Louder Than The Music

Vivienne Neville - Advent

Artist:

Vivienne Neville

Title:

Advent

Type:

Album

Released:

22 Nov 2010

LTTM Rating:

Your Rating:

Review

Christmas albums are becoming more and more popular at the moment. Many of the big name Christian artists in America have been releasing Christmas albums these last few years, but British artists have been a little slower to join the growing trend. But now two hugely talented British singers have joined together to record this four song traditional Christmas carol EP, titled 'Advent'.

Vivienne Neville and Liz Clarke each take two classic, and much loved carols, and apply their immense and beautiful voices to them. Starting with the piano led 'O Come O Come Emmanuel', Vivienne's choiresque vocals are soft and...
Read More Christmas albums are becoming more and more popular at the moment. Many of the big name Christian artists in America have been releasing Christmas albums these last few years, but British artists have been a little slower to join the growing trend. But now two hugely talented British singers have joined together to record this four song traditional Christmas carol EP, titled 'Advent'.

Vivienne Neville and Liz Clarke each take two classic, and much loved carols, and apply their immense and beautiful voices to them. Starting with the piano led 'O Come O Come Emmanuel', Vivienne's choiresque vocals are soft and clear as this gentle carol emits a glorious warmth.

Liz's 'We Three Kings' is a much slowed down rendition of the usually upbeat carol. Whilst still demonstrating a superb voice, Liz's vocals are different enough from those of Vivienne's to provide variety. Musically this is a brilliant version with well crafted piano melodies throughout and a gentle rhythm.

Highlight of the EP for me is 'In The Bleak Mid Winter', again showing Vivienne's exemplary vocal talents. Starting with an almost Enya type of vibe, the instrumentation raises the hairs on your arm as keys, strings and wind come together to form a beautiful piece of music. Ending with 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen', Liz impresses with her controlled tones and timing. Again the music is performed to a very high standard with soft percussion also added to the background.

These traditional Christmas songs make the perfect background music for an evening huddled round an open fire with the relatives on a cold wintry evening. I can also imagine many a church carol service playing this music as the worshippers arrive, coming in from the cold night and taking their seats in the warmth of the church hall, full of anticipation ahead of the evening's candlelight carol service. If you're looking for some timeless music to listen to this Christmas, the 'Advent' EP is well worth checking out.

Review by Dave Wood

LTTM Rating 4 out of 5 Stars
Standout Track
In The Bleak Mid Winter

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Vivienne Neville & Liz Clarke Join Together For 'Advent' Christmas EP

British Celtic singer Vivienne Neville is featured on a four song Christmas EP titled 'Advent' alongside Northern Ireland's Liz Clarke. The two singers provide two songs each for the EP which is available on iTunes and contains…