LUMINARE CHRISTMAS! – Mistletoe Madness

It’s that time of year once again when we turn towards the holidays with joy, and music is the central connecting element that brings people together to celebrate this special season. Luminare Christmas! – Mistletoe Madness on Frontiers Music Srl is a prime example of modern holiday music, as they rework classic holiday songs with a modern take, much like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Producer John Blasucci (Manheim Steamroller, Dennis DeYoung) has assembled a talented group of musicians to bring his reworkings of holiday classics to the world, in a nicely done album that brings comfort and joy to the  listener.

Production

The album was recorded at Beat Bliss Studio, and is very much the vision of one man. Not only does John Blasucci produce, but he also engineered, mixed and mastered the album, also playing the keyboards, programming drums, and arranging the entire record. Blasucci has done a fine job of bringing his vision to fruition, creating some heart warming holiday magic.

Final Notes

While the comparisons to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are obvious, with the multi singer/musician ensemble that tours at holiday time, Luminare Christmas! – Mistletoe Madness does a good job at offering music that helps to celebrate this special time of year. The vocalists are excellent, the arrangements are tight, and the production values are top notch. Favorite tracks include the lovely “Like a Child” with it’s beautiful melody, and “Winter” with it’s somewhat haunting mood and virtuoso violin. Trans-Siberian Orchestra no doubt created this style of hard rock holiday music, but there’s plenty of room for more, especially when done well. Luminare Christmas! – Mistletoe Madness is definitely worth adding to your holiday playlist, so check it out, and enjoy the season with this welcome addition.

Lineup

• Hayley Stayner: Vocals
• Neal Middleton: Vocals
• Amy Geis: Vocals
• Pino Farina: Vocals
• Erica Carpenedo: Violin
• Rob Landes: Violin
• Brad Lang: Bass, Acoustic and Electric Guitars
• Brady Bills: Bass
• Dan Peters: Electric Guitar
• Sarah Tomek: Drums
• John Blasucci: Arranger, Keyboards, Drum Programming

Mistletoe Madness – Tracklist (CD – Digipak)

1. The Light That Shines
2. Mistletoe Madness
3. Oh Holy Night
4. Carol of the Bells
5. Toy Soldiers
6. Like A Child
7. A Ray of Hope
8. Winter
9. His Majesty
10. You Look Like Christmas

Check out the video for “Oh Holy Night” by Luminare Christmas! off of their new album: Mistletoe Madness