CD Review: Jeffrey Cornell's 'Everything Christmas'

What turns a Christmas song into a classic? Firstly, the music & lyrics become instantly recognizable. Secondly, it triggers in the listener an image or memory of real happiness. Third, it immediately makes him want to sing along. Actor/dancer Jeffrey Cornell's Everything Christmas, his personal collection of original compositions through the years has a few such future classics... like listening to the score of a Broadway show, there's a big, dramatic pulsating orchestral sound...and, the lyrics are uplifting, infusing you with peace, heart and love, feelings that only Christmas can generate.

The album's wonderful music arranger is Kirk Hunter and features the vocal talents of both seasoned and up and coming performers like David Burnham, Michelle Duffy, Derek Klena, Daniel Tatar, Pat Whiteman among others.

Highlights include: the dramatic spirituality of "Christmas Angels" performed so solidly by Michelle Duffy, "The Christmas Light" sung by Tom Lowe, "It's Truly Christmas Day" essayed by Julie Garnye, the warmly happy "Somewhere Beyond the Snow" sung with boyish charm by Derek Klena, the beautiful "Christmas Grace" conveyed warmly by David Burnham, "I'm Counting on Christmas" with vocals by Katy Tang, and Cornell's very first composition "Christmas Wishes" with Daniel Tatar.