Wednesday, 10 November 2021

Karl Loxley - Christmas


45 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy Karl Loxley's Christmas here (external link)

Who doesn't love a Christmas album when performed by one of the best contemporary classical vocalists out there? Karl Loxley has parlayed his performance on The Voice into a career that has delighted a multitude of fans, whether it be in intimate concert settings or on vast, lavish cruise ships. He has poured what is a clear love of the season into what is hopefully his first Christmas album, simply titled Christmas. Across twelve tracks, including some surprise choices, his beautiful tenor voice pours all the emotions of the season, crafting a wonderfully curated soundtrack to your holiday memories, both present and future. Accompanied by world class orchestras, choirs and backing vocalists, his voice is the anchor that works in symbiotic harmony with the intricate scores. Here are just a few observations on this enchanting set...
  • White Christmas ~ you couldn't hope for a more magical opening to the album. The orchestra lovingly paints a winter wonderland of a scene with their textured layering of instruments that tell as much of a story as Karl's tenor vocal. He's timeless classic 50s movie star elegance as he takes this evergreen tale to glorious new heights - a thrilling opening number.
  • It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year ~ if White Christmas conjured up images of grandiose Hollywood sound stages of yester year then the opulence of  It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (one of my all time favourite Christmas songs) is like the happiness of outdoor ice skating come to life. Each note is filled with glee and its a sentiment that is contagious.
  • O Come All Ye Faithful ~ Karl sings this in Latin and proves that the language of both Christmas and music transcends translation barriers. It is like the most glorious carol concert in the most ornate cathedral you have ever been to. Karl's vocal is almost celestial, whilst the choir of angels certainly sings this song with verve and jubilant celebration. Just magnificent.
  • In The Bleak Midwinter ~ the private carol concert continues with this evocative number. It is really refreshing to see how the musical instruments fill out the story and create the atmosphere for Karl to sing in. There is a misty moodiness to it that clears when that crescendo of voices join together for the final verse. It will leave you tingling from head to (mistle)toe.
  • See The Lights ~ this feels like the sort of soaring, inspirational song that the likes of Westlife used to take to the top of the charts on a regular basis; this song deserves no less. It is the most pop moment on the album with shimmering jingle bells and a bombastic score, all swathing Karl's emotive vocal with dramatic effect. The wondrous finale takes you to seventh heaven.
  • A Spaceman Came Travelling ~ leave it to Karl to take us on an intergalactic festive journey, his voice flying as high as Santa's sleigh on this sing-along favourite (originally recorded by Chris De Burgh). He manages to imbue it with an air of wonder and mystery that transcends the music, proving himself to be quite the raconteur. Oh and those "la la la" moments are convivial joy!
  • Panis Angelicus ~ growing up, this hymn was always sung at Easter but I'm always happy to hear such majesty any time of the year. There is such sweeping grandeur to Mr Loxley's studied yet passionate vocal that, whatever you believe, you can't help but pause for a moment and take in the splendour of the performance...
  • I Believe In Father Christmas ~ if you didn't believe before, you will after listening to this version. The horn blasts are exhilarating while the jingling bells bring the magic of the season directly into your spirits. There is a childlike wonder to Karl's delivery that eschews any scepticism over what he is singing. It is a triumphant declaration for the world to hear.
  • Angels We Have Heard On High ~ there is a solemn dignity to this song that makes sure the reverence of the timeless words is given the respect they deserve. As the song builds from its understated opening moments to the intertwined, layered vocals of the grand finale, you can only sit and appreciate how detailed these musical arrangements are.
  • O Holy Night ~ my very favourite Christmas hymn. I've heard this so many times in so many different ways and never tire of listening to artists give their own take. It needs to have that slow burn build up, as if the singer is drawing power from the words. Karl does that brilliantly without being overwrought while the choral accompaniment & violin solo are splendid. 
  • Happy Xmas (War is Over) ~ what seems like a fairly faithful rendition of the John Lennon song unveils new facets of itself with each listen. That's part of the joy of all these songs; they are all so detailed, like a magnificent tapestry, that multiple listens are required to really uncover the subtle nuances alongside the pomp and glory of the score. Oh, and I love a children's choir!
  • Silent Night ~ the album's final moment is as serene and calming as you might imagine. The focus is largely on Karl's voice and, while he certainly has held his own in the arrangements throughout this opus, it is a treat to hear him so crystalline clear. Even when the arrangement and choir vocal swells alongside him, he is like the star shining bright in a glittery sky. Lush.
at

No comments:

Post a Comment