49 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!
Buy Laura Xmas here (Amazon UK)
It feels like amazing Italian singer songwriter, Laura Pausini, has been a part of the music that has been the tapestry of my life for as long as I can remember. Her albums, in whatever language she performs (English, Italian, Spanish) are filled with soaring pop anthems and heartbreaking ballads. It is with some joy that I discovered the lady is releasing her first full Christmas album this very year, called simply Laura Xmas. 12 inspired choices of songs that cross genres and language barriers with an effortless ease that serves to remind us of the true meaning of the season - love and kindness for all mankind, regardless of where they live and who they love.
It begins with a gentle, languorous version of It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas. A shimmering swathe of strings gracefully dance alongside a shuffling percussive groove, all highlighting the expressive nature of Laura's voice. She beautifully encapsulates the wide eyed wonder the lyrics of the song require, while the mesmerising key change seems to transform her into Disney princess in the most glorious festive movie they could ever wish to make. The extended outro with decorous panpipes really allows the message of the lyrics to radiate, leading you into the next song, Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow. A more playful, orchestral instrumental ushers in Laura's effusive vocal. She evokes memories of the great musical heroines of the 40s and 50s, where melody and nuanced emotions were the core part of making music, rather than studio wizardry. It is a finger clicking good time, and multiple listens are required to really appreciate the intricate and complex nature of the musical arrangement that enthusiastically accompanies Laura on this magical journey. She and her able band are equally joyous and gleeful on Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. The music is jazz tinged with an element of big band, whilst Laura weaves her impressive pipes around the perky pace with a buoyant charm that is utterly addictive. Here, as throughout the album, she focuses on timeless arrangements rather than bowing to fads that will have faded by the time next Christmas rolls around. It is a treat to listen to. The merriment continues on a percolating version of Jingle Bell Rock. The elongated introduction really allows the music to breathe and it is hear I notice how at ease Laura is in enjoying a symbiotic relationship with the music; an equal duet partner in bringing these enduring songs to life in a whole new way. She is enchanting raconteur with just a tease of seduction as she invites you to grab the one you love and frolic til your heart's content.
She's the very picture of dignity and grace on a poised, yet stirring version of Have Yourself A Merry Christmas. The opening moments of the song, with evocative, organic sound effects create a lush image of a stunning winter's morn, before her sincere vocal projects her wish onto the world. She manages to break hearts just by injecting her performance with a hint of melancholy that balances with her optimism for the future. It is a fine tightrope walk yet one she does with admirable elegance. It is as if Laura's wish comes to life as she proclaims "listen to this beautiful story" at the commencement of Jingle Bells. I'm not sure I've ever heard anyone describe it as a beautiful story before and that really is my loss. What these 5 words ensure is that you really focus on the romantic nature of the lyrics - and with an ebullient instrumental and rousing vocal from Laura, you really do feel like the night air is rushing through your hair as you glide over the newly fallen snow. I love a song that can elicit such vivid sensations, as if a tangible illusion come to life. This continues, albeit in a more delicate way, on the stirring majesty of White Christmas. Again, the way Laura interprets the lyrics with her soothing vocal, you can hear the aching yearn for the more simple Christmases that we treasure in our memories. Angelic choir buffets her voice and makes this a compelling, celestial experience. The key change comes just as the texture of sound crescendos with a gentleness that makes you want to weep at the heartwarming emotions it stirs from within. She doesn't need to belt the song out to the rafters to make it resonant long after the music has finished. It merely floats from the ethers and lingers like a fragile snowflake, falling to the earth. She strips back the music for a more acoustic sounding Happy Xmas (War Is Over) - she's tremulous in her emoting of the lyrics, which isn't to say she is holding back. Rather, she is clinging to a slither of hope that the song's lyrics will finally come true after all these years. The children's choir adds to the impact of the song and lend an aura of innocent longing to the track. Truly lovely.
It's time to add a little Spanish flavour to the album with the internationally adored standard Feliz Navidad. She injects the music with an earnest honesty, that plays well against the brazen trumpets, castanets and tinkling piano. If you are sitting listening, either alone or with family & friends, don't be surprised if you start giving it some of that deep shoulder shimmy as the music cascades over you and a ray of sunshine spreads from within to lift your spirits and send your feet dancing with delirious ecstasy. The most traditional carol of the album so far comes via Adeste Fideles, a Latin version of O Come All Ye Faithful. The focus is on the lead vocal and harmonised backing voices, alongside a grandiose muted horn. It highlights the reverent nature of the words and gives a sense of humility and awe. The language is so lyrical and refined that even if you don't speak Spanish, it leaves you with a sense of spiritual exhilaration that is often missing as Christmas becomes more commercial. This is a timely reminder that, whatever you believe, we should focus on making the world a much better place. Laura continues to take us to church on the gospel favourite, Oh Happy Day. Raise your hands to heaven in emphatic testimony because this is a thrilling interpretation that gives you a sense of community, optimism and hope in an endorphin rush of epic proportions. It is also a masterclass in how to deliver a vocal with just the right amount of intensity and volume. Singers of the world - take note, for this is how it is done. And then, sadly, it all comes to an end on Astro del Ciel (Silent Night). It is a fitting and appropriate Italian end to an album that takes you through exhilarating happiness through to poignant melancholy and finally spiritual salvation. Laura Xmas has something for everyone - the ideal album to guide you through whatever mood takes you this season and for many seasons to come.
**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
- 6th November 2015 ~ Aurora, Half A World Away
- 6th November 2014 ~ Tom Odell, Real Love
- 6th November 2013 ~ The Spectra Singers, If You're Not Here
No comments:
Post a Comment