SOUTHERN GOSPEL SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS:
CD REVIEW:
A SYMPHONIC CHRISTMAS
LEGACY FIVE
LABEL: STOWTOWN RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2026
GROUP MEMBERS: SCOTT FOWLER (LEAD), JAKE LOSEN (BARITONE), CALEB OZEE (TENOR), JON EPLEY (BASS), AND PHILIP KOLB (PIANIST)
SONG LIST:
- Sleigh Ride
- Wonderful, Counselor
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
- Glory To God In The Highest
- Christmas Night Medley
- We Are The Reason
- Go Tell It Medley
- Jesus, Savior
- Legacy Joy Medley
- Hallelujah Chorus
BREAKDOWN:
Christmas time is here again and Legacy Five are helping to usher in the season with a brand new Christmas album. A Symphonic Christmas features ten songs that are sure to put listeners in the Christmas spirit. This is the first album of new material to feature the newest members: tenor Caleb Ozee, bass Jon Epley, and pianist Phillip Kolb. All three have joined the group in the last year and were included on the re-release of the group’s 25th Anniversary album. Jon Epley is no stranger to Southern Gospel as he has travelled with several groups including the Inspirations, The LeFevre Quartet, and Greater Vision. Philip Kolb is a familiar face as well, having played piano and sung baritone for Soul’d Out Quartet. Twenty-three year old Caleb Ozee, however, is a newcomer to the genre and has already taken audiences by storm with his incredible tenor voice. Along with Scott Fowler and Jake Losen, this lineup is already proving to be one the group’s best in my humble opinion.
This incredible album opens with a lush, whimsical arrangement of the classic “Sleigh Ride.” Jon Epley takes the lead on the groovy “Wonderful, Counselor,” which praises Christ, Our Savior and Lord of everything. He is the Everlasting Father. Epley’s impressive range is showcased brilliantly on this fun, catchy tune. Epley is featured again on the classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” where he once again opts to sing in his higher baritone range. “Glory To God In The Highest” is a groovy tune that features stellar harmonies and tells of Christ’s Birth. One of the highlights of this project is their beautiful a cappella Christmas Night Medley featuring: “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” “O Holy Night,” and “Silent Night.” Upon first listen, I was left speechless by the arrangement and simply brilliant harmonies. Scott Fowler is featured on the inspirational “We Are The Reason,” which reminds us that we are the reason that Jesus gave His Life. He is the greatest gift we have ever received. The reason for living is giving my all to Him. “Go Tell It Medley” is a groovy arrangement featuring “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “Jesus What A Wonderful Child.” Caleb Ozee’s powerful tenor is featured on a verse of “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” Jake Losen is featured on the moving mid-tempo anthem “Jesus, Savior.” This incredible song reminds us of the reason for the season: Jesus, Our Savior, came down to save us. Our Salvation has a Name! The incredible “Legacy Joy Medley” features several more Christmas classics including: “Joy To The World,” “How Great Our Joy,” “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.” This spirit-filled album closes with a rousing rendition of the classic “Hallelujah Chorus.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
A Symphonic Christmas is one of the best recordings Legacy Five has ever released Christmas or otherwise. Featuring stellar harmonies, incredible vocals, and exciting song selections, this album is a must have for your holiday collection. This lineup blends perfectly together in my opinion. Jon Epley and Caleb Ozee are fantastic additions to this beloved group. Highlights include: “Hallelujah Chorus,” “Christmas Night Medley,” “Legacy Joy Medley,” “Wonderful, Counselor,” and “We Are The Reason.”
5 out of 5 stars!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.legacyfive.com
Leave a Reply