The fourth excellent CD by Utah-based, all male Contemporary octet Octappella, who apply their trademark intricate, tight harmonies, cutting-edge arrangements and bright, solid vocal percussion to 13 Christmas favorites. Jester Hairston's 'Mary's Little Boy Child,' the wonderful original 'Come and See' by group member Matt Cropper (who also does a lot of Octappella's arrangements), a marvelous arrangement of 'O Come All Ye Faithful,' a sizzling, jazzy rendition of Sammy Cahn's 'Let It Snow,' Jay Althouse's spirited foot-tapper 'Whisper! Whisper!,' a pair of innovative Deke Sharon arrangements, 'O Come O Come Emanuel' and 'Sleigh Ride,' 'O Holy Night,' another nice original, 'Christmas Time,' by group member Wes Brewer; and the spirited 'Child of God' by Emily Crocker are immediate favorites. But 'Stars Were Gleaming,' 'Once in Royal David's City' and 'Joy to the World' are also incredible, as if we are hearing these standards for the first time. A brilliant, fun, seemingly effortless, envelope-pushing collection-one of the best we've heard this year!

Listen to Whisper! Whisper! in RealAudio.