Inner Voices: Not Your Usual Christmas Songs

The a cappella vocal group Inner Voices is a bit reminiscent of one of those Christmas cactus plants--dormant for most of the year, then bursting forth in colorful bloom as the holiday season arrives. Thursday night at the Baked Potato in North Hollywood, the group gave its annual coming-out presentation, performing a rich collection of beautifully harmonized Christmas music.

Most of the selections were drawn from Inner Voices’ new Laurel Records album, “Christmas in My Dreams.” And the CD’s subtitle, “Not Your Usual Christmas Album,” accurately described much of the material, which included originals by group leader Morgan Ames, a few unfamiliar carols and folk tunes, as well as such seasonal stalwarts as “O Holy Night,” “White Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Ames’ arrangements of this eclectic set of numbers were exquisite, filled with moving inner harmonies and sweetly effective dissonances. She found precisely the right slant for each of the pieces--gently swaying rhythms for the Spanish carol “Alegria,” a sophisticated groove for the whimsical “Liz and Ralph and Calvin,” rocking calypso underpinnings for “De King Is Born Today.”

The subtle difficulties of the music were executed superbly by Ames, soprano Donna McAfee and baritone Michael Mishaw, moving through sudden modulations, range-stretching lines and shifts of musical style with remarkable ease. And McAfee’s astonishing voice, a highlight of almost every number, has to be heard to be believed. A smart record company executive should make sure that McAfee’s musical blossoming isn’t limited to the holiday season. She’s a clear star on the horizon.

* Inner Voices also performs at the Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., Culver City, on Sunday at 4 p.m. for a “Bring the Kids” matinee. $17 ($8 for children). (310) 271-9039.