Various Artists "Rock Power Praise Vol. II: Christmas Hymns"

Various Artists

Rock Power Praise Vol. II: Christmas Hymns

1991 Pakaderm Records

Produced by: John & Dino Elefante

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Track Listing

Joy to the World (3:21)

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (4:27)

What Child Is This (3:54)

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (3:28)

Little Drummer Boy (4:21)

O Come All Ye Faithful (4:07)

Silent Night (4:14)

For Unto Us A Child Is Born (3:08)

O Holy Night (4:12)

O Come, O Come Emmanuel (3:56)

Musicians

Lead Vocals: Ron Gollner (Joy to the World), Robin Kyle (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, O Come All Ye Faithful), Sara Tennison (What Child Is This, For Unto Us A Child Is Born), Jamie Rowe (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, O Come, O Come Emmanuel), John Elefante (Silent Night), Scott Springer (O Holy Night)

Drums: Danny Woods

Bass: J.R. McNeely

Guitar: Rock Lobster, Tex Mex, W.C. Jr., Glen Pearce

Keyboards: John Andrew Schreiner, Jack Mac

Background Vocals: Sara Tennison, Sheryl Meester, Ronald E. Gollner

This album has been my go to Christmas album since my high school days. I've never been a big fan of Christmas albums until my older brother introduced me to this. I should have know that a John & Dino Elefante project was worth listening to period. There is no mistaken that the Elefante's fingerprints are all over this project. Evan after 20+ years I still find myself taking this CD off the shelf each and every Christmas.

One of the things I like best about the album are the guest vocalists. Robin Kyle (Red Sea) puts on a great vocal performance of two Christmas classics. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing has never sounded better. Jamie Rowe (Guardian) rocks both of his tracks. I remember playing O Come, O Come Emmanual for my youth choir pastor all those years ago and remember him being impressed...and he didn't even listen to "that kind of music". John Elefante (Kansas, Mastedon) and Scott Springer (Halo) bring a softer approach to the line up and both did a fantastic job. 

One of the names involved in this project that I wasn't familiar with at all was Sara Tennison. She took lead on What Child Is This and For Unto Us A Child Is Born. I've always loved What Child Is This and her rendition is one of my favorites. I've always been partial to female vocal driven rock so it's easy to really like he driving sound on For Unto Us A Child Is Born.

I only listen to a few Christmas albums each year, and this is one that is always in the mix. It may sound a little dated, but it is a very polished package and remains one of my favorite "various artists" type albums. If you're looking to add this to your music library, be wary as it tends to run in the $30+ range on the secondary market.