Title: Moonlight, Mistletoe & You (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Keb' Mo', blues, Christmas music
Tell me more: It is little surprise how masterfully blues great Keb' Mo' has approached Christmas on his first-ever holiday album. Moonlight, Mistletoe & You is as original and delightful as any new Christmas-minded collection issued this year with the bluesman offering up artful takes on well-known standards that shine while also using his signature wit on a number of original songs. Take the humorous "Christmas is Annoying," where lyrical rhymes are used to turn tradition on its ear: "I remember caroling and skating down the hill / skating on the pond, you know, it really was a thrill / but now the thrill is gone and all my credit cards are maxed / I'm running here, running there, with no time to relax." His version of Koko Taylor's "Merry Merry Christmas" comes via a cool Chicago blues-meets-rock vibe and is one of those great tracks that would be welcome anytime of the year. Keb' Mo' can also delve into the more traditional sonics of the holiday as evidenced by his original lovely jazz-swept gem "One More Year With You" and the joyful mix of acoustic blues and children's' voices on "When the Children Sing." He also casts a welcome fresh coat of musical paint on the standard "Please Come Home For Christmas," a soulful blues number that benefits from a poignant arrangement and Keb' Mo's resonant baritone delivery. Melissa Manchester joins the celebration for a duet on Irving Berlin's wonderful "I've Got My Love to Keep You Warm," a lovely and timeless jazz arrangement. Information: kebmo.com.
Title: A Prog Rock Christmas (Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Yes, Asia, Curved Air, Utopia
Tell me more: Those who enjoy Christmas music as well as fans of classic and progressive rock will love A Prog Rock Christmas. Featuring a top-tier lineup of genre notables, the collection finds Yes singer Jon Davison kicking things off with a melodic and moving reading of the Chris Squire and Alan White penned "Run With The Fox." Kasim Sulton's lush "Christmas Lights," guitar master Steve Morse's dazzling take on "Carol Of The Bells" and Billy Sherwood and Patrick Moraz's colorful reading of Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" are early standouts on the 13-track set. A Celtic-styled "Fairytale of New York" featuring Leslie Hunt and Robin McAuley, otherworldly "O Come All Ye Faithful" from Curved Air lead singer Sonja Kristina, Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes' instrumental "Linus & Lucy" and the late Asia singer-bassist John Wetton's affecting cover of John Lennon's "Happy Christmas (War is Over)" are among my favorites on the closing run of the holiday title. A Prog Rock Christmas is available on audio CD via digipak as well on limited edition vinyl in either red or white. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.
Title: Christmas: A Season of Love (Decca Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Kristin Chenoweth, Ariane Grande, Billy Porter
Tell me more: Armed with her signature soprano and the world's most beloved holiday songbook, Tony award-winning singer Idina Menzel's Christmas: A Season of Love is sure to please those who appreciate traditional-styled takes on the season. There are wonderful duets here: Menzel is joined by her husband Aaron Lohr for a tender "I'll Be Home For Christmas" while fellow-Broadway star Billy Porter teams up with her for the swinging "I Got My Love To Keep Me Warm." She is joined by Ariana Grande for the jazzy "A Hand For Mrs. Claus." Menzel's vocal power is real as evidenced by her nuanced "Caroling, Caroling," and a glorious medley featuring "O Holy Night" that artfully segues into "Ave Maria" and then back to "O Holy Night." One of the most powerful songs on the disc is "At This Table," a piano-anchored song co-written by Menzel and Jonas Myran. The lyrics focus on a theme of inclusion and togetherness during the holidays, an especially-powerful message at a time when there is so much global strife: "At this table, everyone's welcome," she sings. "At this table, everybody cares. At this table, everybody matters. So come pull out a chair." She also performs an uptempo version of "Ocho Kandelikas" ("Eight Little Candles"), a song sung in Ladino that celebrates the holiday of Hanukkah. Information: IdinaMenzel.com.
Title: Christmas EP (Ume)
You might like if you enjoy: Bryan Adams
Tell me more: Bryan Adams' fast-moving Christmas EP features five inviting songs, all of which will bring smiles in tune with the holiday season. Several of the selections are new to long-time fans of the Canadian rocker; the Chuck Berry-flavored original "Joe and Mary" and joyful sing-along "Must Be Santa" are recent recordings (an interesting side note: "Must Be Santa" was previously covered by Bob Dylan). A trio of previously-heard Adams holiday recordings have been remastered (the anthemic "Christmas Time," catchy "Reggae Christmas" and retro-adorned "Merry Christmas"). Information: BryanAdams.com.
Title: Christmas Time Is Here (Satya Record)
You might like if you enjoy: Sarah Brightmas, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth
Tell me more: A gifted actress, multi-instrumentalist and singer, Charleene Closshey taps into the spirit of classic and contemporary yuletide favorites on her magnificent Christmas Time Is Here. The orchestral arrangements are rich and prove to be a luxurious fit with Closshey's wonderful soprano. The Broadway-flavored "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," sumptuous "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman," opulent Celtic-mining "Good King Wenceslas" and gentle "Ave Maria" are among the fantastic selections here. Her reflective approach to singing "O Holy Night" is a revelation; for the first half of the song she is accompanied only by piano and when the orchestra and choir come in later they do with restrained perfection. The wistful version of the title track (anchored by piano and jazz guitar) is another highlight on the 10-track album. Produced by six-time Grammy winner Brent Maher, Christmas Time is Here is available digitally on music streaming platforms, and physically via Amazon and CDBaby. Information: CharleeneClosshey.com.
Robert Kinsler
Recently purchased Keb Mo's Christmas album, and I can vouch that it's a great spin... especially if you're looking for non traditional Christmas music. I've also been interested in checiking out Idina Menzel for awhile. The few times I've heard her voice, i've found it captivating. Maybe this is the album I start with. Great reviews. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking in! I agree; the Keb' Mo' Christmas album is great and Keb' really has put a lot of effort into the album. Idina has an incredible voice and her performances on her holiday album are nuanced and terrific too.
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