Sunday, 19 December 2021

Kimberley Locke ft EMP3 ~ Christmas Is Here


6 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Christmas Is Here here (external link)

Sign me up for Idol alum, kitchen expert, coach and all round good egg, Kimberley Locke returning to deliver holiday music via her collaboration with EMP3, Christmas is Here. Of course, it is not Ms Locke's first foray into seasonal songs - early on in her career she showed us how Christmas could be the eighth world wonder of emotions via an album titled simply that (Christmas) so her return is as welcome as Rudolph's magical nose lighting up the sleigh on a cold wintry Christmas Eve. This time, like all the best parties, she's bought friends along in the form of funky fusion trio EMP3, and delved deep into the Great Yuletide Songbook to gift us with nine new tracks that will keep your December festivities pumping until New Year...
  • Christmas is Here ~ Kimberley finds the Christmas Spirit right from the get-go as she revives this Donna Summer standard from the late, great singer's 1994 festive set. Wrapped in shimmering, finger-click grooves, Ms Locke sings of the joy of the most wonderful time of the year - guiding us through evocative descriptions with her warm, engaging vocal. The switch from perky percussion to swaying musical hug in the verses will make you feel merry and bright.
  • Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town ~ cantering rhythms and jingling bells conjure up images of crisp night skies and seemingly magic modes of transportation; meanwhile Kimberley is in a playful mood as she becomes a seasonal seer on this shoulder-shimmying take on the children's classic. I find the success of covering songs like this is to immerse yourself in the fun nature of the lyrics; here it is done with such verve that it is contagious.
  • Snow ~ the White Christmas movie song is slowed down and reconstructed so that it is not so much about the anticipation but about savouring every moment and appreciating the redemptive qualities it seems to inspire. A beautifully smooth vocal from Kimberley is drenched in wide eyed wonder that is as delicious and enticing as honey melting into hot chocolate. Her symbiotic partnership with EMP3 sends this one to seventh heaven and beyond. 
  • The Spirit of Christmas ~ I love a good Christmas song, drenched in lush R&B vibes that urge you to put away the worries of the world and embrace the wonders of the season. This can be difficult to do, particularly after the two years we've had of a global pandemic, but Kimberley makes it all sound so appealing that you can't help but cast of your woes and immerse yourself in this ebullient gem of a song. 
  • Christmas Without You ~ two of my favourite yet different Christmas songs have this title (one by Tommy Page, one by Debbie Gibson). Add a third to the list as Kimberley puts her own spin on being romantically alone during the one time of year where everyone expects you to be with someone. This is a lovely, lilting ballad with a sumptuous vocal from Ms Locke that shows her steely determination to make the most of her situation.
  • Mrs Santa Claus ~ the adage is always true; behind every successful man is a great woman. And in the North Pole, that woman is Mrs Santa Claus. With a familiar vibe of Up On The Rooftop, this ode to Saint Nick's better half shines a worthy spotlight on all the things she just gets done so that all the little kids get the presents by Christmas morning. As Kimberley notes with more than a little sass, we see you Mrs Santa Claus!
  • Zat You, Santa Claus ~ the Louis Armstrong version of this song is nearly 70 years old and still a funky romp that can be enlivened once again by loving disciples like EMP3 and Kimberley Locke. Jazzy riffs gives a New Orleans aura to the song with a vampy vocal that makes this less of a song and more of a theatrical performance. Musicians and vocalist imbue the song with sparkling personality that gives this some delicious pep.
  • Mele Kalikimaka ~ the island breeze caresses this version of the Hawaiian classic Christmas song and flows as easily as the lays and libations of your winter getaway.  This certainly transports you to sunnier climes, gorgeous beaches and a paradise that is a million miles away from a Winter Wonderland. Broad brush strokes of music and voice certainly make this a vivid, aural picture. 
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