Following their sixth studio album, new age and classical number one
Uncharted, by two years,
Christmas Together is the second holiday release by the Piano Guys. Here, pianist Jon Schmidt and cellist Steven Sharp Nelson are joined by guest vocalists including Plácido Domingo, the King's Singers, and David Archuleta on a set that spans Bach, traditional carols, 20th century selections, and a collaboration with Craig Aven. Archuleta is paired with vocalist Peter Hollens and backed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on a sweeping orchestral version of "Angels from the Realms of Glory," while the more restrained "O Holy Night/Ave Maria" features a graceful Lexi Walker. An album highlight for the classical-minded -- or more precisely, Baroque -- Bach’s "O Little One Sweet" has an even sparer arrangement that leaves room for the delicate harmonies of the King's Singers, which stand out among the more expected strings- and piano-based instrumentals. ~ Marcy Donelson