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Very impressive! New York police officer Ruby Collins packs a potent weapon on Merry Christmas, presenting ten gospel-infused, jazzy vocals. Having entertained President Bill Clinton and many other luminaries, Collins' controlled vibrato is showcased here, and the simple piano accompaniment appropriately defers. The striking album cover features the lovely Ruby and her red dress (remember Helen Reddy's Ruby Red Dress?), and this strong and attractive woman has athletic arms that leave me feeling hopelessly flabby and feeble. Collins' alto similarly leaves me in awe; it flows like barely-contained dynamite with incredible energy pushing just beneath the surface.

Two tracks on Merry Christmas are particularly fine. Her Away in a Manger and It Came Upon a Midnight Clear are both stunners. Collins' arrangements are creative and contemporary, making these ancient carols into wholly new, modern marvels. Away in a Manger takes on a moody, minor aura that gives it more serious and sophisticated sensibilities than the usual version. Collins' intensely original rendition of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear tracks a melody line that is mesmerizing, but almost unrecognizable from the familiar tune. The artist truly takes ownership of both cuts in dramatic and admirable fashion. Collins also includes a narrative reading midway through The First Noel, telling the story of the first Christmas. The music unfortunately comes to an abrupt finish after only 31 minutes.

Ruby Collins' agile vocals on Merry Christmas are quite arresting. Before she sentences you to thirty-one minutes of sweetly smokin' seasonal delights, make certain she first reads you your rights!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

All songs arranged and performed by Ruby Collins
Piano/vocals: Ruby Collins

Producers: Ruby Collins & Andrei Strobert

Engineer: Andrei Strobert

Ruby Collins

Merry Christmas

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Track List