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Our Review

Kevin R. Osborn is KevOz, a Chicago boy bursting with creative energy. In Christmas Spirit, KevOz pumps that power into synthesized new age pop treatments of holiday standards. This is zingy, slightly off-kilter stuff that is always fun. At just over 27 minutes, this instrumental album is too short, but it does keep listeners guessing every second while generating a slick, electric atmosphere of contemporary mood music.

Every song is an adventure. Christmas Spirit opens with someone tap-tapping on the pipes for several bars before The First Noel lifts to fit the tapping. Through the first minute of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear the melody is unidentifiable, but the lush tones and percussive beats are seductive. At the other end of the spectrum, Jingle Bells is a jingly, funky affair with Big Ben bell tones and a Caribbean feel. On Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, KevOz employs a stately, harpsichord-like effect. The title track (a KevOz creation) is a delightful blend of trumpet fanfare, bells, and breezy seasonal joy. Here's the bottom line--KevOz is an inspired artist, and he throws a lot of color on the canvas while mixing up the media. The end product is a little crazy, but well-crafted and memorable.

For those who enjoy Mannheim Steamroller on a hallucinogenic trip, KevOz's Christmas Spirit may be the perfect ride. Cool!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

Christmas happens to be my favorite holiday. Maybe it's yours, too. I hope this collection of songs -- 9 holiday favorites and 1 new original song by yours truly -- adds a little joy to your Christmas. As always, thank you for your support... and Happy Holidays!
--KevOz, Holiday Season 2006

From the artist's site:

The instrumental songs I create are 100% original, and range from ambient, dreamlike soundscapes to inspirational melodic tracks. Think Vangelis with a bit of Mannheim Steamroller, Enigma, and Tangerine Dream thrown in. If you're feeling a bit down and stressed out, my music can pick you up...if you're already feeling pretty good and just want to chill out and relax, my music can help in that department as well. I love creating music that elevates the listener to another level - whether it is used for massage, meditation, relaxation, yoga or other exercise, or just as unobtrusive background music.

KevOz

Christmas Spirit

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Track List