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Our Review

Gloria Gaynor practically invented the disco genre, way back in the seventies, with her seminal Never Can Say Goodbye. But while she allows us a glimpse of earlier glory on Winter Mix, Christmas Presence showcases Ms. Gaynor's artistic range, with everything from pop and adult contemporary to R&B to jazz.

For the most part, the first half of Christmas Presence is a bit too sedate for putting on my platform heels and doing the bump or the hustle, but she picks up the pace somewhat in the second half, with a toe-tapping rendition of Winter Wonderland and Winter Mix. But I don't do the hustle all that much anymore, so I appreciated her soulful vocals and arrangement of The Christmas Song as much as anything on this generous 60 minute set.

Gloria Gaynor fans rejoice! Christmas Presence is one more good reason (and who needs a reason?) to get down and boogie.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Gloria Gaynor: vocals

Produced by: Don Oriolo

Tim Franklin: Electric and String Bass

Tommy Calton: Electric, Acoustic and Classical Guitars

Brian Snapp: Recorders, Flute, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxes, Double B- Sax

Charlie Baratini: Trumpet and Cornet

Rick Abbott: Trombone

Charlie Morgan: Drums

Danny Gotlieb: Drums on All I Want For Christmas and Happy Time

Paul Parker: Drums on Christmas Song

Michael Franklin: Piano, B3, Kurzweil, and Melodica

Steady Joseph: Percussion

Olga Stolishnia, Miguel Franchi, Donny Michaels, Poppy System, Tex Season: Violins

Paul Fluery, Frank Michaels: Cellos

Backing Vocals: Suzy Parks Hosmer, Mike Franklin, Felicia Sparks and Roweena Staples

Gloria Gaynor

Christmas Presence

Artist link

Track List