Monday, December 17, 2007 Review
A VERY VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS VOL II -- Various Artists A VERY VANCOUVER CHRISTMAS Vol II Various Artists 9.5-out-of-10 While Christmas is a time of memories, memories often brought forth by the familiar music of the season, it is at times nice to hear something new too. One can only listen to so many renditions of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, before you start to look for something new. When you're in the mood for something fresh might I suggest you search out A Very Vancouver Christmas.

This is an intriguing seasonal effort coming at us from the West Coast. I say intriguing because this CD offers up all original Christmas fare, which is all but unheard of. While occasionally an artist will write a new Christmas song it is usually slotted in between familiar standards, the thinking being that one needs the cloak of familiarity to sell. Well folks I'm here to tell you to be a bit daring, and go for a full-meal deal of new Christmas songs. Yes it might be a little like eating steak rather than turkey for Christmas dinner, but darn it this is mighty tender steak folks.

Now I must admit I did not recognize a single performer on this CD, but you know something, that doesn't matter. The beauty of this album comes from the modern interpretation of the season from these varied artists. There are some really nice Christmas efforts here including The Vigil by The Roasted Chestnut Orchestra, Favorite Frozen Town by Andrea Chrys which is an ode to a Prairie Christmas, A Squeegee Christmas by Tony Mariott, a song that shows the true heart of the season, and Birth of Christ by Richard Klein. Andrea Hector even adds a tongue-in-cheek Christmas effort with Cockroach Kinda Christmas.

For some this CD might be a bit too unfamiliar, but I can assure you that is exactly why you should search this one out. It's easy to pick Jungle Bells and add it to a CD. It takes a bit more of an inner look at the season to write a song that speaks to the truths behind Christmas. These artists do it well, and deserve to be heard. I'm totally blown away by this effort. Check it out at www.veryvancouverchristmas.com
CALVIN DANIELS -- Review first appeared in Yorkton This Week newspaper Dec. 12, 2007 - Yorkton, SK. Canada

A Very Vancouver Christmas Vol. II (Independent)
Here's a pleasing set of left-field holiday tunes from some strong local talent. There's slick R&B from Larissa Garth, the splendid folk pop of Tony Marriott's "A Squeegee Christmas", and a slyly heart-rending duet from Marq DeSouza and Nenah Barkley called "Let's Be Honest With Each Other for Once (This Christmastime)". Most of the other 10 tracks are no less impressive, and proceeds go to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau and the BCSPCA. Aside from those who have the misfortune of being made out of mouthwateringly delicious turkey or ham, everybody wins.
Adrian Mac The Georgia Straight