Release Date: (2000)
Label: Galaxy 21 Music
Producer:  The Choir

December Hotel
Overall Rating:  ++++

(Consider)

Back in 2000 The Choir unleashed their timeless sound upon Cornerstone. A yearly
event where many gather to enjoy days worth of festivities. I guess you could
consider me a fairly new fan. Over the last few years I have really grown fond of
them. I eagerly await the soon to be released "O How The Might Have Fallen." They
will continue their theme of releasing albums that have something to do with flying.

The selections on this disc are impressively eclectic. Chosen from as early as
1988's "Chase The Kangaroo." This is easily The Choir's best live recording. The
addition of Marc Byrd (Hammock, Glassbyrd, and Common Children) on Guitar really
paid off. His atmospheric guitar is always welcomed by me and anyone else that is
familiar with his guitar playing. The first thing that drew me to The Choir was the once
ambient guitars and the subtle use of the saxophone. Those elements are here in full
effect. I think that's why this is my favorite release of theirs. Which is weird since
I usually don't really like most live albums all that much.

 The only song  I could of done without was "Kissers and Killers." But I have never
been fond of that song from the get go. Another thing that bugged me is that almost
every song that was on the live album "Let It Fly" is on this one. Making it hard for
me to go back and listen to that one. Because like I stated earlier this is their best
live album. So why not just listen to them on an album where all the same songs are
present and they sound a little better. I thought "Hey Gene" sounded really cool in a
live setting. In fact I like it better here than on "Flap Your Wings." If you don't
own a Choir album this would be a great place to start. In fact they are selling it
for only $5 at their website. Which is a steal this album is great, a must have for
any lover of authentic live music.

~ Anthony P. Hanna