>Amigo, the great TV watcher and radio listener, heard that The Nylons were coming to our local Performing Arts Center, and suggested we get tickets. No, he insisted we get tickets! The only question was how many tickets we would need. Timing was right; La Petite came home from college that afternoon, so we went to the concert as a family. My family enjoys live music of just about any kind — bluegrass to blues to classical — so it was a real treat to attend this Christmas show together. A capella music is my favorite, so I held the Nylons to a high standard of performance.

The first Nylons’ first Christmas CD was an instant classic. I play it at school, we play it in the car, and it has the best version of “Carol of the Bells” that I’ve heard. (The Blenders’ version comes a close second.) I knew they had a new one out, so we bought a copy in the lobby on the way in to the show.
This is a group with real talent. No lip-synching allowed or needed; the singing was excellent. Their arrangements varied from the traditional (The Huron Carol) to the jazzy (God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen) and included everything in between. Their performance was enthusiastic and energetic. La Petite whispered to me early on, “The old guy is more nimble than I am!” “The old guy” was Claude Morrison, the founder of the Nylons. He is an amazing singer and dancer. Whether he was showcasing his stunning falsetto or rich middle range, he led the group and blended harmonies seamlessly with the others.

I heard the Nylons’ Christmas Show a few years ago in another nearby town. Both shows were very well sung. This year’s show was more fun because the crowd was larger and very appreciative, and the Nylons responded to the energy. If they come through town again, I’ll be there. Merry Christmas to Claude and company. The Nylons have always been part of our holiday season; this year, they were even more.

This is a totally spontaneous review. I spent my own (family) money on the tickets and the CD, and believe me, it was worth every penny.