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Too cool! If you are old enough to recall the popularity of the Andrews Sisters, and even if you're not, but you are fond of cracker-jack female harmonies, then feast upon the pleasures of the Silver Belles. This sassy Canadian trio (Marianne Grittani, Jennifer Scott, and Lynnette Salton) entertains with jazzy easy-listening delights on 'Tis the Season. The songs cover a broad range of traditional and contemporary carols, largely served with a delightful dollop of fun. The numbers are delivered either a cappella or with minimal accompaniment, and the album effortlessly creates a friendly intimacy, the sense that this trio is performing in your living room. Nice!

For the most part, the harmonies are absolutely heavenly. It is extremely difficult to match voices in sophisticated three-part arrangements, and the Silver Belles impress. You really do get the sense that these women are having a great time every step of the way, and their passion is infectious. The upbeat tunes are kicky (Suzy Snowflake), and the more serious carols are richly contemplative (Coventry Carol). While it is true that some pieces strongly evoked images of the Andrews Sisters on the "Ed Sullivan Show" (Jingle, Jingle, Jingle definitely put me in a time machine!), these women really do perform with contemporary flair. Although every track is special, I particularly relished the rich intonations and pitch-perfect delivery of A La Nanita Nana.

The title track, by the way, is an original number that expresses the sentiment we all feel when loved ones are no longer with us to share the season. Well done.

Spend your holidays with the Silver Belles, and you'll likely be jingling with joy. After all, 'Tis the Season is old-fashioned, but freshly fun, too. Enjoy!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

The Silver Belles are myself, Marianne Grittani, along with Jennifer Scott and Lynnette Salton. I formed the group with two friends at Christmas time 1989. We had 8 songs that we sang over and over in different locations throughout the mall we were hired to perform in. In 1990 Jennifer Scott joined the group and with her sparkling arrangements our repertoire has grown through the years to over 60 songs. Lynnette Salton was adopted as a "Belle" in 1993 and brought with her not only her great voice but her indomitable spirit. Between the two of them we can always be assured of crystal clear soprano and middle parts! Me, I hang out and hold down the bottom end--because I can...

There have been many great singers that have passed through the ranks, subbing in when one of us can't make an engagement. Linda Kidder is one of them and she is featured here on the song "Silver Bells."

I wrote the song "'Tis the Season" in 1986 for my family and it is included on this recording. We dedicate it to the loving memory of my mother, Carmen, and Lynnette's father, Dale. They are with us always.

All songs except 'Tis the Season produced and arranged by Rene Worst & Jennifer Scott

From the Website:

The Silver Belles are a contemporary a cappella Christmas carolling trio featuring Marianne Grittani, Jennifer Scott and Lynnette Bruce. All of these women have extensive and varied backgrounds in the field of entertainment, both locally and internationally. Since 1990 the trio has been brightening up the holiday season with their engaging three part harmony arrangements of traditional Christmas favourites, both sacred and secular. Performance sites have included the Vancouver Art Gallery (Miracle on Georgia Street), Canada Place (Festival of Lights), Stanley Park (Bright Nights) as well as many hotels, shopping centers, markets and office towers throughout Vancouver. For the last 10 years they have been regulars in the atrium of the Honk Kong Bank of Canada, and for several years have been bringing holiday cheer to shoppers at Yaletown's popular Urban Fare and three Vancouver locations of Choices Markets. Other British Columbians and Canadians have enjoyed the Silver Belles compliments of CBC Radio on the annual Food Bank Drive and Shelagh Rogers' Cross Canada Christmas. They have been a delightful addition to countless private functions, performing in the background as guests arrive and/or doing feature sets. The Silver Belles, with their superb vocal blend, warmth and humour, add a touch of elegance and ambiance to any festive occasion.

The Silver Belles

'Tis the Season

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Track List