard for
straight ahead country music. The song selection
fits them perfectly and enables an entertaining
performance with strong lead vocals and matching
harmonies. This is a group to watch! |
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| February 2014 |
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Rhonda
Vincent • Only Me • www.rhondavincent.com • 7 Stars
Rhonda Vincent’s new album entitled, Only Me
contains two discs, the first spotlighting her
bluegrass vocal prowess with songs like
“Busy City” and “Only Me”
(featuring Willie Nelson). The second CD
spotlights her country side with classic songs
like “Once A Day” and “Bright
Lights & Country Music.” The production
is exquisite and only reinforces Rhonda’s
unmistakable and remarkable vocals. |
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Angela
Dodson • Lonesome Time • www.angeladodson.com • 6 Stars
This musical offering entitled Lonesome Time from
Angela Dodson contains five songs, all written or
co-written by Angela including the opening cut,
“They Called Him Cash,” about the
legendary Johnny Cash. These songs are a
satisfying mixture of country rhythm, a bit of
tradition and a little swing. From the pure
toe-tappin’ fun song, “Barnyard
Jive” to the emotional ballad, “Trying
To Matter,” Angela’s vocals sparkle. |
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Shelby
East • Dream On • 6 Stars
Shelby East’s album, Dream On, is like a
breath of fresh air. Her passion for country
music can be heard in the simple, honest delivery
of her heartfelt vocals. Although the production
is less than spectacular, she rises above and
shines, particularly on songs like “Worth
The Ache” and “When I Dance.” As
Shelby continues to develop her vocal style, she
should garner plenty of attention. |
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| March 2014 |
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Marshall
Dane • One Of These Days • www.marshalldane.com • 6 Stars
Canadian Marshall Dane is rockin’ country in
his CD release, One Of These Days. His
contemporary style shines on songs like “Why
Can’t I Leave” and “I’ll Be
Your Whiskey.” He lends a hand, co-writing
five of the twelve songs. Surrounded by a strong
production, Marshall’s mixture of country,
pop and blues is delivered with ease and is quite
pleasing. |
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Ryan
Daniel • Love, Life And Memories • www.ryandaniel.org • 6 Stars
Ryan Daniel’s debut CD release, Love, Life
and Memories is straight up country with plenty
of fiddle and steel guitar. This Air Force
veteran nails the vocals with confidence and
conviction, whether singing the toe-tappin’
“Uncle Hickory’s General Store” or
delivering the ballad, “Silent Movie.”
This is what country music is about - honest
emotion that touches the heart. |
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J.K.
Coltrain • Outlaws, Heroes & Friends
• www.jkcoltrain.com • 5 Stars
J.K. Coltrain understands traditional country
music and that shows on his CD, Outlaws, Heroes
& Friends. Highway 101’s Nikki Nelson
joins him on a couple strong country duets,
“You Never Know” and “You’re
Not There,” which are attention getters.
With J.K.’s traditional vocal style, solid
songs and a touch of western swing with
“I’ll Be Leaving Texas,” this is
an entertaining album. |
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Eileen
Carey • Let It Go • www.eileencarey.com • 5 Stars
Singer/songwriter, Eileen Carey offers up her
fourth release, Let It Go, a contemporary project
containing five of eleven cuts co-written by
Eileen. Throughout the project, she conveys her
vocals with enthusiasm and precision, although at
times, the production overshadows and distracts
from her efforts. Of particular interest are the
songs, “Joey” and “Walking On
Sunshine.” |
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Lonnie
Blizzard • From The Pen Of Lonnie Blizzard
• www.lonnieblizzard.com • 5 Stars
The eleven self-penned songs on Lonnie
Blizzard’s CD, From The Pen Of Lonnie
Blizzard are a throw back to the days of Hank
Williams and Lefty Frizzell, and although fondly
remembered, new music with that sound is rarely
heard anymore. From the first song, “Country
Isn’t Country” to the last “I Have
Gone Home,” Lonnie pays homage to tradition
with this collection. |
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| April 2014 |
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The
Oak Ridge Boys • Boys Night Out • www.oakridgeboys.com • 6 Stars
The Oak Ridge Boys consisting of Joe Bonsall,
Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard
Sterban have a long and illustrious musical
career to their credit. Having set the bar high
for other country groups to follow, they
themselves continue to reach that mark. This live
recording entitled Boys Night Out features some
of their greatest hits like “Y’all Come
Back Saloon,” “Tryin’ To Love Two
Women” and “Elvira.” The
“Mighty Oaks” are still going strong! |
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Sherry
Lynn • A Beautiful Life • www.sherrylynnmusic.com • 6 Stars
Sherry Lynn’s CD, A Beautiful Life is a
contemporary country music treasure. Her vocals
are precise and on target with an enthusiastic
production backing her up perfectly. The opening
cut, “I Like ‘Em Like That,” is a
great up-tempo opener setting the pace for the
rest of the project. She ends the album with the
title cut, “A Beautiful Life” which is
a duet with the legendary Crystal Gayle. Their
vocals blend nicely and Crystal sounds amazing as
always! |
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Andy
Stanley • Snowgoose • www.andystanleystan.com • 5 Stars
Andy Stanley’s CD, Snowgoose is a mixture of
country classics and a couple new songs written
by Andy. The title song, “Snowgoose,”
is one of those self-penned tunes and one of his
most requested songs. He also tackles classics
like “Storms Never Last,” “Why Me
Lord,” and “Too Old To Die Young.”
