JOYOUS! That's really the best description of this album that I can think of! Totally JOYOUS! Each song brought a sense of joy and warmth that is not often true of many Christmas albums today. Most contain at least, one or two songs that will surely bring me the "holiday blues". But not this one! I can honestly say that I smiled with every song on it.

Hal Willis, who's been around the Nashville area for many years, sent me this CD a few months ago. But I saved it till now, waiting to listen to it during the holiday season. The album was produced in 1999, but it's definitely AGELESS! All the songs were written, lovingly, by Hal and his wife, Ginger. And you can HEAR the love in every note, every phrase. I think the one I liked most, was "Mrs. Santa Claus", and I could almost smell the cookies baking! I sensed a very close feeling between Hal and Ginger, in this song,
and have a feeling he was singing directly to her.

Hal has a wonderful voice that fills up a room, and punctuates every word with his own special personality. He's originally from French-speaking Canada, and you can hear an accent slip through, if you listen really closely. The lyrics in each song, are very personal, and touch your heart. They make you smile, tap your feet, want to sing along, and even bring a little sentimental tear. I can't really say enough about this wonderful holiday album! The record was produced and released in 1999, but is available today, and I strongly recommend it! If enough radio stations would play this music, I think there are a couple of songs on this CD, that would have a good chance of becoming "new" Christmas classics!

I hope you'll visit Hal's website, http://www.halwillis.com , or get in touch with him, at halusacan@earthlink.net, and order this wonderful CD. Hurry, though, cause Christmas is right around the corner! I bet Hal would make a personal effort to make sure you get it before the 25th. But if you don't get it by Christmas, listen anyway, the minute it arrives. It's one you'll want to keep in your special holiday collection, and make sure it's the first one you play next year! If you're looking for Christmas Music that doesn't make you
melancholy, this is the one for you!

I know Hal is writing new songs today, and is hoping to produce a new holiday album in the next year or two. And I know it's one I'll definitely have my order in for, VERY early! And he's got lots of music available, at his website. Go take a look, and let me know what you think! Better yet, let HAL know! I feel certain you're gonna love this one! Hey, what's NOT to like? (smile) Some great DJ friends of mine, out there, who really CARE about true and honest country music, have told me that they can depend on my opinion about a good CD. And although I'm honored by such comments, I know it's only MY opinion…. And only…