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Sandi Patty, a 2004 Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee with more Dove awards than seems humanly possible, is a woman of enormous faith and a most powerful set of pipes. Before reviewing Yuletide Joy, I was familiar with Patty, but had not fully appreciated her richly authoritative voice--really quite amazing. She has one of the most flexible, fantastic voices I have ever heard in any genre. No wonder critics have dubbed Patty "The Voice."

Yuletide Joy is aptly named. This generous (nearly an hour of music!) offering exudes elation. The 13 tracks include some holiday favorites, but also quite a few lesser-known gems. The liner notes helpfully present all the lyrics, although the font size really put my aging eyes to the test. The opening number, "A Christmas Carol/Worship the King," explodes with intense joy and Broadway bravado. The largely synthesized "orchestration" here is lush; the album has an old-time, big-production feel. The six background singers do a superb job supporting and even enhancing Patty's sensational vocals throughout the CD.

Patty is known for her versatility, and that trait is fully evident here. Her styles vary from cabaret/pop to classical/operatic to intimate easy-listening to gutsy gospel. Her over-the-top "Jingle Bells ala Sandra" is a special treasure; on this fully-developed (over five minutes!) number, Patty rocks through diverse genres, demonstrating jazzy flair, operatic excess, salsa excitement, and big fun throughout.

One oddity is the re-release (not re-recording) of "Merry Christmas with Love," a lovely number that originally appeared in 1983. According to Patty, she included the song on this new holiday CD because Clay Aiken recorded it in 2004 on his Christmas album (Clay Aiken's Merry Christmas with Love is reviewed here).

My favorite moments tend to be slower and more reflective; "Bethlehem Morning" and "Someday" provide some quietly meaningful, sweet interludes. Other terrific tracks are the jazz-flavored and smoky "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and the rockin' gospel thrills of "Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child."

No doubt about it--Sandi Patty is really enjoying herself on Yuletide Joy, and her passion shines. Bravo!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Sandi Patty

Produced by Sandi Patty and Steve Potts

Musicians:
Piano: Steve Potts
Synthesizer: Rollie Mains & Troye Kinnett
Bass: Randy Melson
Drums: Dennis Kurttila
Percussion: Steve Hanna

Background Vocals:
Kim Tabor
Shelly Harris
Amy Rouse
Greg Gilpin
Brian McSee
Don Peslis

Sandi Patty

Yuletide Joy

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Track List