Five For Fighting "Christmas Under The Stars"

Although I am not a fan of Five For Fighting, I respect the artist and the craft.
"What is your favorite single?"
The answer has always been "The Devil in the Wishing Well," which not only sounded different the two major singles that preceded it, and while I am aware that "Superman (It's Not Easy)" and the first single from The Battle For Everything are by the same artist, its "Easy Tonight" and every night, to make that connection. However, I have been pleased with some of the later singles off succeeding albums, especially Bookmarks
The question that may follow to those who may still be reading is "Why the introduction?"
What will follow is an example of how a live experience can alter the perception of an artist, even if the experience was recorded for an album. But first, more commentary and short prose.

As it becomes more of a burden to sift and differentiate between the holiday releases each year
As disenchantment sets in and the magic and faith in merry intent disappears
I approach the year's holiday releases presuming boredom, mixed with trepidation , not fear
But to what my wandering eyes should appear
as I scrolled through the roster of releases last year (2017)
This live album featuring some friends and this merry balladeer.

I did not expect Ondrasik to present himself in the manner that he did, but that is keeping in mind his higher registers and his weapon of choice, although a piano can be a very powerful compositional tool indeed; yet some word associations may remain "fragile," and "weak."
There were some moments that felt forced and awkward at times but he kept those moments to a minimum focusing on the performance aspect, which only is an issue if you prefer the former. He was a gracious host, and his treatment of "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" set the tone for what was a great performance. Before a string-assisted performance of his song "100 Years" we were graced with "The First Noel," another pleasant rendition.
That awkward I had alluded to was the introduction of his daughter for their rendition of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" or the introduction to his new original "Christmas Every Day of The Year." I appreciate the intent and message of what the latter presents.
Although "Silent Night" was another satisfactory rendition, I enjoyed the collaboration with the International Children's Choir for "Edelweiss" and the harbinger of Christmas joy, "Christmas Time is Here." It cannot match the original, but it brings an equitable amount of elation.
The Five For Fighting Quartet demonstrate why Ondrasik's favorite part of the quartet show with "some of the best string players in the world" with this aurally appealing arrangement entitled "Six For Christmas." The two previous selections  could raise your spirits "In The Bleak Midwinter."
The association between Christmas and gifts is longstanding, and in his introduction Ondrasik mentioned that he has written numerous songs of all levels of quality, and thousands of songs (hyperbole?), that have ranged from taking a year to forty five minutes to compose, but remarked this next song was gift; one that really willed his career to soar. While on the subject of Christmas associations, you may be able to think of Christmas without thinking of Jim Brickman, but I am not sure you can say the same for thinking of Jim Brickman without thinking of Christmas, or "The Gift."
The following two songs included a performance of Jim's "Hymns and Carols Medley" and then the song that Jim and Jon co-wrote for the troops, "Christmas Where You Are." The heartfelt explanation was a kind buffer for this tune honoring those guardian souls, and was full of goodwill and good intent, yet simultaneously I cannot help but foresee an arousal of a soldier's lament.
Funny, yet not surprising that the first album I heard from beginning to end, more than once, would be a Christmas album. This is another one of those albums that may find itself in the roster for holiday time rotation because not only did it override my preconceived notions, but it was memorable and strayed from the beaten path of Christmas albums.