CCM and Latin artist Jaci Velasquez released her first holiday album, aptly titled Jaci Velasquez Christmas, in September of 2001. Beautifully orchestrated, with touches of traditional Christmas-style jazz and contemporary pop, the project resembles previous holiday releases from fellow Word artist Amy Grant. Produced by Christopher Harris, the project contains classic Christmas songs such as "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "White Christmas." In addition, three original tracks, including "The Angel Song," are offered. While most of the songs, even old favorites, distinctively bear the fingerprints of Velasquez, "It Wouldn't Be Christmas" is reminiscent of Mariah Carey's "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)." Notable songs include "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow," which both feature musical stylings from the 1940s era. Velasquez' strong yet tender and at times vulnerable vocals complement the musical arrangements, transforming well-loved classics such as "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" into newfound treasures. ~ Ashleigh Kittle, All Music Guide
Kent Hooper (Mixing), Barry Green (Horn), Dan Garcia (Overdub Engineer), Steve Patrick (Horn), Danny O'Lannerghty (Bass), Doug Sax (Mastering), Chris Harris (Arranger), Kent Hooper (Keyboards), David Davidson (Strings), Mark Ivey (Vocals (Background)), Tim Davis (Vocals (Background)), Lisa Cochran (Vocals (Background)), Scott Krippayne (Piano), Irish Film Orchestra (Orchestra), Gabe Pigg (Children's Chorus), Sam Levine (Horn), Fred Paragano (Overdub Engineer), Gary Pigg (Children's Chorus), Gary Pigg (Vocals (Background)), John Hammond (Drums), Pete Orta (Performer), Leanne Albrecht (Vocals (Background)), Danny O'Lannerghty (?), Kent Hooper (Programming), Mike Haynes (Trumpet), Ken Lewis (Percussion), Chris Dunn (Horn), Dave Cleveland (Guitar), Abel Orta (Bass), Tom Howard (Conductor), Tom Laune (Mixing), Judith Volz (Executive Producer), Trevor Johnson (Assistant Engineer), Denis Solee (Horn), George Cocchini (Guitar), Terri White (Vocals (Background)), Alan Moore (Vocal Arrangement), Kieran Lynch (Assistant Engineer), Ernie Collins (Horn), Robert Hadley (Mastering), Steve MacMillan (Mixing), Tom Howard (Arranger), Jerry McPherson (Guitar), Felicia Sorensen (Vocals (Background)), Dorian Caster (Photography), Tim Acres (Piano), Doug Moffett (Horn), George Tidwell (Horn), Chris McDonald (Horn), Rob Burrell (Mixing), Javier Solís (Drums), Chris Harris (Producer), Taylor Harris (Drums), Ashley Anderson (Children's Chorus), Mark Douthit (Saxophone), Ronnie Brooks (Guitar), Landon Pigg (Children's Chorus), Jeff Bailey (Horn), Brandon Harris (Children's Chorus), Michael Ripoll (Guitar), Lisa Bevill (Vocals (Background)), Michael Mellett (Vocals (Background)), Kent Hooper (Engineer), Chris Harris (Vocals (Background)), Chris Harris (Vocal Arrangement), Chris McDonald (Horn Arrangements)
