George Huff’s “My Christmas EP” – A First Listen

George Huff may have come in fifth on American Idol 3, but he won the competition to be the first Idol to release a CD in this pre-holiday season. My Christmas EP, which was released by Word Records on November 9, only has five tracks, but each is solid and worthy of inclusion. The CD is sparse and it doesn’t seem as though a lot of time was spent in production, but that doesn’t really detract from the quality. It’s all about George’s voice, after all, and his fans will not be disappointed.

Here are my thoughts on each track:

1. “Medley: Angels We Have Heard on High/Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

This medley opens quite cleverly, with a not-so-subtle, jazzy underscoring of “Me and Mrs. Jones.” The tempo is slow and smooth, and George’s voice is clear and strong. The jazz feel of the opening half of this medley gives way to a more traditional version of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” George has on his “church voice,” and it is a truly impressive instrument. He is accompanied by a piano and several female voices, but it is all George on this one. He has great depth and his glory notes are glorious!

2. “Silent Night”

I would imagine that nearly every collection of Christmas songs includes “Silent Night,” and so many of the arrangements sound pretty much the same. But this song always moves me, and George’s arrangement is no exception. In fact, because I feel a connection to George, his version really gets me. He doesn’t over-sing the song, and that is the beauty of it. In fact, his voice is relaxed and mellow and he sort of floats through the song. It is clear that “Silent Night” has great significance to him and he presents it as a tribute to his Lord. It is truly beautiful.

3. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”

This one feels as though George is singing right to me. It’s a light version, almost in the Johnny Mathis vein. The accompaniment is sparse but effective, and I can’t help but smile as I listen to him move easily through the verses. The song breaks in the middle with a gentle guitar riff and George speaking. Then, it seems, he cuts loose and brings it up a notch. His voice is so clean and true. I don’t think we ever really saw what he is capable of either on the show or in concert.

4. “Oh Holy Night”

The song begins with George singing a cappella and only the sound of crickets behind him. But, just when you think you know where this one is going, accompanying voices join in with some light percussion and bass. The song seems to layer as it goes along, and builds in intensity and depth. It is an interesting arrangement that straddles both jazz and R&B. George wraps this one up with a bow in a spectacular finish that includes a church organ and piano. George’s voice is full and rich, and his spirit is palpable. This is a powerful song and my favorite on the CD.

5. ”Go Tell it on the Mountain”

George takes us to church on this one and leaves no one behind! It’s full-blown gospel production with a band, choir, and, of course, George singing from his soul. This one had me nodding my head, tapping my feet, and smiling from ear to ear! This is what George Huff was born to do. I sure hope he gets a chance to do this one live. Seeing George Huff perform live is an amazing experience.

George has proven that he has what it takes to deliver credible arrangements in a way that will appeal to both his fans as well as new listeners. Cedric & Victor Caldwell have done a great job arranging this collection and did not compromise George in any way. My only complaint is that it is too short! I want more, and I think most of George’s fans will feel the same way.

My Christmas EP is not widely available in retail outlets, so your best bet is to buy it right here! Buy a few copies to give as gifts, and please, don’t burn copies. You are stealing from George if you do! And, of course, it's still all about the George!

Donna Reynolds is an Assistant Editor for the RealityNewsOnline family of websites and a freelance writer based in Syracuse, NY. She is also the creator of “That’s Entertainment,” a weblog on syracuse.com. Whether you agree or disagree, Donna welcomes your comments, and you can email her at foxydonna@earthlink.net.

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