Comfort and Joy: Volume Two
Christmas Reviews.com
Carol Swanson

Cantus, an outstanding a cappella male ensemble, has done it again! Following up last year's outstanding Comfort and Joy: Volume One, Cantus has just released a brand new offering of equal excellence: Comfort and Joy: Volume Two. Magnificent!

The two volumes have many features in common. Like the earlier release, Volume Two boasts handsome packaging: here, a glorious blue tri-fold case with elegant silver lettering, all tucked into a lovely silver sleeve. Ah. . . another glorious gift-giving moment! Both demonstrate superior sound production values (recorded in surround to very demanding specifications). Both reflect outstanding musicianship and a grand mix of ancient classical pieces and more contemporary carols. The two volumes also have excellent liner notes that spell out the lyrics, giving translations when necessary, and other helpful information. And both are a cappella, although Volume Two does thrown in some percussive flourishes and other instrumentation on a few numbers.

So what's different between Volume One and Volume Two? The primary distinction is one of tone. Whereas Volume One embodies the sentiment of Christmas comfort, relatively introspective and subdued, Volume Two exudes the season's joyful expression, bursting with excitement. Although both offerings are first class, I slightly prefer Volume Two for its more exuberant content.

The ten men of Cantus define professionalism in a cappella male ensembles. Their singing is everything I love about choral music; it is emotional, textured, warm, and sublime, while also be technically top notch. This album excels on every level. Favorite tracks include the Georgian wassailing song "Alilo," which explodes with effervescent intensity, the rhythmically wonderful "Riu Riu Chiu," the booming and dramatic "Betelehemu" (sung in Yoruba dialect), and the very jazzy closing number "Deck the Halls." Cool!

Cantus is a remarkable ensemble. If you love excellent choral music, then Comfort and Joy: Volume Two is an outstanding seasonal selection.