Wednesday, 25 November 2020

Jamie Cullum - The Pianoman At Christmas


ONE MONTH UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream The Pianoman At Christmas here (external link)
Read my Jamie Cullum Christmas music reviews here

Jamie Cullum is no stranger to Christmas music. Over the past few years, he's released some dazzling festive singles and last year contributed to Robbie Williams' The Christmas Present album. Perhaps inspired by these Yuletide excursions, he has crafted his own seasonal opus called The Pianoman At Christmas. Full of original compositions, this not only showcases Jamie's ability to write the feelings we all have at Christmas time (only he conveys them with more melodic eloquence than most) but to remind us what a gifted, expressive pianist he is. The songs are swathed in brassy, big band arrangements that are utterly compelling from first word until last note - they will linger long after the album has finished playing and are destined to become favourites on your future holiday playlists...
  • It's Christmas ~ a cheeky yet heartfelt plea for us all to put differences aside and embrace the spirit of the season. It feels instantly familiar, like seeing an old friend again but admiring their sassy new haircut. His engaging voice is buoyed by horny horns whilst sweeping strings gracefully dance around the elegant piano melody. His words are sung with such encouragement that it is hard not to get caught up in the enthusiasm of his performance.
  • Beautiful, Altogether ~ this lovely laid back lullaby elicits images of roaring fireplaces (or at least DVDs of roaring fireplaces) and steaming mugs of cocoa; a picture perfect image of family and friends gathered around the piano as Jamie sings this intimate and uplifting ballad. The worries of the world outside melt away and the listener is lost in the mesmerising melody and soothing lyrics...
  • Hang Your Lights ~ I love that Jamie wears his musical influences on his sleeve; here, he's inspired by songs from Disney's The Jungle Book and emerged with a rousing rabble cry of a Christmas song. New Orleans style jazz permeates every moment with effervescent glee whilst those flirtatious lyrics will get you all a fluster. The middle 8 is such a textured romp that you will kick up your heels with gay abandon. Get those libations flowing and PARTY.
  • The Jolly Fat Man ~ ooo, a song about me. Or Santa Claus. One of the two. Probably the latter. Who knew he was a cool daddio of a cat as Jamie tells the biography of Saint Nick with innovative wit and wry observations. Not since the nuns sang How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria has a negative connation become so lovingly positive. He's a natural raconteur and this is like a splendid festive episode of Jackanory.
  • The Pianoman At Christmas ~ the album's title track is a lush, sumptuous ballad that is part sophisticated lounge bar singer, part pop anthem - the type that used to nestle near the top of the UK charts. Think the heartbreaking middle 8 of Fairytale of New York via Billy Joel's Piano Man (but all Jamie and all Christmas). The elegant sweep of the strings sends his heart felt message soaring and it is a sentiment we can all cling to, in rapt attention.
  • Turn On The Lights ~ the clever use of the orchestra and piano make this sound like it is being sung in a flurry of snow fall, whilst the introduction of trumpet gives a royal, regal seal of approval. Jamie embraces and celebrates the magic of the season, encapsulating all the excitement and anticipation in such a gloriously textured score that multiple listens are required to appreciate the euphoric, intricate skill at work. Joyful AND triumphant.
  • So Many Santas - perhaps the most theatrical moment on the album, this feels like it is from some thrilling new festive musical that has yet to be written. Ever wondered, as a kid, why there were different Father Christmases in the mall, at your school, looking like your dad/drunk Uncle Kevin? With a dramatic, brass-enriched score, Jamie reveals the secret behind the mystery with a dynamic combination of vocal and instrumental. Thrilling.
  • Christmas Never Gets Old ~ it really doesn't. I mean, Jamie is preaching to the choir here but there might be some who need a gentle nudge of encouragement about why this really is the most wonderful time of the year. Well, it is not so much of a nudge as a seasonal siren's call to leave your Grinch at the door, grab the one you love (on Zoom) and shimmy like its Christmas Eve. An intoxicating brew that leaves you breathless.
  • How Do You Fly ~ as much as he loves a good ol' knees up, Jamie knows how to knock those tender moments out the park. This hushed, reverent carol is like a trawl through old memories, sung with a wistful longing for days gone by. Music box chimes and resonant piano chords are as delicate yet glittering as a snowflake. When Jamie first sings the titular refrain, there is such aching anguish for a better tomorrow that I could break down and weep.
  • Christmas Caught Me Crying ~ for the album's finale, Jamie leans into the quieter, reflective moments of the season. It certainly is a time when emotions are heightened at both ends of the spectrum and this is a captivating enchantment of a song; a piano-vocal duet that pulls you into its poignant story. Take a moment, then hit repeat to start the experience again - and hope for a The Pianoman At Christmas 2: Tinselling the Ivories in 2021...
**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
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