53 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!
Buy Braxton Family Christmas here (Amazon UK)
If ever there is a time for family, the Christmas is it. When that family happens to contain some rather splendid vocalists whose voices all blend together like honey melting into hot chocolate then you know it's a seasonal gathering you want to be invited to. Fortunately for all of us, The Braxtons (Toni, Tamar, Traci, Trina and Towanda) have shared their get together on a brand new festive album Braxton Family Christmas. It's a glorious collection of 8 songs that showcase their soulful harmonies and ability to inject emotion, sentiment and feeling that mirrors both the joy and solemnity of this special time of year. Of course, it's not the first time members of the Braxton family have given us festive cheer - Toni delivered exquisite Snowflakes back in 2001 whilst Tamar took us to Winter Loversland just two short years ago. Here, everyone gets their time to shine and bring a little of their own magic to the music. It's destined to be an evergreen favourite that soundtracks your holiday memories for many years to come.
The album opens with the classic song This Christmas. It sets the template for what lies ahead with it's vibrant r'n'b influenced instrumental and buoyant production that elevates and edifies the spirit. Toni's vocal is a treat for the ears and when the lovely, textured vocals of her sisters join in, it really does make this a Braxton Family Christmas. Every Day Is Christmas slows the tempo somewhat on a heavenly mellifluous groove that allows all the sisters (save for Tamar) take a turn on lead vocals. The chorus shimmies and sparkles like the brightest bauble on your tree and it's all deliciously seductive. It sounds like it should be played on every radio station from now until the big day. Also radio ready is a flawless new interpretation of the Wham classic Last Christmas. It starts off with a dance beat but soon slinkies down the pace to ensure that every ounce of melancholy and pathos is felt in the smooth, soulful vocals. Cover versions need to be recognisable yet bring something new to the proceedings. This song succeeds perfectly.
When the sisters tackle the more religious side of the season the results are just as spectacular - just in a different way. Mary Did You Know takes you to church with it's gospel inflected vocals that seek out every ounce of questioning that the narrative of the song demands. It's absolutely compelling from start to finish. Similarly the a cappella version of O Holy Night is both reverent and awe-inspiring all at the same time. Even with it's doo-wop vibe to the vocals, it's still a spiritual musical testimony that uplifts with a sense of hope and optimism. And while not a traditional carol, the Toni-led Blessed New Year continues the aura of peace, love and kindness. It's almost tangible in the music that these goals are still attainable in a cynical world that turns it's nose up at the notion. We all need a little of this in our lives and this trio of songs gives enduring and endearing sustenance.
Michael Braxton finally gets some time with the Braxton sisters on the rather elegant and sprightly Under My Christmas Tree. Performed as a duet with Toni, it conjures up images of grandiose Hollywood musicals from the 50s when glamour and suave sophistication were the standards in life. It feels like it has traversed the passages of time to provide a shining moment of magnificence, like the brightest star in the firmament. And then it all comes to a close, the very way it started - with an all hands on deck version of This Christmas. There's no denying the individual and collective talents of this family and this is a fantastic collection of songs that leave you wanting more...
**Ghosts of Christmas past**
No comments:
Post a Comment