At a time when the music world is drowning in holiday albums of excess, along comes Just One Angel, a very ima-ginative gem produced by Christine Lavin that is sure to get a lot of attention. This compilation CD, with most songs recorded just for this album, is a wildly eclectic mix of holiday songs filled with pathos and lighthearted romps, covering every conceivable funny and nostalgic spin on the season, for anyone tired of the norm. It’s also refreshing for anyone appreciating the joys and madness of twenty-two reverent and irreverent contemporary songwriters, all but one singing their own songs. However, one remarkable thing about this album is that, while not every cut is Grammy-worthy, many are at a level that, in the final analysis, has a sense of purpose: to make the listener laugh, cry or scratch his/her head.

In the nostalgia department, Lori Lieberman and Sue Matsuki score high marks for sweet, homespun songs. Lieberman’s terrific ballad “Daughters and Sons” purveys the sentiments of children fighting a war, while Matsuki’s “Christmas Angel,” a gentle reflection of the angel on top of the tree, is melancholic and sweet as Godiva chocolate. Erik Balkey’s prayerful sentiment to soldiers, orphans and others less fortunate, “Peace Come Christmas Day,” is one of the album’s best cuts. Grammy winner Julie Gold’s uplifting message on “Merry Christmas Peace Peace Peace” reminds us that “last year’s winner is this year’s loser—are we not one family?” It is another sparkling light that should find its way to radio/iPod play lists.

For outright silly and corny stuff, you can’t beat Erik Frandsen’s “Christmas in Brooklyn” and David Rasche’s “Christmas in L.A.” But Tony nominee Jeff Daniels shows another side with his riotous “Won’t You Please Stay for Christmas, Santa Claus?,” an irreverent spin on the holidays that is a side-splitter. Chanukah kitsch is well served on several fun cuts. Particularly irreverent are “Doug’s Greatest Christmas Ever” by Uncle Bonsai—about a Jewish guy working on Christmas Eve—with the lyrics “the man of the hour—the company Jew,” and Sally Fingerett’s sharp-witted ditty “Jewish Kid Born on Christmas Day Talkin’ Blues” that could become a mainstay: “...they give me rice and a fortune cookie…get birthday calls on Christmas Eve!”

A certifiable gem comes from Christine Lavin herself, singing with The Accidentals, called “When You’re Single at Christmastime” (“yes, if you’re single...you like it this way...it’s the same if you’re straight...its the same if you’re gay!”). David Ippolito’s heartfelt reading of John Wallowitch’s “This Moment,” with guitar accompaniment, is made beautiful due to his honest delivery on a contemporary classic. And, Janis Ian’s haunting “Joy” is a singular sensation in its reflective message of hope and love: “I wish you love...I wish you joy.” It doesn’t get much better.

Lavin has gleefully assembled an ensemble worthy of Glee. The album is happy and more than a little sentimental. In the end, it’s a refreshing take on the holidays making for a definite winner.

Other worthy cuts on this unique disc are contributed by Hilary Field, Deirdre Flint, Megon McDonough, Larry Murante, Darryl Purpose, Debi Smith and Roy Zimmerman. This is a must-have for idolaters and haters of this time of year. Neither will be let down.

John Hoglund
Cabaret Scenes
December 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org