Michael Vincent, Ludwig Van Toronto
The disc, (released on the ATMA label) shifts from the jazz-like arrangements of Noël Dijonnais, to soft folk guitar and vocal tracks like Noël de Paris. There is an oddly familiar, and timeworn feeling to works like Joseph cherchant un logis, and Les Trois Mages, which reflect upon the dim winter light, and the coming of the New Year. The arrangements can be “out there” at times, but they grow on you. The accompanying musicians are in fine form, and LeBlanc’s voice is warm and thoughtful. All told, this Acadian Christmas Music CD is welcome contrast to the nauseating gleefulness found in much of the contemporary Christmas music these days, and will certainly have a place in my personal Christmas music collection.