Thursday, 3 December 2020

Various Artists - Christmas At Birdland


22 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy Christmas At Birdland here (external link)
Book yourself a virtual space for the Swinging Birdland Christmas event here (external link)

I'm actually a year late in discovering the multi-artist theatrical treat that is the Christmas At Birdland album. Still, like the very best festive musical parties, this is a gift that keeps on giving year after year so it exists to be discovered, recommended and passed on from friend to friend. There is something really delightfully charming about this collection - a timeless enchantment that takes me back to my youth when I would be glued to the television watching Kenny & Dolly in their Christmas special or see Mitzi Rogers performing We Need A Little Christmas. Holiday music exists outside trends and fads, in its own snowglobe bubble outside of chart influences. Billy Stritch, Jim Caruso and Klea Blackhurst are evergreen raconteurs, spinning these yarns with melodic finesse and vibrant personality. There is so much to love here that each song deserves some attention as they sparkle their way into your hearts to become perennial favourites...
  • Christmas Is Starting Now/It's The Holiday Season ~ such a vibrant vivid opening that you can visualise a lush stage set full of glittering fairy lights and opulent Christmas trees. Sincere excitement drips from every note sung with such ebullient glee that you can't help but smile. And of course when Donny Osmond turns up for a sing-along, crazy horses can't stop you from joining in. Joyful and triumphant!
  • The Christmas Waltz ~ drenched in choral glitter, this makes this Brit boy feel like he is immersed in the magic of a very New York City Christmas. There is a bit of jingle to the jazz, a little late night lilt to that glorious piano and, of course, a sense of Broadway to the phenomenal vocals. Making it a duet lavishes an aura of romance that is as elegant as the ballroom dance they so gracefully sing of.
  • Manhattan in December ~ Lea Michele may have invited us for Christmas in New York, but the whole of Manhattan in December sounds just radiant. This is a cool-as-ice, finger clicking romp with a shuffling percussion, flirtatious piano and a shimmering piano. Billy is as suave as can be, a true crooner who feels like he belongs as much in a sumptuous 50s Hollywood movie musical as he does on a contemporary stage delighting an audience with his expressive tones.
  • You Meet The Nicest People ~ Jim takes centre stage and delivers cabaret as it should be done - engaging, witty and utterly compelling. You feel like he is singing directly to you, accompanied by a giddy pianist who gives just as much personality as the singer himself. When Billy and Klea join in, it is a convivial sing-along that makes you wish your conversations with your pals could be just as melodic.
  • Mister Santa ~ a Yuletide remake of Mr Sandman is exactly what you would hope it to be; that same incessantly catchy tune just with lyrics that capture the excitement and anticipation of a kid on Christmas Eve. It is a sentiment that each of the singers have in their vocal, meaning it is the only contagious thing you really want to catch this year!
  • He's Stuck In The Chimney Again ~ Klea unveils a lost Christmas classic that is like an old friend coming to visit. She's perfectly placed to be the definitive version of your new future favourite oldie - embodying every ounce of childlike wonder and knowing humour with her whimsical performance. As entrancing as the Rockefeller Christmas tree and just as luminous...
  • Little Jack Frost Get Lost ~ the anti-winter wonderland for those who perhaps aren't as enamoured with the icy nature of December. Jim and Billy are a great double act (the Ant & Dec of the theatrical scene - a reference for the Brits there), playing off each other brilliantly. It is like watching Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor or Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye; performances by the greats that never go out of style.
  • It Happened In Sun Valley-Snow ~ after a great piano instrumental (Caroling Caroling), the scene is set for the ski-friendly climes of Sun Valley and the romantic interludes that can happen on the alps. That blends nicely into the White Christmas classic, Snow (so I guess Jack Frost was forgiven). Both songs are a popsicle treat that reveal more layers with each subsequent listen. It makes you merry and bright!
  • Silent Night-A Child Is Born ~ splendid saxophonist Dave Koz makes the first of two appearance on this medley of much loved carols. He is given extended solo moments which really allow the listener to savour his skill and lose themselves in the music. When Klea joins in, it is a serene moment full of reverent awe and soothing majesty. The crescendo of the music swells into a soaring finale that leaves you breathless.
  • Winter Weather-Winter Night ~ one thing that is clear across this album is how much adoration the singers have for the songs they have chosen. They immerse themselves in every second of the music and project it through the prism of their own experience. It makes it an intimate and warm experience for the listener. Jim excels at this and you can picture every photographic memory of his love story.
  • The Christmas Song ~ even though you've heard this song a thousand times (and probably a thousand ways), there is always something new a gifted performer can add to it. Billy is smooth and earnest, letting every word linger like a snowflake on the wind. Luxurious strings cascade, buoying his heartfelt wish - whilst Dave's sax solo is living art that builds to the glorious final moments.
  • Kay Thompson's Jingle Bells ~ a good ol' knees up, party song for the conclusion of the album. It is a layering of multiple hooks and festive bon vivant that leaves you wanting to grab the one you love and shimmy. Play loud, play often and tell everyone you've ever met about this feel good experience. It is the greatest gift you can give this (and every) year!
**Ghosts of Christmas past**
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