Album Notes

Could anyone be more appropriately named than Crystal Hogan? Her crystal clear voice has been heard around our community for many years as she has soloed in churches and sung leading roles in Community Theater musicals to the delight of all who have heard her.
After 20 years as the vocal music teacher in Florence, she moved to Kingsford High School in 1999 where she continues as the choral director.
This is Crystal's third C.D. After “Prayer” and “In the Garden,” this one is a Christmas album entitled “Christmas Is . . .” It explains what Christmas means to us all, with emphasis on the Christian meaning of the holiday. It is not a tinsel and holly berries type of collection like so many Christmas albums are, though there are some secular songs in it.
Most of the songs are done with her own interpretation of them, sometimes setting familiar words to different familiar tunes, and sometimes introducing original songs and words of her own. Many times she uses voice-overs to sing a duet with herself, even trios. On “O Holy Night,” it sounds like she’s singing with a chorus. Needless to say, the blend is very pleasing when she’s singing with herself. Her self-played guitar accompaniment is very tasteful and unobtrusive. All in all, this is a very restful and pleasing album, providing a satisfying interpretation of what Christmas is.
If you need a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Christmas rush then this is the CD to listen to. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, put your feet up, relax and listen to Christmas Is…

Crystal Hogan holds a BA degree in music education and a MA in education. Currently in her 32nd year as a vocal music instructor, Crystal also performs as a soloist and is active in church and community music groups. She grew up at the Wagon Trail Resort (now Rowleys Bay Resort) in Door County, Wisconsin, and presently lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with her husband, Jim.