Herald Staff Writer

People are most aware of their spirituality at Christmas and Easter, but the members of the gospel trio the B-Attitudes are put off by the secularization of the holy seasons.

With Christmas coming up, the group members hope they can nudge the holiday back to its roots with the Christmas recording "Season of Promise." "It's definitely our take on a more Christian Christmas," said Bonnie McCartney of Hadley, the group's alto.

"We just want people to know that the promise of redemption is there and available," added Betsy McManamon of Hadley, the trio's soprano.

The trio sings traditional favorites such as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and a medley of carols, but the heart of the album is in more spiritual fare, such as "Bethlehem," "Go Tell it on the Mountain," "His Name Will Be Called," "Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child" and "Bethlehem's Treasure." "There is no 'Rudolph' there," said Bonnie Humphrey of New Castle, who sings the tenor parts. "Nothing about Santa."

The group, which previously released the albums "Clueless in Columbus" and "Clued In," has sung many of the songs for years.

"We would do these carols and people would ask, 'Do you have a Christmas CD?'" said Ms. Humphrey, explaining why they recorded "Season of Promise."

The group started about six years ago, when Ms. McManamon hastily plucked members from the Messengers to perform at a quartet competition in Columbus. Beth Wimer of Meadville was the fourth member. "We won the group event after five weeks of being together," Ms. McManamon said.

The win earned them a television appearance and studio time, during which they recorded their first album, "Clueless in Columbus."

"We were like tourists in the studio," said Ms. McManamon, a member of Countryside Evangelical Church, New Lebanon.

Word of mouth led to more concerts and the singers improved as musicians and witnesses to the power of God.

"I think we were musical and witnessing babes in the woods when we started," Ms. Mc- Manamon said. "Sometimes the Lord just puts your feet in the fire and you do it. You start to see a whole wide world out there that you can impact."

Ms. Wimer left the group about three years ago, and the singers sought a fourth member. "We auditioned for a long time," Ms. McCartney said, but the group decided to carry on as a trio, unable to find anyone who could mesh musically and personally.

"We spend a lot of time together," she said, emphasizing the importance of friendship. Musically, the trio likes to incorporate other genres, from blues and jazz to Southern gospel and a cappella.

The group picks songs that show off the singers' vocal ranges and personalities, and the Christian message they want to get across.

For concerts, the trio tailors the selections to the event. Witnessing is a big part of their church shows, but they do much less of that at events that attract a more general audience, such as fairs.

"We are careful not to turn people off," Ms. McManamon said.

"But it's still the same message," added Ms. Humphrey, a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, New Castle, and choir director there.

With jobs and families to juggle, the singers believe their singing is worth the time spent rehearsing, performing - 50 to 60 concerts a year - and recording.

"It is immeasurably a way to give the blessings that we have received from God," Ms. Mc- Manamon said.

"It's about a gift and using it," added Ms. McCartney, a member of Coolspring Presbyterian Church, where she also is choir director.

Ms. McManamon said she can come into a concert being tired or with a cold, and they don't impact her singing.

"When you leave a performance, you are on another plane," she said.

Ms. Humphrey, who sang in rock bands for a decade, said the group helped her work through the pain of a divorce.

"It's very therapeutic for what ails you," she said. It also appears to be therapeutic for members of the audience. Ms. McCartney said the comments from people who have heard the group keep her enthused for singing.

"We're always excited about what's next," Ms. McManamon said.

"Season of Promise" is available at Bible book stores in Greenville, Meadville, New Castle and Portersville, and by order at the one in Grove City. It also can be bought through the trio's Web site at www.BAttitudes. com

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Joe Pinchot at jpinchot@sharonherald.com