November 21, 2009

The girl group Trin-I-Tee 5:7 delivers its first holiday album with the combined CD/DVD package "Love, Peace, Joy at Christmas." Those expecting the award-winning act to stay within gospel's confines will be pleasantly surprised. In addition to inspirational standards and contemporary Christian offerings like "Joy to the World," "O Holy Night" and "Mary Did You Know," members Chanelle Hayes, Angel Taylor and Adrian Anderson stretch their wings on attention-grabbing, jazzed-up versions of "White Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland" as well as a poignant cover of the Jackson 5's "Give Love on Christmas Day." Rounding out the album is a bonus track by Trin-I-Tee 5:7 labelmate Brian Courtney Wilson, who renders a credible cover of the Donny Hathaway classic "This Christmas." The companion DVD comprises five live Trin-I-Tee 5:7 performances from the recent TV special "Gospel Music Channel Presents: Christmas at Union Station." Overall, the package shines a deserved light on Trin-I-Tee 5:7's vocal hallmark—smooth, effortless harmonies. —Gail Mitchell

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