ALBUM DESCRIPTION

One of my fondest memories of Christmas is being surrounded by family listening to "island-spiced" renditions of Christmas Carols. The Love Circle brings a fresh new vibe to Christmas music with their unique and original sound in an 8-track offering of great Christmas tunes entitled "Christmas with the Blackmans," for you and yours in this celebration of the birth of Christ.

Marge Blackman Mohamed and Nehilet Blackman take the lead on the opening track. A sweet tribute to the Spanish influences of Trinidad and Tabago. Parang music is THE Christmas music of T&T, which is fittingly located just miles off the coast of Venezuala. "Have a Merry Christmas" combines the best of both words, making a melodious blend that can only be described as Parang Soca. The afro-latin percussion is so upbeat that it will have you dancing a salsa at the next family gathering.

One of my fondest memories of Christmas is being surrounded by family listening to "island-spiced" renditions of Christmas Carols. The Love Circle brings a fresh new vibe to Christmas music with their unique and original sound in an 8-track offering of great Christmas tunes entitled "Christmas with the Blackmans," for you and yours in this celebration of the birth of Christ.

Marge Blackman Mohamed and Nehilet Blackman take the lead on the opening track. A sweet tribute to the Spanish influences of Trinidad and Tabago. Parang music is THE Christmas music of T&T, which is fittingly located just miles off the coast of Venezuala. "Have a Merry Christmas" combines the best of both words, making a melodious blend that can only be described as Parang Soca. The afro-latin percussion is so upbeat that it will have you dancing a salsa at the next family gathering.

The late Ras Shorty I penned the following track, "A Good Thing." Just as Christmas is a time of celebrating unity in Christ with friends and family, this track truly brings forth the idea. The Blackman's share their Christmas traditions by including a song that was always sung by the family but never recorded?until now. Isaac Blackman adds some musical arrangements to his father's work and Claudette "Moms" Blackman (Ras Shorty I's widow) sings her second recording ever. This is Jamoo in its purest form. Fans who appreciate the musical soundscapes and harmonies found in "Jehovah's music" will love this track complete with acoustically precise guitar chords and flute highlights.

At 21 years of age, Isaac Blackman (the youngest son) is stepping into the shoes of his father's musical excellence. Offering a Soca track injected with rudiments of Jamoo and Parang, Isaac extends a blessing of "Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year" to all.

Nehilet Blackman who has recently taken over Avion Blackman Mohr's clothing company (Jamoo Designs), shows that she is as savvy on the mic as the fashions she sells on the delectable Soca offering "I Bring Good News." Relying on warm-strings, Isaac arranges a great soundscape for Nehilet to nimbly proclaim the good news of the arrival of the Christ ? JESUS!

Eldon joins his family with the acoustically-driven Jamoo cut "Sing to Him." A landscaper by profession, Eldon puts to rest the old adage "Don't quit your day-job" because this talented artist can sing! Soulful and heartfelt, this laidback tune will become a favorite for those that want to mediate on the goodness of GOD.

Sheldon's robust vocals ride the Soca track "Merry Christmas." Grab your rags and let the bass line move you. He recounts the nativity story of Christ in a light and "feel-good" vibe. The hook is so catchy that you will find your self singing to your neighbors and strangers alike, "Merry Christmas to you and you and you."

Garfield Blackman (aka Ras Shorty I) wrote "Joy to the World" as well. A very sombre Jamoo cut that was never recorded previously. Marge Blackman Mohamed's signature sultry vocals melt over each note. This mother of two, presents this heartfelt song, sung every year during Christmas in the Blackman home, with such firm delicacy that you will find yourself holding your breath to hear every beautiful word and tone.

Sheldon returns to close out the project with "Just Like You," a beautiful Jamoo track. This song gives a wonderfully light and soaring feeling, the kind you can only get with warm-strings and strong harmonies with the precision of African vocals.

The talented Blackman family continue the tradition of musical excellence with "Christmas with the Blackmans." Wonderfully produced by Isaac Blackman, this 8-track offering will be a great addition to any music lover's collection. Buy one for yourself, buy another for a friend, maybe another for a stranger. The Blackmans share a candid aural snapshot into their family while extending the invitation for all to join them in singing praises to the King.

Review By: Mia Kulpah