Huff's first project shares the Christmas spirit in a way that emphasizes the holiday's true meaning. With producers Cedric and Victor Caldwell (Whitney Houston, Patti Labelle, Smokie Norful and Destiny Child's Michelle Williams) bringing warmth and Christmas spirit to the table on the tracks, Huff brings back Christmas classics that we have all come to know and love with a joy that is evident. "George is an artist whose heart is just as large as his voice," says Cedric Caldwell in a press release. "I believe he's created some great interpretations of holiday standards that we'll all be listening to for years to come."
With the hectic "American Idol" concert-touring schedule Huff has been a part of (most of the United States, Europe and Southeast Asia), it's amazing that he found time to record any music. However, in between tour stops, he laid down these inspiring tracks.
GEORGE HUFF: My Christmas EP kicks off with a soulful medley of "Angels We Have Heard On High/Hark! The Herald Angels Sing". Huff's croon on "Silent Night" was recorded traditionally with a Nat King Cole vibe on the first verse. "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" was done in a smooth, laid-back jazz style with gentle drumming brushes. Huff's version of "Oh Holy Night" is a tour-de-force performance. The track opens a cappella, demonstrating the grainy earthiness of Huff's vocals. Then, the music rises in 4/4 time as opposed to the traditional 3/4 time, making it a distinctive and stellar showstopper that ends with dramatic notes and vocal bends. For his final selection, Huff contributes a rousing, hand-clapping, quartet-styled take on "Go, Tell it on the Mountain". All of this is just a preview to the kind of multi-format music Huff will be making when his debut CD is released in 2005. In the meantime, Huff's dedicated fan base will be thrilled with the timeless music he has to offer.
