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Michael Fawcett has movie star good looks and a wonderful "Broadway musical" voice, putting the latter to excellent use in These Make the Season. After starring in various venues around the country and the globe, Fawcett now lives and works in the New York City area, where he developed and directs a children's choir program in Greenwich (CT). His choir kids joyfully participate on this album, providing cherubic voices on the opening track "Rudolph Meets Frosty: A Medley" and on three other numbers.

This holiday album presents top-notch adult contemporary music, easy-listening pop with the occasional Celtic twist. The 15 tracks include three impressive Fawcett originals ("It's Christmastime," "His Gift," "These Make the Season"). All three are winners, but my favorite is the hauntingly mystical "His Gift."

Since I'm a sucker for a cappella excellence, I love the multi-layered "Carol of the Bells" (with Fawcett providing all the parts); other terrific tracks include the closer (Mel Torme's classic "The Christmas Song"), an acoustic gem showcasing Fawcett's wonderful voice (and whistling) over a simple guitar, and the dramatic, Celtic treatment of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." The musicianship here is first-rate throughout; my only complaint is that Fawcett's sparkling baritone gets overshadowed by enthusiastic instrumentation in spots.

These Make the Season would make anyone's season extra-special. Invite the multi-talented Michael Fawcett (and his choir kids) over for some hot cocoa this December; you'll be entertained in high style all evening long!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Co-Produced by Michael Kingsley and Michael Fawcett
Engineered and Mixed by Michael Kingsley
All orchestrations arranged by Michael Fawcett and Michael Kingsley; played by Michael Kingley (unless otherwise noted below)

Fiddle: Tony DeMarco (Track 3)
Vocal solo: Sophia Boilini (Track 4)
Trombone: Jeff Dieterle (Track 10)
Back-up vocal: Heidi Haskins (Track 11)
Guitar: Jonathan Geist (Track 15)

St. Michael Children's Choir: I call them my kids. It's been my pleasure working with some of them for 5 years now, hoping to instill in them a love of singing, particularly as a means of worship. I'm proud to include their voices on this CD. They are: Katrina Abreu, Benson Arrigo, Angelica Bercetche, Sophia Boilini, Lillian Bopp, Christopher, Buffone, Elizabeth Buffone, Claire Caragol, Allie Clisham, Emmie Clisham, Ashley Cole, Jessica FitzRoy, Ann Franchina, John Franchina, Andrew Hendrickson, Cicely Hoelscher, Madison Hoelscher, Aubrey Kalashian, Sean Latella, Alison Mango, Cristina Mommsen, Kristin Murphy, Jillian Schwabe, Kimberly Sebastian, Alexandra Smyth, Melanie Straessle, Jennifer Thomas, Kristina Venieri, Megan Vigliotti, Camila Viola, Kirstyn Vitale, Sarah VorderBruegge.

From the Web site:

Christmas music has always been, for me, the most definitive element of the season. I've looked forward to recording a collection like this for many years, and with the expert help of Michael Kingsley, with whom I share production and arranging credits, I believe we've succeeded in creating something that you'll enjoy for years to come, whatever your age or taste in music. I've included fresh new arrangements of several traditional favorites, as well as a few of my own songs. I'm also very proud to feature the Children's Choirs of St. Michael Church on some selections. Taking them into the studio to sing Christmas songs in the middle of July was a real treat for us all, and their voices add a special sweetness to the mix.

Michael Fawcett

These Make the Season

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Track List