Monday, 28 November 2016

Bette Midler - Cool Yule (10th Anniversary Celebration)


27 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy Cool Yule here (Amazon UK)
Buy Somewhere In My Memory (on Home Alone 2 CD) here (Amazon UK)
Buy God Help The Outcasts here (Amazon UK)

My, doesn't time fly when you are having fun? I blinked and somehow it is a whopping ten years since the people's diva, Bette Midler, released her very charming indeed Christmas album, Cool Yule. Released in 2006, the album came after two very successful forays into legendary songbooks - first was Bette's take on the songs of Rosemary Clooney, then an examination of the music of Peggy Lee. In hindsight, particularly as the Rosemary Clooney songbook featured White Christmas, it was the next logical step to explore the uplifting and heartfelt music that was and still is inspired by the most wonderful time of the year. It has remained a festive favourite of mine, bought out from storage each November (*cough* October *cough) to soundtrack another season of experiences and elicit memories from years gone by. Here's why, if you aren't already smitten, you should be making every Christmas a Cool Yule...

...It's a blissful, serene introduction to the album thanks to the elegiac and beautiful Merry Christmas. Elegant strings cascade alongside delicate chimes, providing a shimmering backdrop for Ms Midler to sing her earnest and heartfelt message of good wishes to the listener. There is a genuine yearning in her vocal that really emphasises the optimistic and hopeful nature of the lyrics - and, of course, there is no denying that she knows how to imbue her voice with expressive tones to bring the song alive. It is like the quiet moment before the party starts - which is exactly what happens when she unleashes the title track, Cool Yule. Jingling bells, effusive horns and a frisky piano riff all coalesce to make this a rollicking romp that will have you kicking up your heels with joyous delight. The big band vibe evokes memories of the gorgeous 50s Hollywood movie musicals, that timeless style of music that sounds effortlessly sophisticated whatever year you are listening to it. Bette is giddy with glee at singing this song - think Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy with a seasonal vibrancy! Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas is a lucent journey through one of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time - the production of the score, which entwines itself around Bette's glorious vocal, makes for an aural hug that is all too hard to resist. It is like a lullaby, traversing the mists of time to remind us all that sending sincere wishes to those we love, at a time when loneliness can feel all-consuming, may be the greatest gift we can offer. And if it makes you want to find that special someone and make a modern "Meet Me In St Louis", you're not alone - Bette teams up with Jonny Mathis on Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow/Winter Wonderland. Much like when Bette teamed up with Barry Manilow on Slow Boat To China, these are two performers who are comfortable with each other and know how to blend their voices together (like honey melting into hot chocolate). The songs merge together equally well, ensuring that every ounce of contagious merriment is squeezed out for your enjoyment.

There is heartbreaking insight on the lullaby-like I'll Be Home For Christmas. There is a definite Disney vibe to this with Bette the world-weary heroine who is clinging to that slither of hope that keeps the human spirit going. The grandiose strings add to the aura of introspection and reflection as Bette sings as much to convince and lift herself as much as anyone else. This aura of melancholy continues to be beautifully manifest on the equally yearning What Are You Doing (New Year's Eve). It is a lovely, languorous pondering that is accompanied by a jazz infused piano melody, exquisitely cocooning Bette's plaintive plea in a glistening glow of stately grace. Bette makes it the type of song that captivates you with it's mesmerising nature, making the whole world stop just for a moment as you let the music wash your cares away. If you need a little bit of a pick me up, then I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm will do just that. Taken from one of my favourite films of all time, White Christmas (which Bette returns to shortly), I'm always a tad apprehensive when anyone covers this. No need for such nerves - the enduring classic is in safe hands and is just as glowing as the original. It is worth noting here that uniformly across this album, the orchestra has been absolutely world class. Just listen to the ebullient glee in the horns in this song - making every non-sung second of the song a part of the narrative. Glorious.

O Come O Come Emmanuel is the most traditional carol on the album. There is a definite sense of somber awe in the way the music and vocal swirl together as they embrace the majestic lyrics. The guitar is a nice touch that makes this feel more organic, whilst Bette is a serene and reverent revelation. Gently subtle backing vocals are more effective because of their gradually crescendoing nature that accentuates the power of the lyrics. It merges nicely into the ballad intro of Mele Kalikimaka. Ukelele strumming, island sounds and authentic sounding backing vocals all come together to make this an interpretation that has your soul soaring with shoulder shimmying happiness. The song is really allowed to breathe through a vivid middle 8 instrumental before that giddy, delirious ending. If you've not got an enormous smile on your face by the end, you probably need to check your pulse. One of Bette's most famous songs gets a seasonal gussy up next. From A Distance starts with O Come All Ye Faithful chiming it's way into the song we all know and love. It's message of kindness and unity is perhaps more timely this Christmas than it was ten years ago - the additional lyrics especially are words that help soothe troubled souls ("and all is right and calm") with its vision for a world better than our own. Weaving Angels We Have Heard On High briefly into the middle 8 makes this shine brighter than the highest star in the firmament - a truly magical revisiting of a classic song. And then it all comes to a close with White Christmas. It brings you musically full circle back to the start of the album, conjuring up visions of a family singalong in front of a roaring fire with the twinkling lights on the tree glittering behind you. Bette, as always, is wonderfully expressive and makes this version one for the ages. A super way to end the album - and encourages you to start all over again.

(By the way, I've always extended my Cool Yule experience with two other Bette songs that seem to fit the theme of the album beautifully. First up is the hidden gem Somewhere In My Memory from Home Alone 2. This should have been a massive AC hit in it's own right back in the day and has aged like a glass of fine wine. It is a song about all the ruminations we have about the experiences from Christmases gone by - and how those can shape and enhance the festive adventure lying ahead of you. I always return to this song when the world gets a little too cynical - the words, the melody, the music are all just serendipity in a song. I do strongly urge you to check this out, even though it is not easy to find. Next up is God Help The Outcasts from Hunchback of Notre Dame - a song that would slot nicely next to the new version of From A Distance. Again, sadly timely all over again, this could apply to immigrants across the world feeling displaced and unwanted. Bette sings with aching nuance of how we were all outcasts at one point and should show a little more human warmth. Not a Christmas song, per se, but at a time of year when giving is more prevalent it surely is worthy of consideration).

**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
at

No comments:

Post a Comment