There are quite a few 'family dynasties' in the a cappella world, most notably in barbershop, but here we have a very auspicious beginning of perhaps another. Keith Lancaster has built a very solid reputation as director of the various groups under the Acappella Ministries banner and now three of his children Melissa Lancaster, Kim Lancaster and Anthony Lancaster along with three others have formed the mixed group Durant. The children grew up on the road and in the studio with their father and have individually produced and performed on an impressive amount of recordings. This collection of praise and inspirational songs clearly demonstrates that musical talent can be genetic and fans of contemporary Christian music are sure to find this recording a real treat.

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Keith Lancaster, founder of the Acappella Company, pride of Goodlettsville, TN, has a beautiful and talented daughter, Melissa, who produced, recorded and mixed 'Christmas' at Durant Studios in Goodlettsville. Although we're not given much info on the liner notes here, we think the good-looking, happy family on the cover (it says 'Photography by Kim and Keith Lancaster') includes Melissa and her siblings or friends, and possibly Kim and Keith themselves. 'Durant' could be the name of this group, or we will guess that it refers to the venue where this rich, magical, joyous Christmas album of 10 songs was recorded. In any case, this is a feel-good, foot-tapping collection that's spiritual but doesn't push it, just unabashedly celebrates the occasion, the birth of Christmas. Our favorites are Miles Goodman's 'Bless Us All,' Imogen Heap's 'Just for Now' and Randy Handley & Cam King's 'Baby Jesus is Born,' three songs that are new to us. But we were equally delighted by 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,' a wonderfully arranged 'Little Drummer Boy,' 'O Holy Night,' Alvin and the Chipmunks' silly 'Christmas Don't Be Late,' 'Winter Wonderland' and the final cut, 'Feliz Navidad,' as loaded with faux horns, vocal percussion and pure joy as Grandma's fruitcake is loaded with nuts, candies and love. Listen to 'Bless Us All' or 'Baby Jesus is Born,' and you'll know that 'Christmas' has all the good stuff that Christmas has always been about!