His smooth vocal style flows easily throughout
the material adding to the already traditional
feel. |
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| May 2014 |
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Roger
Ratliff • Born To Roam • 6 Stars
Roger Ratliff’s second CD, Born To Roam, is
filled with self-penned tunes. From the ballad,
“I Choose You Tonight” to the uptempo
“In The Doghouse Now,” Roger’s
smooth easy vocal style is on target when
delivering his honest and down-to-earth lyrics.
This songwriter’s album highlights
Roger’s aptitude with words and music and
reflects his wide array of musical influences. |
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Ken
Jordan • Ain’t That Country • 5
Stars
Ken Jordan’s six-song EP entitled Ain’t
That Country is brimming with classic songs like
Conway Twitty’s “Only Make
Believe”, the Bee Gees’ “Rest Your
Love On Me” and Tom Jones’
“She’s A Lady.” This is a
nostalgic collection that brings back a lot of
musical memories even though he’s added his
own touch to each one. All in all, this is a nice
trip down memory lane. |
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| June 2014 |
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Dennis
Ledbetter • If You Drive Me To Drinking
• 6 Stars
www.dennisledbetter.com
Dennis Ledbetter’s album If You Drive Me To
Drinking (I’ll Buy The Gas) kicks off with
the title cut, a fun, honky-tonker that gets your
toes tappin’. But he quickly changes the
tone following that with a serious ballad,
“What Am I Gonna Do.” Later on he
throws in some Western Swing with “Three
Acres of Fillies At Billy’s.” His raw,
honest vocal style, versatility and songwriting
dexterity make this album a winner |
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Byron
Hill • Red Leather Couch • 5 Stars
www.byronhillmusic.com
Hit Nashville songwriter, Byron Hill, not only
shows off his songwriting prowess on this 15-song
CD entitled Red Leather Couch, but his vocal
performance is exceptional as well. He vocally
interprets each song with ease and confidence.
From the opening song “Can’t Think Of
Nothing But You” to the last “Long
Fade,” his artistry comes to life when
surrounded by the appropriate production. |
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Don
Allen • Only Time Will Tell • 5 Stars
www.donallen.com.au
Don Allen’s CD, Only Time Will Tell, is a
throwback to country music of yesteryear with a
traditional country production mixed with
Don’s smooth vocal delivery. He also
contributed a couple of self-penned songs to the
project, “Close The Door” and
“It’s Closing Time.” Although his
vocals are consistent throughout, Don
particularly shines on the ballad, “I Want
To.” |
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Stephen
Cochran • Stephen Cochran Project • 5
Stars
www.stephencochran.com
Stephen Cochran, a former member of the U.S.
Marine Corps, delivers an edgy, contemporary
country project, Stephen Cochran Project. His
military background has influenced this album
greatly with the inclusion of the self-penned
songs “Pieces” and “When A Hero
Falls.” His passion and commitment to his
music shines through on each and every piece and
his dedication to honoring veterans is evident. |
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| July 2014 |
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Stephanie
Rabus • Song And Dance • 7 Stars
www.stephanierabus.com
The just released Stephanie Rabus’ project,
Song And Dance is an incredible showcase of her
talent. In a world where too often artists rely
on elaborate productions and studio tricks to
present their product, Stephanie does just the
opposite with this acoustic album. Her vocals are
pure, exquisite and full of country soul
throughout - from her self-penned tunes to the
Ben Peters song, “All The Love You Can
Stand.” |
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Breelan
Angel • Dirty Little Secrets • 6 Stars
www.breelanangel.com
Texas native, Breelan Angel’s album, Dirty
Little Secrets, is a look into not only her vocal
talent, but her songwriting skills as well,
co-writing all ten songs. Her contemporary
country sound is filled with emotion, attitude
and passion with songs like “Love
Understands” and the title cut, “Dirty
Little Secrets.” This project should propel
her even higher into the mainstream country music
arena. |
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Julie
Keech-Harris • Hey Cowboy • 5 Stars
www.facebook.com/julie.keechharris
On her Hey Cowboy CD, Julie Keech-Harris lifts up
her pure country voice on some classics like
Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman
Enough” and Merle Haggard’s “Today
I Started Loving You Again.” With her
confident delivery, she adds her own touch to
each song. She also co-wrote one song on the
project “John A’s Big Time,” a
song written about the legendary John A’s in
Nashville, which is a nice tribute. |
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Robert
Allen • From The Heart • 5 Stars
www.robertallen.com
Robert Allen’s album, From The Heart is
simply a straight ahead country project. There is
no pretense here, the production and
Robert’s smooth easy vocals deliver an
entertaining album. With familiar songs like
“Loving You,” “Faded Love,”
“Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind”
and “Here In The Real World,” Robert
conveys the essence of pure and honest country
music. |
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Robert
Burgeis • The Rednek Rokstar’s Reality
• 5 Stars
www.robertburgeis.com
The Robert Burgeis project, The Rednek
Rokstar’s Reality is appropriately titled.
