Sunday, 22 November 2020

Mark Kingswood - Say Merry Christmas


33 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Say Merry Christmas here (external link)

I grew up with the sounds of Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra filling both my home and childhood with their distinctive voices and melodic charms. It is no surprise that, as I grew older, I gravitated to a big band sound and sought out releases by the likes of contemporary crooners such as Matt Dusk, Yannick Bovy and Michael Buble. I'm always delighted when there is a homespun British talent to add to the mix and Mark Kingswood is just that. His suave singing style makes his music a natural fit for fans of the genre, whilst his expressive tones add something new to the standards he performs. He follows up his outstanding debut album, Strong, with a seasonal selection box of songs - Say Merry Christmas; a new winter favourite that is going to dominate your holiday playlists for years to come...

The album opens with the title track, Say Merry Christmas. It is an instantly engaging original composition that encapsulates all the magic of the festive season. With chiming bells, a kids choir and a jingling percussive groove, Mark sings the message of sharing the love and kindness to those who might need it most. Brassy horns accentuate the huge sing-along chorus and you'll soon be grabbing the one you love and shimmying with gay abandon. He's equally joyous on I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day - a frolicking romp of a jazzy jam that brings a new sense of excitement to the Wizzard evergreen. Thoughtful use of the instrumental flourishes make you feel like you are in the most sophisticated lounge bar, whilst the enthusiasm in Mark's voice is utterly contagious. The tempo slows for Don't Say Goodbye (On Christmas Day), a gorgeous glittering ballad full of sweeping strings and tinkling piano. It is classic swooning, heart felt emotion wrapped up in Mark's smooth delivery and a score so delightful it wraps around you like the fluffiest of dressing gowns...

Turns out the pleading not to break his heart on the previous track didn't pay off - as Mark sings Wham's Last Christmas, turning it into a melancholy piano-vocal duet that highlights every ounce of pathos baked into those much loved lyrics. It is a really lovely accompaniment and Mark sings with a resigned sense of regret. He picks himself up on the vivid Candy Coloured Christmas and swings you round the dance floor. He's as romantic a raconteur as you could hope for, singing about all the trappings of the holidays are just an unnecessary bonus when you have love in your life. Snow (not the White Christmas song, though equally feels like it traversed the passages of time from a 50s Hollywood musical) is a mesmerising, shuffling ballad that captivates as Mark savours every single word. The band show how they are in symbiotic partnership with Mr Kingswood, caressing his tender singing and enhancing all the sentiments he so ably sings of. Let the worries of the world outside melt away and immerse yourself in this track...

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree gives you the impression that Mark is having the time of his life singing these timeless Yuletide numbers, and that happy-baked singing emanates from your speakers. Great bass and percussion flirtatiously play with each other in the middle 8, before Mark leads the sing-along chorus that gives your spirits a boost. Any Other Christmas once again transports you to that lounge bar. It is so effective and compelling that you can imagine Mark sitting on a stool, dry ice swirling around his feet as, immaculately turned out in his tux, sings this aching ballad. The sensational swell of strings is a genuine goosebump moment. Red-Suited Superman is a clever, lyrical take on Old Saint Nick, as well as a reminder about how Christmas can be a time when hope just seems that little bit more possible. Lush instruments and cooing harmonies send this song past 7th heaven to cloud nine (thanks, in no small part, to that sumptuous sax solo and key change)!

The album comes to a close with two carols. O Little Town Of Bethlehem takes you to grandiose cathedrals on Christmas Eve for a reverent and respectful carol service. The a cappella opening notes as so magical that you barely notice the piano and violin join Mark's dulcet tones. He then gives us a stirring rendition of O Holy Night. As all good versions of the song should, the music crescendos in all the right places whilst Mark's soaring vocal shows you don't have to belt it to the rafters. You can be just as powerful imbuing each note with the intensity it demands. It is a superb end to the album, leaving you hitting the repeat button to experience it all over again. If you want to experience the album direct from the man himself, book yourself onto his virtual Christmas concert - performed on December 8th but available for up to 30 days after that (click here to be taken to his website). Its the gift that keeps on giving. 

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