CD Reviews

Voice - Spend Christmas with Elvis’ Own Vocal Group

Produced by Donnie Sumner
Recorded at Donnie Sumner Studios - Hendersonville, TN
Rating: *** 1/2

One of Elvis' most famous vocal groups, Voice, recently made of CD of many of Elvis's favorite Christmas tunes.
Composed of Donnie Sumner, Sherrill Nielson, and Tim Baty, all of Gospel Music fame, left their respective groups, namely, JD Sumner and the Stamps, and the Imperials to form the stage backup group for Elvis. Never forgetting their Gospel roots, these talented men got together again 30 years after the death of Elvis to record some of his favorite Gospel and Christmas songs.

The CD opens with the great Irish Tenor voice of Sherrill Nielson on "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year". Of course no voice fits "O Holy Night" like a strong Tenor, and Sherrill's rendition of this classic is wonderful cut.

Tim Baty shows his wares as he gives an outstanding interpretation of "Do You Hear What I Hear". He also shows some diversification, as he gives a nice country feel to "Tennessee Christmas".

Donnie Sumner really shines on "No Room". This may be my favorite song on the CD, although I really like all of them. The message of this song just seems to hit home about Christmas for me. Donnie also does a nice job on the Classic Christmas hymn, "Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem".

Other fine songs include "Birthday of A King", "Christmas With You", and "The Christmas Story", featuring the late JD Sumner. This CD has a little bit of novelty, a lot of nostalgia, and some great singing.

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1. The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
2. Tennessee Christmas
3. No Room
4. Oh Holy Night
5. Do You Hear What I Hear
6. Birthday Of A King
7. Christmas With You
8. Have A Country Christmas
9. Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem
10. The Christmas Story (featuring JD Sumner)