Sunday, 30 October 2022

Andrea Bocelli & Family - A Family Christmas


8 WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy A Family Christmas here (external link)

The family that sleighs together stays together - I love that, hot on the heels of the (Gloria) Estefan Family Christmas album comes Andrea Bocelli's A Family Christmas. The Italian tenor, multi-instrumentalist and worldwide star is joined by singer-son Matteo and grand-daughter Virgina to breathe layered vocals and emotive, passionate singing into some of your Christmas favourites. One of the things I like most about this project (other than the music) is how there a whole host of extras you can buy at the Bocelli festive family store - gold vinyl, white vinyl, baubles and candles. It's like a marketplace coming to life on your own computer screen. Across 13 glorious tracks, including two Italian language songs, comes a sense of heartfelt appreciation and warmth - not just for the time honoured songs they sing but the chance to forever preserve this family memory...
  • Do You Hear What I Hear ~ the album starts with all three voices contributing to the soaring carol, blending harmonies like honey into hot chocolate (whilst letting Virginia take some lovely solo moments). Grandiose instrumental makes it feel like the most opulent cathedral carol concert you have been to. A stirring introduction that sets the scene for what follows perfectly...
  • Away In A Manger ~ a mesmerising solo introduction from Virigina, her sweet tones expressing the reverence needed to sing these evergreen words. Sweeping strings swathe her voice delicately, letting it shine forth like the brightest star in the skies. When the family joins it, they weave their voices in to boost that soprano rather than overpower. A magical respite from the craziness of the world...
  • Feliz Navidad ~ let the good times roll as the trio kick up their heels on this fun, festive classic. Some familial riffing at the start reminds you that this is probably what Christmas Eve is like in the Bocelli household, the Spanish atmosphere of the song coming through brilliantly thanks to the playful piano and shuffling maraccas. An elegant guitar moment in the middle 8 is icing on the already delicious cake.
  • The First Noel ~ The First Noel is also the first solo moment for Andrea. The operatic legend certainly knows how to bend each note to his will, knowing exactly how much to infuse every word with just the right amount of emphasis. With a heavenly choir gently caressing his words, it is no wonder the world slips away and you are just lost in the beauty of the music. 
  • Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas ~ Matteo takes on the Judy Garland standard, his crystalline voice delivering such aching sincerity that you feel every emotion of the hopeful wish alongside him. He really shines in a piano-vocal setting, that talented orchestral accompaniment adding a genuine sense of pathos to the happy-sad song. Such respect for the source material makes this just captivating.
  • Over The Rainbow ~ I'm not mad that the family are tackling two Judy classics in a row. This sophisticated take on the Wizard Of Oz song places Virginia front and centre once again, the innocence of her younger voice still singing with a maturity that belies her year. Its a carefully measured balance; one that gives you shivers of joy when pops and Grandpa add their resonant tones to her passionate plea.
  • Buon Natale ~ there is still a certain thrill in hearing what Andrea does best. He commands a song with such precision that you can't help but sit up and take notice. He is a masterful narrator, telling a story in such a way that it makes you glad from head to (mistle)toe. It is a lovely few minutes of engaging crooning that wraps around you like a hug from an old friend.
  • Joy To The World ~ this is the type of song that demands opulence; deserves that grandiose approach to the score and an ebullient infusion into every note sung. This dramatic production does not disappoint, with intricate weaving of each musical element and vocal. Individually they are just notes, but here they are a thrilling rendition of one of my favourite carols.
  • The Greatest Gift ~ this is perhaps the most pop/adult contemporary moment on the album and while I think all should dominate festive radio playlists, this perhaps has the best chance of breaking out everywhere. Matteo takes the lead on this gradually crescendoing ballad that adds family vocals, decadent choir and every instrument under the sun. It is joyful and triumphant, a genuine sensation of a song. 
  • When Christmas Comes To Town ~ remember how long Christmas took to arrive when you were a kid? And how disappointing it could sometimes be if it didn't meet your expectations? Virginia does a charming vocal on this melancholy solo - eloquently conveying the hope that Santa's imminent arrival will make things better. Lush piano and hushed choral arrangements add to the enchantment. 
  • Happy Xmas (War is Over) ~ how tragic that this song still has resonance and meaning in 2022, particularly in light of the situation of what is happening in the Ukraine. It makes the Matteo-Virginia duet feel extra special poignant; Matteo really does have a voice that crosses genres - equally as confident and comfortable with pop standards as operatic classics.
  • Il Giorno Più Speciale ~ translating as The Most Special Day, this proves that music breaks down boundaries regardless of what language it is sung in. Some say differences blight us, but it is music like this which unites us - a ringing bell of message clarity singing through. Once again, those harmonies glide as smoothly as skates on a frozen lake and it really is such a treasure to listen to.
  • I'll Be Home for Christmas ~ Matteo closes the album with his smooth take on I'll Be Home for Christmas; it is so vivid and articulate that you can picture him on the set of a glamorous 50s Hollywood movie, his tie slightly loose, shirt sleeves rolled up as sings at the piano to a picture of his beloved/family. This album hasn't just been an aural feast, it is a treat for all the senses. Take up your invite to a Bocelli Family Christmas pretty darn quick.
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