Review: Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the Lyrics of William Schermerhorn on New Christmas CD

The collaboration between Ann Hampton Callaway and lyricist William Schermerhorn on the new holiday season CD called The Hope of Christmas is, alas, unsuccessful. Though Schermerhorn's lyrics can be pleasing, some worthy of considerable play, the over-produced collection burdens them with music that evokes not a moment of holiday feeling. There's swing, mute-horn jazz, samba, and a bit of New Orleans. Melodies are neither light, nor spiritual or celebratory.

I'm a fan of Callaway, whose vocals here are never less than smooth, sincere, and appealing with nuanced note bending in service of a number. Callaway's musical contributions, "The Hope of Christmas" and "Fly With the Angels," are two of the more rewarding. The first, an entreaty for brotherhood, connects with our heartstrings. It's a perfect choice with which to end a holiday concert or service, sending its audience out feeling elevated. The second selection is brief and winning, buoyed on tender guitar. Were the word "Christmas" not embedded in the lyric, it could be performed at any time for any occasion.

"Discovery" (music, Wesley Whatley) has an inspirational, almost traditional lyric (though I could do without Gloria! In excels deo!). It's apt, earnest, and deserves a tune that one might leave humming. Music, however, feels generic with accompanying chorus less gospel than 1980s TV variety show. "I Want to Play Santa" (also Whatley) is upbeat and mid-tempo. Another ode to fellowship, the horn-centric, southern tinged arrangement keeps this from innate universality.

"Santa Doesn't Like Me" (music by Matthew Sklar) sounds like a comedy/satire wearing the wrong costume. Cool and jazzy, it evokes an all but empty bar in which the singer, having eaten Chinese on Christmas Eve, drowns his loneliness. To my mind, the rather good lyric would've worked better as shoulder-shrugging and jaunty or deadpan, excavating humor without being showy."I Saw a Sparrow" (also Sklar) is a wistful, romantic prose poem with meandering melody and a very pretty flute. Callaway makes even its elusive nature lovely.

"My Gift of Thanks" (music by Michael Feinstein) has legs. This one could be interpreted (and arranged) as a ballad (love song) or as gospel/spiritual to equal effect. Its sentiments are lasting, lyrics honest and direct.

One can only assume William Schermerhorn feels comfortable with his collaborations, but in this case they are a puzzle.

The Hope of Christmas: Label: MCG Jazz. Produced by Marty Ashby.

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