He is a “Rokstar” but it’s obvious
he has a “Rednek” heart. His song
lyrics are from the heart and will touch a chord
with audiences. He surrounds his words with a
rock ‘n roll beat and sings with passion. Of
particular interest is “Before They Take It
All,” which should become an American
anthem. |
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| August 2014 |
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Mary
Sarah & Friends • Bridges • 7 Stars
www.marysarah.com
Although still a teenager, Mary Sarah
demonstrates a bona fide love and genuine talent
for authentic country music. Bridges features her
rendition of classic songs like
“Jolene,” “Rose Garden” and
“Heartaches By The Number,” but as a
true testament to her vocal prowess, she’s
joined by an incomparable list of country legends
from Dolly Parton and Lynn Anderson to Merle
Haggard and Willie Nelson. This is country music
at its best. |
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Scarletta
• Rocking Chair View • 7 Stars
www.scarlettamusic.com
The trio, Scarletta, has been characterized as a
group to watch in Nashville. Listening to their
CD, Rocking Chair View, that distinction is well
deserved. Band members, Emilee Allan, Benji
Harris and Nathan Stoops blend their vocals
beautifully by infusing passion with enthusiasm.
The production maintains a contemporary country
feel with a little bit of a rockin’ edge.
Definitely keep watching Scarletta! |
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Rich
Price • Spirit of Yosemite • 6 Stars
www.richpricethesingingsierran.com
Rich Price, known as the “Singing
Sierran,” delivers a true western album with
the Spirit of Yosemite. Writing/co-writing all
twelve songs, Rich pulls from his background as a
real cowboy to bring the imagery of the west to
life through his words, effortless cowboy vocals,
and an authentic western production. From
“California Skies” to “High Sierra
Christmas,” Rich Price earns the name
“Singing Sierran.” |
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Katie
Garibaldi • Follow Your Heart • 5 Stars
www.katiegaribaldi.com
Follow Your Heart is Katie Garibaldi’s
seventh album. Recorded in San Francisco, Katie
incorporates a mixture of styles including pop
and country to make a pleasing alternative
Americana blend. The project flows nicely with
her twelve self-penned songs from the ballad
“White Roses” to the uptempo “Make
Them Go Away.” Katie’s honest vocals
and original lyrics combined make this album
noteworthy. |
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| September
2014 |
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Lee
Anna McGuire • Secrets • 7 Stars
www.leeannamcguire.com
The secret is out with Lee Anna McGuire’s
CD, Secrets - she is a star on the horizon. Her
self-penned tunes are fresh and enchanting and
her sensitive and emotional vocal delivery brings
each song to life. From the opening cut, “If
You Were Me And I Were You” to the final
“The Day No One Else Could See,” there
is a feeling of contentment in her own unique
style which is infused with everything from pop
to country. |
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The
Roys • The View • 6 Stars
www.theroysonline.com
The brother/sister duo, The Roys latest bluegrass
CD, The View is filled with songs written and/or
co-written by Elaine and Lee. Also wearing the
producer hat, they blend their family harmonies
and production perfectly with their lead vocals.
“Mandolin Man” (where they are joined
by the legendary Doyle Lawson), “Live the
Life You Love” and “Mended Wings”
are songs of particular interest. |
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John
Penney • Gone But Not Forgotten • 6
Stars
www.johnpenneymusic.com
John Penney’s current CD, Gone But Not
Forgotten is a Christian Country jewel with John
writing all eight songs. His personal connection
to each song is felt in his faith-filled vocal
delivery and the well-done country production
compliments his vocals effectively. The stand-out
tunes on this project are “Ballerina
Princess” and “WWJD - Good Nuff For
Me.“ |
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| October 2014 |
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Frizzell
& Friends • Buddy Holly Country Tribute
• 7 Stars
www.davidfrizzell.com • www.tbhef.org
The Buddy Holly Educational Foundation has put
together a collection of Buddy Holly's hits
performed by some of country music's elite
including David Frizzell, Merle Haggard, Helen
Cornelius, Jimmy Fortune, Sonny Curtis and T.
