by Jim Brenholts
The Gift is a set of all-acoustic Christmas classics from Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel. These virtuoso artists put their all into this recording; it is pure joy and sweet serenity. Beyond the novelty of hearing these familiar tunes in modern arrangements, listeners will find the grace and charm of this duo's debut refreshing. There are, literally, hundreds of Christmas CDs in modern styles. This is one of the better selections.