Thursday, 25 November 2021

Jamie Cullum - The Pianoman At Christmas (Complete Edition)


ONE MONTH UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

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

Last year, Jamie Cullum delighted us with a whole album of new holiday songs that are already being revisited alongside classic songs from years gone by. He explored the different emotions of the season, from playful to party and wistful to melancholy. It was a beautifully crafted opus that is well worth revisiting year after year. Jamie clearly enjoyed making it because he's done so much more than the now-traditional deluxe edition with a few extra songs. He has put together a whole new set of songs, including some with pals of his so its like you've been invited to a big fancy gathering. So get on your glad rags and dive right in...
  • Winter Wonderland (featuring Kansas Smitty's) ~ whilst the original release of this album focused on original compositions, Jamie isn't afraid to put his own spin on some of the classics of the season. There is a lovely, lolloping jazzy tinged groove provided by Kansas Smitty's whilst Jamie sounds like he is immersed in a magical setting so suave and sophisticated it emanates with contagious festive cheer. 
  • I Believe In Father Christmas ~ the frisky nature of the opening number gives way to a more contemplative mood. With piano as intricate as the most ornate of snowflakes, Jamie delivers the Greg Lake standard with a sincerity that makes this heartfelt and believable. There is a shimmering crescendo that builds the message of the song into a glimmering beacon of hope for all who want to bask in its reflective glory.
  • Man With The Bag (featuring Kansas Smitty's) ~ the complexity of Kansas Smitty's arrangement for this jolly ole' song needs to be listened to a few times to appreciate the artistry and nuance they bring. Jamie is in his element singing alongside him, like he is playing at a North Pole Christmas Shindig for the hard working magical folk at Elfridges. It is a big band, crooner Christmas to remember. How delightful.
  • Christmas Don't Let Me Down ~ a regal bugle sound that feels like it has traversed the passages of time from Victorian England. Jamie sings of his hope that the season will bring a little light into the world, show him the magic that he knows is out there just waiting to be found. His voice is tinged with an elegiac melancholy but ultimately soars with euphoric optimism. A sing-along masterpiece that deserves to be Christmas number one.
  • Sleigh Ride (featuring Kansas Smitty's) ~ Turns out Kansas Smitty's are as wondrous as finding Ferrero Rocher under the tree on Christmas morning. This brassy, perky take on the giddy seasonal smash is as exhilarating as if you were in the titular vehicle with the wind rushing your cheeks. Jamie takes the reins and guides the band (and the listener) ably with a cheeky vocal that makes you glad from head to mistletoe.
  • Amazing Grace (featuring The Vernon Spring) ~ I love how the mood can change and yet it still feels seamless. The transition from the cheery romp prior to this song slides smoothly into a rather solemn yet radiant version of the age old hymn. His voice is reverent and respectful while the instrumental from The Vernon Spring is just as graceful and elegant; a symbiotic blend of talent that leads to a stunning performance.
  • This Winter (featuring Lady Blackbird and Kansas Smitty's) ~ ooo, it just got SIMMERING in here. This romantic duet just burns with the tingling excitement that comes with a new relationship. The vocal interplay is dynamic, reminding of a more jazz-tinged version of the Hollywood movie musicals from the 40s/50s - it has just the right flirtatiousness to it that is matched ably by the sultry instrumental. 
  • Silent Night ~ the favourite of school carol concerts everywhere gets an intimate rendition thanks to Jamie letting his voice shine as bright as the lightest star in the heavens. The piano caresses his vocal and as the song progresses a gentle infusion of violin is added. It all coalesces to ensure that a feeling of calm and serenity is shared; halting the crazy of the world outside if just for the time the song plays. 
  • Jingle Bells (featuring Kansas Smitty's) ~ the thrill of the personality of the musicians continues to dazzle on a laid back but no less effervescent version of the sing along evergreen. There is a swagger to the music but an impish glee to it too - as if the band are throwing snowballs type of energy. Jamie gives a finger click groove cool cat performance that shows why he is one of the premier raconteurs of our time.
  • Frosty the Snowman (featuring Kansas Smitty's) ~ let the libations flow because this is a grown up party just waiting to happen. It is almost as if prohibition is back and this is the hottest ticket in town at the most secret and decadent of speak easy. It just feels like the lads and lasses of Kansas Smitty's had such a good time recording it and Jamie had such a riot singing it that this translates to the listener getting an endorphin boost.
  • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ once I'd recovered from the call and response at the end of the previous response, I was ready to embrace the sweet hope of this song. A music box of a piano accompaniment conjures up images of warm, crackling fires whilst the pure sincerity and optimism of Jamie's expressive voice would make even the most Grinchiest of hearts believe. Five minutes of pure musical luxury.
  • God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (featuring Kansas Smitty's) ~ now I'm not sure how such a raucous version of the song would have gone down at the Mormon church services of my youth but I firmly belief musical worship can take on all shapes and genres; music coming together in such a celebratory fashion as it does here feels totally joyful and triumphant to me. 
  • Let No Walls Divide ~ is there a more beautiful message to be shared at the moment? "take the stranger by the hand/lead him on his way" urges Jamie, against a backdrop of lilting instrumental that swathes his musical sermon in warmth and heart. Take a moment to truly immerse yourself in the song and then tell everyone you've ever met about it. Choose to let no walls divide and carry the spirit of the season with you all year round.
**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
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