There are some things—glorious sunsets, our child’s first smile of recognition, a soft moonlit snowfall—that are so pure, so sterling, they move us, sometimes indescribably but always undeniably. Mary Smith’s voice is one of these. The Melody in Me—Celebrate the Season with Mary Smith, showcases her unquestionable talent. Smith’s perfect pitch alto and impeccable phrasing wrap listeners in the warmth of a rich blanket of sound enhanced by accomplished musicians. Often compared to the inimitable Anne Murray, Smith possesses an even broader range than Canada’s original songbird. Smith’s lower register is velvet chocolate complimented by silvery upper ranges. With no formal instruction beyond choir training, Mary Smith is a natural, someone with huge talent and a love of singing that lets her take a song and make it her own. "Music feeds my soul,” she says with a smile. I’m doing what I love to do when I sing.” Smith not only solos but also sings all the background harmonies for this stellar collection of new and old seasonal favourites. Whether performing the smooth swing of Don Henley’s Please Come Home for Christmas, the majestic love song The Melody in Me, the beautiful and traditional O Holy Night, or the happy romps of Sleigh Ride, Jingle Bell Rock and Santa Baby, Mary Smith ably demonstrates mastery of her instrument—her brilliant voice. Ronnie Hawkins in his documentary Last of the Good Ol’ Boys (1989), said “In my opinion, Anne Murray can sing a song as good as a song can be sung.” Well, Hawkins hasn’t heard Mary Smith!