Graham Brown. Buddy Holly Country Tribute is a
winner not only for the historical references to
this legendary performer, but also for the fine
renditions by these country music superstars.
There is also a DVD included which shows footage
from the recording session. This is a true gem. |
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LC
Jones • Average American • 6 Stars
www.themusicoflcjones.com
LC Jones' EP Average American is comprised of six
self-penned tunes. With a folk country fusion,
she brings her well-thought out story-type lyrics
to life. With her own unique style, she delivers
each song with a confidence that reflects her
passion. From the first song, “8's” to
the last “Wicked Game,” LC Jones
garners attention and leaves the listener wanting
more. |
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Christina
Holmes • Peace Love & C. Holmes • 5
Stars
www.christinaholmesmusic.com
Christina Holmes' CD, Peace Love & C. Holmes
is just as described - songs of peace and love
delivered with the original style of C. Holmes.
Christina says “Music is healing in so many
ways and I want to bring positivity to the world
through my music.” And this album reflects
that philosophy with her easy, pop-style feel
mixed with a positive message. A particular
favorite is the opening song, “Give A Little
Bit More.” |
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| November 2014 |
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Jerry
Schmitt • 100 Miles • 7 Stars
www.thejerryschmittband.com
Jerry Schmitt’s album, 100 Miles is loaded
with self-penned songs that are well-written and
truly country. With tunes like “If You Only
Knew,” “Woman Of His Dreams” and
“Drink Until I Drop,” Jerry delivers an
exceptional performance. It’s easy to see
why Jerry has gained a strong following in the
Midwest and with each spin of this project, he
should garner even more attention. |
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Various
Artist • A Tribute To Ernest Tubb • 7
Stars
Thanks A Lot Texas Troubadour •
Heart Of Texas Records
It goes without saying that Ernest Tubb is a
legend. His music lives on - and in this case it
lives on through the hearts and voices of some of
country music’s finest. Artists George
Jones, Dolly Parton, Georgette Jones, Bobby
Lewis, George Hamilton IV, Norma Jean, Tony
Booth, Johnny Bush, Norma Jean, Darrell McCall,
Justin Trevino & Amber Digby, Frankie Miller,
Dottsy, Curtis Potter, and Joe Paul Nichols bring
new life to songs like “Drivin’ Nails
In My Coffin,” “Slipping Around”
and “Waltz Across Texas.” Well done. |
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Brenda
Cruz • Heavens Gates Are Open • 5 Stars
Brenda Cruz’s Heavens Gates Are Open CD is
an assortment of uplifting country gospel songs
full of inspiration and faith. From the opening
number, “Jesus Almighty” to the final
cut, “He’s Our Own Jesus Christ,”
Brenda’s vocals along with the traditional
production transport the listener to the pew of
an old-time country church. This is an enjoyable
and satisfying piece of work. |
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Jeff
Olson • “Rhonda’s Honda
Christmas”
www.coltrecords.com
Jeff Olson brings a honky-tonk twist to Christmas
with his Yuletide single, “Rhonda’s
Honda Christmas.” This festive,
toe-tappin’ country song’s storyline
includes a Honda motorcycle drivin’ man and
Santa Claus with his sleigh vying for the
attention of Rhonda. The lively production and
lighthearted vocals makes this a fun song for the
holidays! |
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| December 2014 |
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James
Carothers • Honky Tonk Land • 7 Stars
www.jamescarothers.com
James Carothers’ CD, Honky Tonk Land is bona
fide country music with loads of character.
It’s not radio fluff, but music with a heart
and soul - delivered country style. His
self-penned tunes are well-written and with each
song from the opening “New Country
Singers” to the closing “Where Did We
Come From?,” he’s telling a story much
like the legends of country past. |
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Lonesome
River Band • Turn On A Dime • 6 Stars
www.lonesomeriverband.com
Looking for some bluegrass? Lonesome River
Band’s Turn On A Dime will hit the mark. The
band members, Sammy Shelor, Brandon Rickman, Mike
Hartgrove, Barry Reed and Randy Jones have come
together to make another toe-tappin’
bluegrass album. Songs like “Lila Mae,”
“Don’t Shed No Tears” and the
instrumental “Cumberland Gap” are all
reminders of what makes this band and bluegrass
music so great! |
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The
Claire Lynch Band • Holiday • 6 Stars
www.clairelynch.com
The Claire Lynch Band’s CD, Holiday, is the
perfect musical addition to the upcoming holiday
season. With favorites like “Jingle
Bells,” “It Came Upon A Midnight
Clear” and “White Christmas,” this
well-produced CD is sure to get a lot of spins.
An award-winning artist, Claire is known for her
pure vocals - and those vocals continue to
sparkle on this smooth and heart-warming
production. |
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