Friday, 13 November 2020

Leslie Odom Jr - The Christmas Album


42 DAYS (6 WEEKS) UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream The Christmas Album here (external link)

There is no denying that Leslie Odom Jr knows how to bring a suave sophistication to the season of goodwill. His Simply Christmas album fast became a perennial favourite for those moments when you need a soundtrack that helps the cares of the world ease away and immerse you in the holiday spirit. Mercifully his follow up, The Christmas Album, is just as charming, delivering those smooth, emotive vocals wrapped in an eclectic array of sumptuous scores. Not that it really makes any difference to the music, but his outfit on the cover may be one of the most stylish this year and one that I'd totally steal if I had an ounce of panache within me. Still, settling for these ten sing-along songs is more than enough of a substitute for choosing a comfy Christmas sweater instead so grab a glass of something sparkling, light the candles and let Leslie serenade your festive celebrations...

The album begins with an original composition, Snow. There's something both cleansing and magical about the chilliest of weathers, as if it can gift the world with a brand new start. Leslie's finger-clicking groove captures the excitement of that with an ebullient vocal. Effortlessly flowing into falsetto during the chorus adds to the passion of the song. He then takes on Last Christmas, the Wham classic, and drenches it in shimmering synths, an urban beat and expressive singing that ably moves from melancholy reflection to wistful acceptance. Lovely, layered vocals add texture and depth to the story. Talking of those type of vocals, Little Drummer Boy sees Mzansi Youth Choir accompany Leslie on this South African inspired interpretation. They really elevate the song, making it a commanding theatrical performance which stays with you long after their singing has faded away.

Winter Song sees Leslie duet with Cynthia Eviro and we are not worthy to have two such accomplished vocalists sing together. There is tenderness in each individual performance, but together they are utterly electrifying. The hand-claps feel like the beating heart of the song, quickened by the emotions of which they sing. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas sees Leslie slow down the much-loved classic and let himself (and the listener) savour every word. Jazzy piano and a shuffling percussion aid this laid back take, reminding you not to let the spirit of the season escape you. O Holy Night, one of my favourite Christmas songs, is sung with a humble reverence and respectful awe for the mighty lyrics. It crescendos with celestial power before culminating with that goosebump finale moment. It is then a Hanukah celebration on Ma'oz Tzur (with Nicolette Robinson); a gentle yet effective piano-vocal duet that pays deference to the festival of lights.  That piano accompaniment is entirely wondrous. 

Mele Kalikimaka brings the sunny Hawaiian vibes through slide guitar, a rippling percussion and sunshine bright vocals from Leslie, Michea Walls and The Walls Group. If it makes you want to hula with the one you love then I suspect it is the romantic vibe they were going for. Finest version since Bette Midler on Cool Yule. Leslie then takes you right up to New Year with Auld Lang Syne; the song of hope and unwavering belief that the next year will be better than the last. With the 2020 we've all had, there is a certain poignancy to Leslie's aching yet optimistic delivery. The album then finishes with a song you can play all year round - the lilting fairytale of Heaven and Earth. The type of song Disney used to have accompany their movies, this is genuinely breathtaking and deserves to be a massive pop crossover hit. It is one final musical hug before Leslie signs off for another year...

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