Saturday, 4 December 2021

John Owen-Jones - The Christmas Album


3 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream The Christmas Album here (external link)

I've long held the belief that every Christmas album should open with It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year and close with either O Holy Night or What Are You Doing New Year's Eve. Rare is the album that does so which means I'm beyond thrilled that actual musical theatre legend John Owen-Jones has chosen to do so. In between those two sterling renditions are 12 other luminary standards, all delivered via his beautifully expressive voice and wrapped in oft opulent, sometimes nurturing instrumental scores. It should really come as no surprise that the voice of iconic characters like Jean Valjean and Phantom can make the songs of Santa's spotify playlist sound so beautifully vintage whilst breathing something new into them. He's definitely going on the nice list this year...
  • It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year ~ what an effusive introduction to the album. A glorious orchestra are in symbiotic, joyous partnership with John as they uncover every facet of celebration the song has to offer. His jubilant vocal slides through the notes like skates over ice, accompanied by pitch perfect backing vocals, grandiose strings and a cheeky blast of horn to give the song an extra bit of happy. 
  • Happy Holidays - The Holiday Season ~ if that opener made you feel like you were watching some wondrous 60s festive TV special, this one will transport you to the opulent sound stages of Hollywood Movie Musicals from the silver age of cinema. Mr Owen-Jones has a compelling voice that enlivens every word, bringing a movie star magic that you can't buy in stores. Though you can buy it on this CD and it is worth every penny!
  • That Holiday Feeling (featuring Kerry Ellis) ~ I do love a Kerry Ellis duet (I'm still smitten by her Joe McElderry hook-up on Beauty and the Beast) and she brings a sophisticated, graceful presence to this classic duet. The two are just as delightful as Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, bringing a flirtatious charm to the lyrics whilst that MVP band flitters seductively around them.  Thrilling to have such a loving rendition of an oft-overlooked gem.
  • Holly Jolly Christmas ~ the playful piano and shuffling percussion just shimmers alongside a resonant vocal performance; strings cascade like icicles from the most ornate Christmas tree and that middle 8 turns it into the most welcoming party song. You can imagine playing this as your guests arrive and you are serving decadent libations. All but guaranteed to make you feel merry and bright...
  • Santa Claus Is Coming To Town ~ there is a real big band energy to this that makes it enticing nugget to feast on (particularly when John uses the higher register of his voice during the final moments of the song). He is Rat Pack, Elf Squad majesty and his infectious enthusiasm for the material is just so contagious that you can't help but join in the festivities. Play loud whenever you need a little Christmas cheer.
  • Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow/Winter Wonderland ~ two songs for the price of one?! It is a boxing day bargain well before the big day. The two songs blend well together, with JOJ the most able narrator and travel guide, navigating you through inclement weather with mellifluous ease. There are some enchanting instrumental moments that are just as essential to the impact of the medley as Mr Owen-Jones' own voice.
  • Lullaby for Christmas Eve ~ I wasn't familiar with this Jack Jones (not the clothing store) song so I'm very happy to be introduced to it via this album. The peppy pace of previous numbers is slowed down and it has a serene, calming effect that would work both on hyperactive kids and eager adults. As warming and soothing as cream melting into hot chocolate.
  • A Child's Christmas in Wales ~ I love a story and John is the most melodic of narrators; ably accompanied by an acoustic guitar whose lilting playing intertwines with John's voice like tinsel round the tree. I particularly like how he reads part of the story in the middle 8 and has a female vocal joining in with hushed reverence. It is a stripped back instrumental with a vocal that feels like a music box from your past has opened, unleashing memories long forgotten.
  • On Christmas Eve ~ this is a song from the vaults of songwriters Les Reed (Delilah) and Bill Martin (Puppet On A String) with new lyrics from John himself. It is a lovely ballad that highlights all the sentimentality for the season in a way that feels like it was lifted directly from some as yet unreleased Disney Christmas movie. There is an earnestness to the song that transcends trends and becomes instantly timeless. 
  • Please Come Home For Christmas Day ~ out of all the songs on the album, this is the one that feels like it could be a hit on the UK official charts. The Christmas Chart is notoriously competitive but this regal power anthem is the type of song Westlife used to take to the upper echelons of the charts - this yearning plea deserves no less attention or success. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, but a full story told that leaves you tingling long after it finishes.
  • Now More Than Ever ~ the first religious themed song on the album is absolutely mesmerising. It feels both relevant and poignant as John pleads for salvation as the world continues to recover and live with a global pandemic that isn't going away anytime soon. Elegiac piano buffers his raw, honest vocal whilst the chorus is imbued with a sense of hope that you can almost reach out and touch. A spiritual salve, whether you believe or not. 
  • River ~ this piano-violin-vocal partnership has a ravishing beauty to it, a haunting soliloquy that isn't so much sung to make things better but a cathartic outpouring that is too painful to keep inside. Kudos to that intricate piano playing and string that really intertwine with John's melancholy performance so that you feel every emotion with him. Actual feeling instead of being told how to feel? That's living, breathing art.
  • May Each Day ~ a genuine ariose wish that is a spellbinding coda to all the Yuletide adventures and experiences Mr Owen-Jones has taken us on throughout his Christmas Album. When he sings, it is a masterclass in how to make each word radiate with power yet is sung with an aura of wide eyed wonder and awe. One final aural hug before the grand finale - and one more reminder that Christmas music will guide you through life, not just the holiday season.
  • O Holy Night ~ my favourite hymn and, as mentioned, my favourite way to close out a set of Christmas songs. This is the encore that sends you on your way glowing like the brightest star. The reverent moments are solemn; the crescendo parts absolutely spinetingling (particularly the "praise his holy name" line. Jaw dropping). That glorious gospel choir sends it soaring past the stars to seventh heaven. Absolutely celestial. 
**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
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