“A No Promises Christmas” is a 10-track disc notably mixed by Ed Boyer, responsible for the studio sound of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” and the film “Pitch Perfect” as well as such groups as Pentatonix and Home Free. Comprised of all original arrangements, including a terrific rendition of “Sleigh Ride” complete with impressively breezy and jazzy modulations, the CD offers fresh interpretations of “Silent Night” and “In the Bleak Midwinter.” Jazz-inspired treatments of Donny Hathaway’s perennial “This Christmas” and selections from Vince Guaraldi’s timeless “A Charlie Brown Christmas” are also included.
“We feel really great about the album,” said group leader/musical arranger Joshua Steele of Cincinnati. “It was a long process. For every tune, everyone had to sing their part individually. But we made sure we were happy with the album and didn’t cut corners. It was nice to have really talented people involved on the production end as well to make sure the album was record-quality. They definitely rewarded us for our confidence.”
In addition to Steele, No Promises features musical theater performer David Baum of Cincinnati (whose New York credits include Broadway’s “Mary Poppins” and “A Chorus Line”), property manager Matt Croy of Findlay, hair stylist Jeff Grooms of Cold Spring, Kentucky, musical theater performer Charlie Harper of Anderson (who has sung with Cincinnati Opera and Cincinnati Pops), middle school principal Michael Robertson of Marysville, pianist John Slate of Beavercreek, and percussionist Adam Wheeler of Miamisburg. Slate and Wheeler in particular are members of the Shawn Stanley Trio who perform Friday nights at Carver’s in Centerville.
Steele says No Promises plans to visit the Miami Valley again in the spring, eyeing a possible return engagement in Miamisburg. He views Dayton as a pivotal component to the troupe’s regional success.
“A lot of people love a cappella but we realize it’s a specialized art,” he said. “But we enjoy getting out in front of audiences and more markets. We’re not a big rock band so touring is a lot less daunting because we don’t have a lot of gear and we can perform just about anywhere. Christmas music and the holiday season are inseparable. I think people are hungry for a live music experience this time of year and we’re happy to fit the bill. Dayton is a great music town and we’re excited about performing there as much as we can.”
WANT TO GO?
What: "Christmas with No Promises."
Where: St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 350 N. Fairfield Road, Beavercreek.
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15.
Cost: Admission is free but a free-will donation will be accepted.
More info: Visit nopromisesvocalband.com
FYI: "A No Promises Christmas" will be available for $15 as a CD and as a digital download at St. Andrew United Methodist Church.
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