American Record Guide Review of Sing We Now of Christmas

From American Recording Guide (Cincinnati, OH)

by Lindsay Koob

Full Disclosure: As the leading choral guru in my hometown of Charleston, SC, Robert Taylor is someone I think of as a friend as well as a fabulous musician. Some years back, I sang in two of his choirs, and have since heard (and reviewed) his ensembles repeatedly in concert. You may thus take what I have to say about this enchanting album with a grain or two of salt. But consider his solid record of accomplishments, which include multiple appearances of his choirs (this one and his College of Charleston Concert Choir) at the national ACDA and NCCO conventions, where merely getting invited is a major coup in the choral world.

This excellent professional choir is the flagship ensemble of Charleston’s annual Taylor Music Festival: a celebration of both classical and Celtic music that also presents international Celtic stars like fiddler Liz Carroll, singer-songwriter John Doyle, percussionist Danny Mallon, and harpist Kim Robertson, among otherwise mostly Charleston- based musicians; they all appear as guest artists in this delightful holiday collection with a distinct Irish twist. Sure an’ Begorrah, I’d bet good money that you’ve never heard traditional Christmas music before with their unique brand of Irish instrumental verve and spirit. The album’s heart is made up of classic British carols and original settings of common holiday texts. Among these, you’ll hear distinctive arrangements of well-known fare like ‘Wexford Carol’, ‘Coventry Carol’, and ‘Wassail’. Composer Brian Galante contributes a richly evocative setting of ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’. High points among other original compositions include a stunning account of Eric Whitacre’s a cappella masterpiece, ‘Lux Aurumque’ and the Sanctus from noted Irish composer Michael McGlynn’s Celtic Mass. And just wait until you hear the happy hijinks of ‘Mrs Fogarty’s Christmas Cake’. Space considerations preclude further exploration of this very original program and all its wonderful performers. But even if there’s only a wee bit o’ the Irish in ye, you’ll find this to be a true pot o’ musical gold at the end of the holiday rainbow."

Lindsay Koob