Roseville Records

With three generations of Chapin voices supplying the firepower, this collection takes the listener on a musical train that goes from tender ballad to full-blown rock symphony, with stops along the way at country, folk, street, pop, jazz and ragtime. Underneath the voices, this musical production keeps sparkling, with plenty of interesting percussion and stringed instrumentation accenting the moods.

Of special note is a satin-gown version of Deck the Halls sung by Jen Chapin (daughter of the late Harry Chapin), with her grandfather, Jim Chapin and "Blue Lou" Marini partying along. Harry's fans will appreciate a version of O Holy Night sung by John Wallace, which (quoting the liner notes) is "a re-creation of Mr. Tanner's fateful Town Hall debut, according to the Harry Chapin song."

Each of the members takes turns at the lead vocals, so there is plenty of variety to keep one's interest. Tom and Steve Chapin, Harry's brothers, sing most of the male parts, along with their long time band member, John Wallace. They are counter-balanced by the addition of Tom's daughters (Jessica, Abigail and Lily), who are known as the Chapin Sisters. Together, the girls have a spirit and purity of tone that propels the entire collection with their distinctive vocal blend, but they also shine when in the spotlight. Jessica does a powerful country version of Brightest and Best, a hymn whose tune sounds like a contemporary Nashville offering. Later on, Lily sings a children's hymn, There is Room, that is just ... well, angelic.

The sub-title "Variations" is more-than-apt-these are not your grandmother's Christmas carols. From the moment that Silent Night starts its 5/4 thumb piano continuo, and the voices and instruments start rolling along over it, and the dramatic swell into the solo (that ends up with Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" playing over the top), it is apparent that arranger Steve Chapin has imparted this familiar year-end repertoire with a fresh sense of exploration and discovery that is nothing short of amazing. Songs are stood on their head, shaken up a bit, and then cleverly reconstructed; like Angels We Have Heard. This carol (performed by the Chapin Sisters, with Abigail singing the verses) is performed at a slower tempo, in a minor key, with the traditional chorus melody playing under the verses. The effect is haunting and deeply evocative.

There is an intriguing version of We Three Kings that has a whirlwind of musical activity swirling through it. Three different languages, a 7/4 chorus of angels, and a 7/8 percussion figure all manage to coexist within the song.

Sure to be a big favorite is Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. The three sisters start with a syncopated a capella verse over a beat that best belongs on a rap record; then a lost sax player (aka "Blue Lou" Marini) and the Chapin brothers join the fray, and they all end up singing as one over a jaunty shuffle.

There is more, much more ... this CD is destined to become a treasured part of the holiday season

FURTHER BACKGROUND: 

The songs for this collection were drawn from the 1940 Hymnal of the Episcopal Church. Tom and Steve Chapin, along with John Wallace, first started singing them 50 years ago, where they were employed in the Choir of Boys and Men at Grace Church, Brooklyn Heights. John's and Steve's sons (Clark and Jonathan) sang in the choir as well. The collection is dedicated to their choirmaster, Anne V. McKittrick, who was Steve's organ teacher (he also served there as assistant organist). 

Starting in the mid-seventies, the Chapin family would tour the neighborhood each Christmas, caroling with a strange array of brass and stringed instruments and a group of 3 dozen fellow enthusiasts. Good times and lasting friendships were the usual result. It is that same energetic spirit and the continuing commitment to the music that is so evident throughout this inspired collection, and infuses it with an irresistible quality.