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I knew I was in for a treat when I listened to It's Christmas, because I had also received a copy of Quartette's new CD, In the Beauty of the Day which is simply awesome! And I wasn't disappointed. This beautiful "super band," composed of four of Canada's best folk and country artists, does everything it needs to live up to its tremendous potential.

Cindy Church begins the record with a strong voice and spirit, singing lead on the title track (a song she co-wrote with Nathan Tinkham). This song is one that should get year-to-year air play. It's a hit.

Colleen Peterson follows with an excellent lead vocal on the folk selection Holy Christmas Night, a song she co-wrote with Nancy Simmonds.

Sylvia Tyson follows shortly afterward with her beautifully sweet voice on her song The Angels Wept. I am beginning to detect a pattern here.

Caitlin Hanford follows up in grand style with This Year My Christmas Wish Is Mexico, which she co-wrote with Nathan Tinkham. Yes, a pattern is emerging.

Bowing to tradition by including O Come, O Come Emmanuel, What Child Is This, and Silent Night, this qute, qute, qute, qute qountry quartet has brought forth a mostly original cache of catchy Christmas carols. I reserve my highest praise for records like this one, which give something back to the season.

It is worth mentioning that in addition to sharing duties on lead vocals, these women are an excellent blended chorus. And the instrumental accompaniment sounds richer than much of what Nashville has produced in the '90s. These ladies, each an accomplished artist in her own right, have created an energy and synergy that is extremely effective on this polished and pretty pop country offering.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 1998)

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Quartette

It's Christmas

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Track List