BYUTV Audio-Files: 12 Bands of Christmas

 These Christmas audiofiles feature Provo area bands singing holiday songs.  These are bands or singers with ties to Provo.  It includes some popular Youtube artists as well as some I had never heard of.  Ryan Innes, the former Vocal Point member sings "What Child is This."  In the same vane the group Quiet House sings "Come O Come Emmanuel."  These songs are both personal favorites and bring the Christmas Spirit.  Elaine Bradley (Neon Trees' drummer) sings a new Christmas song proclaiming Christ and his atonement.  Of special note is "When Jesus Was Little" sung by The Strike.  This song has an excellent message as Mary and Jesus, "Kept these things in their hearts."  Joshua Jones sings "Go Tell It on the Mountain" with a blue grass flavor which is very nice.  The National Parks sing a new song ""It's Christmas."  This song tells of the joy of the season.  Book on Tape Worm sing a very good New Years song.  The Brocks sing "The First Noel."  Also included are Mindy Gledhill, the group The Moth and the Flame, the Fictionists and The Blue Aces.

Ryan Innes

Christmas Movie Review: Vocal Point: Christmas Under the Stars

Vocal point is an a capella men's group at BYU.  It is made up of nine students.  Among those is a mouth percussionist, who gives a percussion solo.  This was presented on BYUTV this year.  I don't know how long they keep this things available, but this is one I am glad I did not miss.  This is some great Christmas music.  One of my favorites in "One Bell" which they sing with One Voice Children's Choir.  It really comes off as one bell piercing the night, bringing a new day.  Ryan Innes joins them of "Hallelujah" which is also lovely.  Madilyn Paige joins for "Winter Wonderland," and Peter Hollens for "Infant Holy."  They are also joined by BYU Noteworthy (women's a capella) for "Oh Come All Ye Faithful."  Their concluding number (except for the encore) is Silent Night which is very beautifully done.  Thy also show a clip from the t.v. show "Random Acts" which is very touching and a good example of compassion.  The encore number, "Joy to the World" they are joined by all the performers.  They say their primary focus is to sing of the Savior, and that joy and message comes through in their music.