Christmas with Monique Danielle by Monique Danielle

Everything about this album screams accessibility--from the friendly song selection (best-loved modern carols) and predictable tempos to the upbeat, lightly swingin' arrangements and Danielle's easy-on-the-ears vocals.

The overall mood is lovely pop with some jazzy flavors and an electro-synth edge. Although Danielle does everything well, she especially shines on the lyrical "Caroling, Caroling" (hitting those high ding-dongs with aplomb), the sassy "Jingle Bells" (providing her own harmonies), and Amy Grant's (with Chris Eaton) killer classic "Breath of Heaven" (Danielle's lower range is super-rich and expressive here). Of course, since a cappella music is a special favorite, Danielle's final cut, "Carol of the Bells Vocal," easily makes my "greatest hits" list for this CD.

You don't have to have an animated lighting display in your yard this holiday season to enjoy the universal appeal of Christmas with Monique Danielle. Her highly satisfying album with brighten your December nights without seriously affecting your electric bill.

--Carol Swanson (ChristmasReviews.com) Sep. 2005

From Monique's Bio-

Universal appeal - that is the cornerstone of

Monique Danielle's wide ranging career. Through a

broad repertoire of musical styles, she has reached

both young and old of all races, with her impeccable

vocal skills. She captivates audiences with her dynamic

delivery of sultry R&B. Equally at ease with Italian opera,

Classical, African pop, American pop, or Jamaican reggae,

Monique truly defines and demonstrates diversity.

A native of Kansas City, Monique has a natural passion

for music. She began singing at the age of three, and

taught herself the words to "The Rainbow Connection". By the age of four, she had moved on to singing harmonies to all of her favorite songs. In 1987 she entered Kansas City Middle School of the Arts (KCMSA), where she began to study voice. By the seventh grade she was singing in four choirs. From eighth grade to senior year, she would take her talents to four All District and All State Music Competitions. She received the highest rating of #1 all four years. Monique became All State Soloist in 1992.

It is with great joy that we bring to you this new collection of traditional Christmas songs. The creative people at Animated Lighting have made the recording of these songs possible. Animated Lighting has pioneered exciting technology to bring very sophisticated and previously very expensive lighting technology to everyone. Their amazing new products are available online and feature the music contained in this CD. The songs all were arranged with dancing lights in mind. Most of the songs utilize either classical or big band stylings. Animated Lighting will soon be seen all over the world, and its premier in Kansas City was at the downtown Kansas City lighting ceremony, Christmas 2003. Many of you have no doubt seen the eye popping display on the Kansas City Marriott Hotel.

The display was featured on Monday night Football KC vs. NE. These are but a few first steps of a fledgling technology with enormous potential. www.AnimatedLighting.com is the web address for more info. It's a true honor to be involved in something so magical and new, and we thank them for involving us in this groundbreaking venture.

(These are not CR-ROMs. They are professionally manufactured discs)

Average Customer Review: 5