If you want to have an unusual CD in the changer at your next holiday party, why not consider one that uses the letter W as a vowel? A Christmas Celebration, by the Cwmbach Male Choir (say COOM-bach), offers 14 carols and Christmas songs in all-male settings, accompanied by piano or organ. The majority of the music will be unfamilar to American listeners, and there are two carols in the Welsh language. Those steeped in the traditions of Wales will have to make their own decisions about what the most charming selections here may be, but from the American side of the Atlantic the highlight has to be hearing the spiritual Mary Had a Baby sung in a Welsh accent. White Christmas and Winter Wonderland fare nearly as well, and also of interest is the Caribbean spiritual De Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy. The choir is vigorous, warm-spirited, and quite accomplished, and if your stack of holiday CDs has been getting a little tired, this one is guaranteed to revitalize it. ~ James Manheim, All Music Guide
