Saturday, 19 November 2022

Tasha Layton - This Is Christmas


36 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Buy-stream Tasha's This Is Christmas here (external link)

It is often all to easy to pigeon hole an artist by labelling them - rather splendid singer, Tasha Layton, could easily be identified as a former American Idol contestant or contemporary Christian music performer. I've found it best to let the music speak for itself - and Tasha's big-band/jazz inspired arrangements are both merry and bright on her sparkling new festive set This Is Christmas. With a balance of reinvented standards that shimmy alongside some original compositions, this is a great alternative to your standard holiday fare - and (if, like me, you are new to Tasha's sound) a great introduction to the singer. You only have to look at the cover art to know that this is going to be a jolly good time - and that is definitely reflected in the giddy radiance of the songs. Dive in (then tell everyone you've ever met about it)...

Hang Up Your Stockin' is an ebullient opener to the album, encapsulating all the anticipation of the big day with vivid brassy arrangements and a percussion that is as peppy as any sleigh ride you might encounter. Tasha sings with an enthusiasm that is utterly contagious. This means Diddly Squat if you don't have the personality to back it up - something that on a song of that name Tasha proves she has in spades. She doesn't just sing, she tells a story - here about what it is like to end up on the naughty list. Who knew naughty could sound so charming? Giving Christmas Away is a rather lovely mid-tempo ballad that is full of appreciation yet recognising that appreciation can give hope to others. The ethos of embracing the magic of the season and sharing that far and wide is conveyed with sincere gratitude. The organ infused instrumental and ba-ba-ba middle 8 wraps around you like a hug. 

Make It To Christmastime leans into elegant piano, a cabaret torch song so vivid you can imagine the spotlight shining onto Tasha in the confines of a sophisticated show bar; it is intimate and heartfelt - a moment that helps the worries of the world melt away. She's back Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree to get people in the party spirit - a fast paced take that feels like the most apt accompaniment to power you round those Black Friday sales as you grab all the gifts you can. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas is delivered in a way that would do Judy proud. Every note is savoured and Tasha sings with such tangible fervour that you feel you can reach out and touch the magic and sparkle she conjures up. This Is Christmas after all so chiming bells and a soaring anthem are standard when celebrating the greatest story ever told - it is a joyful and triumphant new carol to herald the upcoming Saviour's day each year.

Comfort and Joy returns to the themes of how often, midst the merriment of the season, there are people who are hurting and struggling with all that Christmas entails. It is a ballad of sweeping proportions, shining a light on the religious side of the holidays - a reminder to those that seek salve in the true meaning of Christmas can find it within inspirational melodic sermons like this. That makes O Holy Night a serendipitous follow up carol - one of my favourites that I am always somewhat protective of, but it is in safe hands with Tasha. It is respectful and reverence, solemn yet soaring in its delivery. The buoyant piano chords give it a music box aura as if Tasha has found the words of the song in some long lost memory. Talking of which, the album closes with the Bette Midler classic, Somewhere In My Memory. An extended instrumental introduction brings to life the wonder of the song - a lilting finale to a fine collection of songs. This IS Christmas and one you will want to revisit over and over again.
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