Heartfelt holiday chestnuts....
Diane Arkenstone is a beautiful new age/pop vocalist who vaguely resembles Catherine Zeta-Jones Douglas, and Misha Segal is an Israeli icon whose new age/smooth jazz piano compositions are but a small part of the story. Together, Arkenstone and Segal make soothing holiday music that will readily appeal to those who favor gentle, yet warmly emotive, interpretations.
Arkenstone and Segal's Christmas Healing: Volume 1 suggests that additional releases are just down the road, and that would be a very good thing. The 10 tracks are heartfelt holiday chestnuts, and the music is a sweet embrace. The album is too brief (just 28 minutes), but the combination of Arkenstone's fragile vocalizations and Segal's artiful keyboard work are alone worth the price of admission. I especially enjoyed the opening Silent Night with Segal's prominent piano action framing Arkenstone's delicate background singing. Arkenstone's soft voice conveys vulnerability and carries a charming innocence. The two instrumental numbers provide peaceful interludes.
This album is designed to soothe, and that is an important feature during the harried holiday season. Take a break, kick back with Diane Arkenstone and Misha Segal, and enjoy some Christmas Healing!
Carol Swanson
www.ChristmasReviews.com
 Beloved Carols for the Holidays!
Celebrate the holiday season with these beloved Christmas classics. "Christmas Healing, Vol. 1" is probably meant to be shared with small groups of family members and dear friends as Diane Arkenstone, Misha Segal, and friends delight our holiday cheers with their great musical talents. Diane's beautiful, soft, soothing voice adds warmth to these favorite carols, woven together by Misha's simple, yet delightful piano renditions along with the vibrant sounds of guitars played by Peter Hume. The wood flute in "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" also adds great delicacy to this album with its haunting, heart-tugging sounds. My favorites of these tunes are "Silent Night," "Joy to the World" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." Each has its own unique arrangements that are pleasant to listen to. Though whether you celebrate Christmas religiously or you are just a music enthusiast, like myself, this album will light up your holiday spirit as you define your own favorites among these carols. So go on, gather your groups of family and friends together and share this beautiful music!
T. B.
Orlando, FL
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