Staci Frenes Wise Men & Angels Longshot Records Christmas 11-30-1999

SCORE 89%

Critically acclaimed indie artist Staci Frenes applies a warm blend of gentle rootsy instrumentation and her usual rich tones to a half dozen classic carols. The one original track happens to be the highlight of the EP.

Said original opens the project, and immediately conspicuous is a full blown and wonderful sense of reverence. Frenes opens the title track with hushed vocals, establishing early a sincere tone of veneration that only heightens the track’s level of sensitivity. There is a particular lucid quality to her singing, matched nicely with the track’s delicate instrumentation. Frenes and producer Nate Sabin chose their material thoughtfully and it paid off.

The same carefulness is applied to the Christmas classics covered here, from the atmospheric “What Child Is This,” to the nuanced “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” to the gently rockin’ “Angels We Have Heard On High.”  The must-mention tracks are her bouncy, organic rendition of “Silent Night,” rich in its rhythmic warmth, and the sparkling closer, “Away In A Manger,” notable for its glimmering guitars and of course, Frenes’ own luxuriant vocals. Wise Men & Angels, a definite case of a big gift in a small package.