Wednesday, 20 November 2019

Joe Stilgoe - Christmas Album


5 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy Joe Stilgoe's Christmas Album here (Amazon GB)

If there is anyone who can embrace the range of emotions that seemed so much more sharpened at this time of the year, it is expressive singer Joe Stilgoe. Over the years he has built an impressive career out of his interpretation of classic songs, imbuing them with a little flair, a little of his own personality and a lot of heart. He also writes his own songs - and has expanded his horizon to the theatrical stages, contributing to musicals like The Jungle Book and the upcoming Zog! It means his Christmas Album promises to be a perennial favourite; a seasonal selection box of goodies that you will keep coming back to year after year. To make it feel like a convivial affair, he has bought along a cavalcade of revellers to join him on some choice cuts. It is guaranteed to make your season merry and bright; a radiant soundtrack to your Christmas memories present and future.

The album opens with a medley of Winter Weather/I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, a vibrant journey back to the opulent hollywood sound stages of the movie musicals of yesteryear. Joe is accompanied by an effusive big band whose instrumental dances around him (led by a rather glorious piano riff). He instantly immerses himself into the song, performing with an enthusiasm and glee which is utterly contagious. It sets the standard for the rest of the album - with The Night Before equally as quality a production. The finger click groove and shuffling percussion has your shoulders shimmying along as Joe sings of all the glorious things that create anticipation as we all wait for Santa to arrive. This original composition is so packed with witty bon mots and rapid fire sing-along moments that it is surely enough to put Joe on the nice list for many years to come. Little White Berry features Ben Castle, son of Roy Castle who wrote this playful festive romp. The horn accompaniment and sparse percussive rhythm really let Joe's voice shine, leading into a middle 8 solo moment for Ben which glitters with the sheer joy of playing the instrument. Makes you feel glad from head to (mistle)toe. Joe's second original number comes via December Lights, a sumptuous winter ballad which absolutely deserves to be in the running for the 2019 Christmas Number One race. Resonant piano and chiming bells elevate the accompaniment whilst Joe's voice delivers the hopeful message with a genuine sense of sincerity.

On Sleigh Ride, Joe is joined by Giacomo Smith and the two seemingly effortlessly create a cool cat journey that is as bracing and exhilarating as the titular travel option. I say seemingly effortless because actually these instrumentals are so intricately layered that the listener is rewarded with new audio discoveries on each subsequent listen. The Christmas Song is perhaps the most intimate affair yet, a lovely languorous moment that helps the worries of the world melt away. It is as if you are curled up by the fire, watching Joe work his magic on one of the holiday's most indelible tunes. He really lets each word breathe, meaning the sentiments of the song linger long after the music fades away. Round & Round The Christmas Tree is a song that wasn't familiar to me, but the Bing Crosby standard is definitely a new favourite. Joe deserves his place in the same pantheon as these legendary crooners as he tackles this with consummate verve. His piano solo in the middle 8 is perhaps one of the greatest gifts you'll get this Christmas. From Bing to Judy, Have Yourself A Merry Christmas is up next - with Ben beautifully conveying the tinge of melancholy that permeates the words with a graceful elegance. Amy Dickson's saxophone playing adds a poignant wistfulness to the music, a symbiotic emotional partner to Joe's singing. Her solo doesn't need words because she is able to make each note tell a story by itself. Sheer magic.

Christmas isn't Christmas without a good knees up and Top Hat/Putting On The Ritz. It is the sort of party you can't just show up for in jeans, it is a fancy affair with the type of sartorial style which never goes out of fashion. In fact I feel more sophisticated just listening to this. There is a hint of cheeky charm to Joe's performance which gives you the impression that by the end of this delectable romp he's loosened his bow tie, popped his collar, rolled up his sleeves and led folks a merry dance around the ballroom. You'll need a breather so Joe asks What Are You Doing New Year's Eve. His sense of yearning makes this an earnest invitation that would be mighty hard to respond to in any other way than spending it immersed in the lush scores and seductive vocals of Joe Stilgoe. Next up is I'll Be Home For Christmas - and Joe is joined by Rob Brydon whose previous Christmas contribution is one of the greatest festive TV specials of a TV show ever (Gavin and Stacey). The loneliness of the song's lyrics feels more pronounced by the reverent nature of Joe's vocal but hope is not lost - Rob's contribution towards the end of the song is wonderfully done and tells a story that this is one dream that might actually come true. I'm The Happiest Christmas Tree lifts your spirits once more - a piano jam session with heys and hos chanted so effusively that even the most tuneless of carol singers can join in without too much fear. When the bass gets its time to shine, it is like the brightest star in the firmament giving you goosebumps of ecstasy. The album then comes to a close with Rest In Peace. Joe is joined by Canterbury Cathedral Girls' Choir on this solemn hymn, a partnership that yields a stirring finale to this engaging body of work. Like a choir of angels singing his song, the vocalists all work together to ensure a mesmerising performance which is powered by humility and awe of the words they sing. Phenomenal.

**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
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