Saturday, 29 October 2022

Lindsey Stirling - Snow Waltz


57 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy Snow Waltz here (external link)
Read my previous Lindsay Stirling Christmas music posts here

I first came across ace violinist, visual visionary, all round splendid dancer and now (presumably) my favourite singer, Debbie Gibson's new BFF, Lindsey Stirling when I was watching Dancing With The Stars. Sure, she may have outlasted my beloved Ms. Gibson, but I can forgive that having discovered that Lindsey not only has a rich back catalogue of innovative instrumentals but also charmed me with her Warmer In The Winter album from 2017. Songs like Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy and the gorgeous Somewhere In My Memory came to life with her artistic violin playing filling in every emotion that the lyrics would provide. 5 years on Lindsey has returned with a brand new selection of seasonal songs to dive into. Her Snow Waltz album is the perfect accompaniment to crackling fires, warming cups of hot chocolate and good times with good pals. Here's just some of the myriad of delights to be found within...
  • Sleigh Ride ~ the album opens with the Leroy Anderson composed classic that has become such a standard of our lives over the deacdes. What is interesting is that this was originally envisaged as a light orchestra piece and hearing it as a violin instrumental really helps you focus on the playfulness of the notes; the giddiness of the bow sweep and how it all conjures up the feeling of the flush of wind on your cheeks as you accompany Lindsey on a rollicking wintry adventure. Sets up the album perfectly and you really feel Lindsey is having a splendid time playing with these classics.
  • Crazy for Christmas (featuring Bonnie McKee) ~ I'm absolutely down with rhyming "October is over" as the introduction to a finger-clicking groove about transitioning from Hallowe'en to Christmas on November 1st (something I completely relate to). Violin and vocal work in perfect symmetry; Bonnie gives such a vivacious vocal that it is hard not to be charmed & Lindsey's violin complements the lyrics to great effect. It feels like a festive pop bop ready to race up the charts (particularly here in the UK where out December charts are littered with joyous gems like this). A new future favourite oldie!
  • Christmas Time With You (featuring Frawley) ~ Frawley is probably gonna write a song about you and if it is one as tasty as Christmas Time With You then you can definitely consider yourself as lucky as a nice list kid. The enchanting intro is like opening your curtains and seeing a winter wonderland of snow outside, then the energetic beat drops and Frawley delivers such an infectious performance that you'll be singing along all the live long day. Chimes dance elegantly with the strings, like tinsel draped around the tree. It feels naughty list behaviour that this is my first sound of Frawley but I can't wait to discover more.
  • O Holy Night ~ growing up, O Holy Night was one of my favourite carols. I'm always intrigued by how people tackle it, whether it be instrumental or with voice. There is a reverence to Lindsey's playing, initially with an ethereal background of sound that is like mist coming in over the mores. Lindsey's violin brings forward an equally celestial vocal as if her performance traverses the passages of time to elicit a powerful force from the past. It is given with the right balance between awe and humility, making this an essential addition to the cannon of exquisite O Holy Night covers.
  • Magic (featuring David Archeluta) ~ David knows a thing or two about holiday music (his Winter In The Air collection is still a staple in my household); here he joins Lindsey on a song that transforms from dramatic opener to empowering, euphoric anthem (think of a seasonal Let It Go). Lyrics are absolutely timely, all about finding the wonder of the holidays when things seem glum and despondent. I've always loved David's emotive voice and his vocal-violin duet is the perfect fodder for when you need a little light shining in the dark places. David and Lindsey are the beacon of hope that will always guide you home.
  • Ice Storm ~ there is a storm a-brewing in Lindsey's violin bow and how she translates the ferocious energy into a galloping story is a true gift. There is drama and beauty swirling around that string-led melody - chiming bells juxtapose with crunchy guitar riffs to create a tension that leaves you captivated. It comes with a video that feels like the beginning of a Disney movie - not because its cute but because it instantly immerses you into a different world that is scored to glorious perfection by the instrumental. I've no idea which came first but both work perfectly together...
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