Tuesday, 3 December 2019

VoicePlay - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas


22 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Stream VoicePlay music here (Spotify)

There is something as indelibly Christmas about the vocal harmony a cappella quintet VoicePlay. Ever since they immersed me in a Peppermint Winter over five years ago, they have bought as much sparkle and shine to the holiday season as Santa himself. This year they are bringing luxurious textured vocals and decadent arrangement to the Judy Garland standard, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - and it is all but guaranteed to make the Yuletide merry and bright. One of the things I love about these guys is that while they absolutely know how to bring dramatic visual storylines to their songs they also know when to just let the message of their music take the spotlight - and here the simplicity and beauty of the lyrics and vocals are magical. I mean, of course, I have a little sartorial jealousy (Earl's jacket, Geoff's amazing pantaloons) but it is the sincere, heartfelt performance that has you hitting repeat. Those sumptuous Motown-esque harmonies of the opening bars and that finger click groove immerse you into their lilting winter wonderland. J-None's soulful solo is clearly fuelled by a joy of singing this song and it is an emotion that becomes contagious for the listener. Earl and Eli take higher register, sending the song soaring to the heavens whilst Geoff is a delight with his rich, resonant baritone - as satisfying as a rich hot chocolate on a cold winter night. Layne is the rhythmic glue that holds the music together, a head elf rallying his troops to provide soothing succour to all who hear their song. The lads chimes on "hang a shining star upon the highest bow" are as real and radiant as any church bell heralding in the big day. It really is a wonder to behold. Have yourself a merry little Christmas Voiceplay - the legacy of Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane is more than safe in your nurturing hands.

**Ghosts of Christmas past**
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