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Ever seen "Pushing Daisies," the wildly imaginative television series about a pie-maker who can bring back the dead? If so, then you know the lovely Kristin Chenoweth, who plays Olive Snook, the gorgeous Pie Hole waitress. And even if you have never crossed paths with "Pushing Daisies," you likely know Chenoweth from her many starring turns on Broadway or from her film or other TV appearances. You get the idea--Chenoweth is a multi-faceted talent, and singing is definitely a major component.

Not surprisingly, Chenoweth possesses a superb stage voice; it's strong, clear, spot-on, and emotive. She has more projection and personality in one vocal chord than most performers have in their entire bodies. On A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas, Chenoweth demonstrates great range as she cruises through glitzy fluff and religious carols with equal aplomb. On the opening I'll Be Home for Christmas, the artist's aching melancholy pervades every bar. In contrast, Chenoweth is all cutesy-brassy on Christmas Island, then becomes the soul of delicacy on The Christmas Waltz and What Child Is This?. Interestingly, she also presents Sing, the piece originally written for Big Bird on "Sesame Street"; a new verse has been added here for the holidays. On Come On Ring Those Bells, apparently one of Chenoweth's personal favorites, she exudes honky-tonk country enthusiasm. The album closes with Sleep Well Little Children/What a Wonderful World, an excellent medley that is warmly delivered.

As a big fan of the intensely talented Kristin Chenoweth, I knew that A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas would be special. If you fancy holiday vocals that feature Broadway-style pizazz and full orchestration, you should definitely have Olive Snook provide some home-delivery "pie" this December!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Engineer: Tom Coyne


From the Website:

(Sony BMG Masterworks/NY) On October 14, 2008 Sony BMG Masterworks will release KRISTIN CHENOWETH's new Christmas CD A LOVELY WAY TO SPEND CHRISTMAS. For her third album, Chenoweth covers a wide range of Christmas songs from "Christmas Island," popularized by The Andrew's Sisters to Kristin's personal favorite "Come On Ring Those Bells."

Recorded at Capitol Recording Studio's legendary Studios A & B where Sinatra, Judy Garland and Nat King Cole all etched their Christmas standards, A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas is an eclectic combination of full orchestral arrangements, along with big band, a bit of tropical island flavor, pop and country.

In addition to well-known Christmas classics such as "Silver Bells" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas," Chenoweth reinterprets Louis Armstrong's modern standard "What A Wonderful World" and children's favorite "Sing," (originally written for Sesame Street's loveable Big Bird) into a Christmas songs with the help of acclaimed producer Robbie Buchanan (Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow) and Executive Producer Jay Landers (Streisand, Midler, Manilow, Celine Dion and Josh Groban).

The album also features new compositions of "Home On Christmas Day," co-written by Grammy Award winning producer Walter Afanasieff (Mariah Carey, Celine Dion) and Jay Landers and "Born On Christmas Day," with lyrics by Grammy winning pop/soul singing legend Peabo Bryson.

On choosing to record a Christmas album Chenoweth says "From the minute I signed with Sony Classical eight years ago, I wanted to record a Christmas album. I grew up listening to Barbra Streisand's Christmas album, and that was such an inspiration to me. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I am blessed and excited to be able to do my own Christmas album."

Kristin Chenoweth

A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas

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Track List