Music
Press
Caleb Collins Christmas is a spirited and swinging tribute to the holiday season. As pop styles go, Collins arrangements represent some of the more free-spirited, joyous and eclectic music I have heard. From swinging jazz ensemble arrangements to string-laden power pop, Collins weaves together a complex tapestry of sound, a set of songs that can be taken in all together, or that whose detail can be pored over endlessly.
After the swinging opening Let It Snow, I thought Collins would be taking me for a mostly jazzy sleigh ride. But the opening belied the awesome generosity of Collins' vocal performance. Using primarily the more inspirational songs from the Christmas catalog, Collins turns one after another into a pop anthem, each more impressive than the last.
It would be hard to pick a favorite from among these, though I liked his duet with Rachel Williams on I Heard The Bells, a song I have heretofore found great difficulty liking. At 55 minutes, this is an ample offering, and Caleb Collins serves up a complex assortment of musicians and styles for holiday entertainment. This is easily one of my favorite CDs of the season so far.
--Richard Banks (Reviewed in 2008) www.christmasreviews.com
- www.christmasreviews.com
Christmas ain't just about looking forward to presents under the tree. Half the magic of the holiday season is in looking back to the past, too. And Caleb Collins has captured that warm, glowing nostalgia on this fine album that puts a contemporary spin on the orchestral Jazz crooner tradition popularized by Sinatra and Nat King Cole. If you enjoy Harry Connick, Jr. or Michael Buble then you'll love Caleb Collins.
--CDbaby.net
- CDbaby
Discography
Caleb Collins "Classic"
Caleb Collins "Christmas"
Caleb Collins "Dream" on iTunes
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Bio
Born and raised in a small farming community in Idaho, Caleb grew to love music in the church he attended with his parents and two brothers. Music was a big part of his upbringing, his father being a soloist and choir member in their church. Caleb began piano lessons at 5 years old, and started playing in church when he was 12. His talents grew through his middle school years, when he composed original songs for his school choir and band to perform. He became a full-time music director at his church in Idaho at the age of 19. During his time as music director, he also starred in several community theatre productions. (Fiddler on the Roof 2001, Little Shop of Horrors 2003, Bartholdi's Lady 2003)
Caleb made the move cross country to Nashville in 2005 to further his musical ambitions. As a published writer with Daywind and Brentwood-Benson, he has collaborated with established songwriters such as Dove award winners, Sue C. Smith, Joel Lindsey and Wayne Haun. His songs have been recorded by many of today’s top artists including The Lewis Family, Kenny Bishop, The Perrys, Hissong, Reggie & Ladye Love Smith, Sue Dodge, Lillie Knauls, Ty Herndon, Christ Tabernacle Choir, Calvin Hunt and the list continues to grow. Both Kenny Bishop and The Lewis Family’s projects containing Caleb’s songs were Grammy and Dove nominated.
In 2007, Caleb’s debut hymns project “Classic” was chosen as a Family Christian Bookstore exclusive and received top positioning in all 300 stores for 6 months. His follow-up Christmas record was also carried in Family Bookstores and was featured on several top websites heralding rave reviews.
In 2010, Caleb produced, arranged, wrote and orchestrated his new critically acclaimed project “Dream”. The project showcases his rich and colorful palette and versatility of musical styles. It covers a wide spectrum of genres and appeals to all ages. This work captures the heart of Caleb’s journey and speaks of God’s love, acceptance and hope for those who are hurting.
Caleb has had the opportunity to perform with several artists such as Geron Davis, Point of Grace, The Crabb Family, Natalie Grant, Phil Driscoll and Israel Houghton. He was also nominated for Bluegrass Song of the Year in 2008, and had a #2 on the charts with Hissong “I Still Have It All”. As the reach of his influence broadens, Caleb is staying true to own unique and timeless sound, and continues to compose outside the lines drawn by the modern music industry.
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