"December" - CD Review, Steven Hewitt

Elu, also known as Jeff Mettling, has effortlessly made the jump from his usual brand of sensual and imaginative music to a CD of holiday songs called "December". The titles may sound familiar but once you listen to these Christmas tracks you'll know you've been transported once again to the enigmatic world of Elu. Distributed by Eroica Records "December" is guaranteed to be listened to and enjoyed for many holiday seasons to come.

Jeff says this about his new release "December": "As the seasons change from summer to fall I am awed by all the colors as the trees turn from green to brown.... and hypnotized by falling leaves changing to falling snow. This is my favorite time of year and I wanted to create something to share with the world. Christmas, to me, is a time to share our lives and welcome the warmth of a kiss. Elu's music is all about the human condition. I wanted to make a Christmas album that might be considered somewhat sensual. My goal was to take traditional Christmas compositions and give them a new twist."

All the tracks on "December" were written, performed, arranged and produced by Jeff. The CD also features some incredible vocals by newcomers Denise Winn and Carissa Vender. Denise Winn specializes in voice and on-camera talent work for all forms of media. She has done many radio and television spots and performed all of the female singing on the album. Carissa Vender helped Jeff work out some of his vocal ideas for Silent Night. She is an Architectural Intern working on her master's degree and she performed the spoken word on Silent Night.

My favorites on this nine song holiday CD are the stirring opening track "Carol Of The Bells", the very upbeat version of "Silent Night", the Celtic "I Saw Three Ships", "What Child Is This", the classy rendition of "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy", "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"-featuring Jeff's Sting-like vocals, "Coventry Carol", and the great original closing track "Christmas Morning Angel".

"Love" - Visions Magazine, Steven Hewitt,July 2000:

Sinuous, sultry and seductive is the debut release by Jeffrey Mettling also known as Elu (pronounced ae-loo). Self produced and promoted on his mp3.com site, Elu has engineered a very remarkable CD entitled L.O.V.E.

My favorite tracks on L.O.V.E. are "Secrets", "Love (To Be As One)", the very Enigma-like "Lover's Dance," "De Amo", and "Synergy". My pick for the best track on the CD is the very haunting and sensual "Twilight".

"Sensuality 2002" - Kuelle Magazine, Steven Hewitt,2002:

From its Enigma-like beginning simply called "Sensuality (Intro)" a listener will quickly become aware that they are in for something special with Elu's second CD entitled "Sensuality 2002". Written, arranged, performed, engineered, and produced by Jeff Mettling-also known as Elu (pronounced ae-loo), "Sensuality 2002" is a not to be missed CD.

Jeff's music and technical expertise have won him four awards and over fifteen nominations for "Best Musical Production" by the New Mexico Music Industry Coalition. His music has been in the number one spot at IUMA.com and in the Top 40 position at mp3.com.

Elu says this about his approach to music: "The goal is to create relaxation and harmony of the human spirit allowing the mind to explore the endless boundary of fantasy and reality. Although music is created by the individual, its meaning is defined by the listener."

My favorites on this nine track CD are: "Sensuality (Intro)", "Romantic", "All That", the Top 40-ready "The Meaning Of Love", the exceptional instrumental-"Into Bliss", "Ever After", the mystical "Something Wicked (Comes To Mind)", and the great closing track "Sensuality 2002". The CD not only features the meticulous music and vocals of Jeff Mettling, but also the beautiful voices of singers Shelley Lopez and Allina Brown. The two women's vocals further enhance the mood on this very unique CD.

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