Sunday, 1 December 2019

Timi Dakolo - Merry Christmas Darling


24 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy Merry Christmas Darling here (Amazon GB)

I do love when a discover an artist via the magic of Christmas music - and Timi Dakolo is the latest I've added to my list of "must check out his other releases" thanks to his rather charming Merry Christmas Darling album. I'll confess I am clearly a bit behind in finding out about the delights of Mr Dakolo's vocals as he has been recording music for over ten years now. It just gives me much more of his back catalogue to delve into. For now, however, I'm totally luxuriating in his lush selection of 11 classic and contemporary holiday standards across an elegant opus which really tracks every heightened emotion the most wonderful time of the year has to offer. The sheer joy of that cover art is guaranteed to bring a contagious smile to your face. His voice (and his collaborations) are a true gift of the holidays and one I'll cherish for many years to come ...

The album opens with the title track, Merry Christmas Darling, and anyone who can make this Carpenters evergreen sound as exquisite as they do is onto a winner. Mr Dakolo brings Emeli Sandé to make this a gloriously romantic duet and, in the graceful setting of piano and strings, both their voices combine with the music to help the message of the lyrics shine like the brightest star in the sky. It is a masterclass in timeless majesty, both bringing out the best in each other then combining their voices to give the listener tingles from head to (mistle)toe. The Christmas Song is equally as serene, a lovely, languorous melange of sound that lets each word linger like a snowflake dancing on the breeze. Timi seems absolutely delighted to be singing such indelible standards and his sense of wonder makes this earnest, melodic wish shimmer with sincere wish. This heartfelt hope continues on the Judy Garland "Meet Me In St Louis" song Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. The piano is a little more playful on this interpretation, skipping along with sweeping strings and Timi's expressive voice. The arrangement helps balance the poignant melancholy of the lyrics with an optimistic determination. The listener gets a genuine sense that if anyone can make the titular refrain come true it is Timi and his heaven-sent voice. Mary, Did You Know is delivered with tangible humility and a reverence to the awe inspiring lyrics; a grandiose, stately accompaniment ensures that the message of the words is carried with a solemn wisdom and honest gratitude.

White Christmas demonstrates that Mr Dakolo is one fine raconteur - someone who is able to tell a story yet make the words of others feel intimate and personal to him. He's matched in this ability by Eric Benét who joins him on this track. This laid back simmering groove sees both paint a winter wonderland with the nuance of their voices - and how they are in perfect harmony with the band to ensure lasting impact of this marvellous song. He conveys more of this picture with It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas. He has a child-like passion for the words (a passion that should never be lost in my opinion), immersing himself in every second of the season and savouring each moment. It helps the listener slow the crazy world outside and appreciate what is most important to them. And if loved ones are most important to you, then I'll Be Home For Christmas will tug at your heartstrings. Anyone who has had the sorrow of not having your nearest and dearest with you on the big day will recognise the aching yearning in Timi's voice as he brings the emotions of this enduring classic to life. The sentiments of the song flow nicely into the enchanting ballad Decorate The Night. Kenny G gives smooth sax for the ages (true story - his holiday album of 1994 outsold the likes of Mariah Carey), lending the song a luxurious lilt. It is a sotto voce duet which draws out the whimsy of the words and accentuates the soothing calm of Timi's sophisticated singing.

I'm not sure when Hallelujah became a Christmas song but over the years it has won me over as a seasonal standard. Timi uses the stark lyrics to devastating effect, his performance utterly spellbinding. His higher register vocals are so raw that you feel every emotion with him. The resonant singing of the Eben Voices Of Gabon Choir are an exalted and ceremonious addition which bring an intricately layered refinement to the song, making it music you could play all year long whenever you need a boost. Laura Bretan joins in Timi's Silent Night and her winsome vocal is delectably enchanting in its operatic fineness. Along with the choir it makes this an stirring duet between earthly and angelic. If a bell is ringing right now it is because Laura has just guaranteed herself her wings. The harmonies of their two voices are so mellifluous that multiple listens are required to appreciate the splendour of the partnership. The album draws to a close with Where Did We Go Wrong (Cry). It is a fine finale to the album, a modern day anthem with insightful lyrics set to a rousing instrumental. Only hope remains the answer, declares Timi leaving the listener pondering how they can contribute to making the world a better place. It is an essential slice of compelling pop music that transcends genre and season, an enduring call to arms which should be shared far and wide. Just like this album - quite wonderful.

**Ghosts of Christmas past**
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