Artist: Abigail Winzer, Lead Vocals; Instruments: Abigail Winzer Michael Crittenden, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Korg M3 Synthesizer, Yamaha P250, Hammond B3, Organ, Tubular Bells, Tambourine, Sleigh Bells, Celeste; James Spalink, Irish Harp, Irish Whistle, Soprano-Alto-Tenor Recorder, Lute; Brian Morrill, Cymbal Rolls; and Arsen Petrosyan, Duduk

Production: Mackinaw Harvest Music Studio, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Produced by Michael Crittenden

Building a unique and everlasting sense of character can be a challenge for anyone who wishes to create their own powerful sense of identity. That process can be even more confusing when society appoints a specific set of standards for a group of people who are perceived to be easily swayed. Up-and-coming vocalist, Abigail Winzer, is proving to the world that she won’t allow external influences to manipulate her judgment or ideas, as both a musician and a teenager. The Michigan native recently released her new Celtic holiday album, ‘Rejoice,’ which powerfully and memorably blends historical instruments with modern vocals that highlight her faith.

Producer Michael Crittenden handled the soulful and endearing arrangements on ‘Rejoice,’ which features old world instruments like the duduk, which was stunningly played by musician Arsen Petrosyan. The album’s overall impeccable use of distinct Celtic instruments enthrallingly highlights Winzer’s enchanting soprano vocals. The teen’s sensational vocals are grippingly emphasized by the Irish Harp and Whistle in the classic song, ‘Holy Night,’ which captivatingly launched the record. Winzer emotionally reflects on her faith, and her overall soulful vocals feature the same promise as LeAnn Rimes when she launched her country singing career 20 years ago.

‘What Child Is This?’ is the next intriguing entry on ‘Rejoice,’ as its ethnic arrangements and instruments offer a more in-depth and stunning insight into Winzer guarding her faith. The track brilliantly eases into the follow-up effort, ‘Silent Night,’ which showcases the musician’s refusal to giving into the typical teenage pop expectations. Aided by the stunning use of the duduk, the song is a soothing and calming historic rendition.

An extraordinary blend of the duduk and the piano offers a feeling of inspiration to the record’s stunning track, ‘Come O Come Emanuel.’ While the song isn’t as commonly known as some of the other well-known entries on the album, it would serve as the perfect background score for a sentimental movie scene.

‘Rejoice’ then powerfully transitions into another Christmas classic, ‘The First Noel,’ and thrives on its poetic use of the Irish Harp and Irish Whistle. Combined with Winzer’s angelic vocals, the track features the same emotional sound as ‘Holy Night.’ The striking song leads into the final entry on the album, ‘Come All Ye Faithful,’ which further showcases the singer’s impressive vocal range and style. While the final track proves that Winzer can sensationally handle more contemporary vocals, and is dedicated to her music and faith, it unfortunately isn’t as strong as previous songs on the record.

Featuring mesmerizing arrangements, passionate vocals and exquisite old world instruments such as the duduk and Irish harp, ‘Rejoice’ is an overall phenomenal effort by Winzer, who stunningly created her own sense of music identity. With the help of the award winning Crittenden, who composed serene arrangements that powerfully match the peaceful tones of the singer’s vocals, the record features captivating new spins on Christmas classics. Those soulful vocals and instrumentals sounds are effortlessly morphed into a calming and serene mixture that listeners surely won’t soon forget.

For more information on Winzer, visit her official website, as well as her Facebook page.

Written by: Karen Benardello