Tuesday, 20 December 2022

Dennis van Aarssen - Christmas When You're Here


5 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Stream Christmas When You're Here here (Spotify)

There's a lot to love about Dutch crooner, Dennis van Aarssen. Not only was he inspired by my favourite Robbie Williams album (Swing When You're Winning) but he's connected the years between the rat pack music of days gone by that my dad loves and given it a contemporary update that pleases us both. Plus he's a stylish chappie with an enviable line in eye wear so you always know where to look when you want some party flair couture inspiration. This year he's released his first Christmas album that is almost all original material - and full of songs you'll be singing along to from here to New Year's day (and for many Christmases to come - because a great holiday album isn't just for the year it is released; its for life)!
  • Kris P (The Christmas Elf) ~ the album starts with the tale of Kris P, the result of some kids wishing that elf on the shelf could have a best friend forever. The sparkling story (which could be a Netflix animated special next year) is set to jazzy piano romps and shimmering percussion that cocoons Dennis' expressive voice in a delectable finger click groove. He sings this tale of love and family with such flair that visions of elves will dance in your mind's eye all season long.
  • Everytime When Christmas Comes Around ~ next up is a festive knees up so vibrant that you'll be dancing along as the soon as the first note drops. It is a tale of how the countdown to the big day can have you feeling like a big kid all over again. The brassy horns adds to the anticipation and Dennis' singing is so infectious that he even makes the Grinch's heart grow two sizes. It is an exuberant sing-along romp that leaves you feeling merry and bright from head to (mistle)toe!
  • (Will You Be) Gone By Christmas Night? ~ this dramatic musical soap opera takes you deep into the relationship woes that can happen even at the most wonderful time of the year. Dennis sings of his romantic yearnings with such flair that is as compelling as anything you might find perusing your streaming tv services this winter. How Dennis creates the tension in the song in perfect symbiotic partnership with the music is a joy to behold. 
  • Hang Your Lights ~ there's a bossa nova style aura to this song as Dennis takes us to exciting new places with a salacious invitation that is all too hard to resist. Glorious backing vocals take you to the most decadent Christmas party you can imagine as Dennis leads his band like a sensuous Santa slinking his way back to Mrs Claus after his big night on the town. Raise your hands to the heavens and testify!
  • The Old Songs ~ as happens at any party, the music slows down as Dennis takes a moment to reflect on the holidays gone by - and the music that became the soundtrack to the memories of those happy days. His line "the old songs/still as good as gold songs" will be used to talk about his music in years to come, but in the meantime immersing yourself in this tender, nostalgic ballad will be a soothing diversion from the craziness of the world outside. Just exquisite.
  • Stay for Christmas (ft Lucy Woodward) ~ if you are looking for an updated Baby It's Cold Outside, you've definitely come to the right place. This empowering romantic duet about the possibilities of love as the nights grow darker and the twinkling lights line the streets is full of fast paced lyrical delivery, punctuated horns and seductive percussive grooves that bring this charming song to life. Lucy is a 50s MGM movie heroine, full of gumption and delight...
  • Driving Home for Christmas ~ the evergreen Chris(tmas) Rea song gets the Dennis van Aarssen treatment and it is as dazzling as the headlights going in the opposite direction on the titular journey home. The pace is as peppy as any sleigh ride you've been on, Dennis sounding positvely gleeful that he gets to reimagine such a beloved classic. He does an excellent job with such nuance in his voice & music that multiple listens continue to reveal new facets of his story.
  • Santa's Crazy North Pole Orchestra ~ did you know there's a secret celebration on December 24th? If not, you will after this song has finished playing. The shenanigans that happen in the North Pole on the night before Christmas are conjured up here through sheer musical alchemy and the magical way that Dennis adds some magic and sparkle to these future favourite Christmas oldies. An extended instrumental middle 8 will have you tingling with festive chills.
  • The Joy That's In Your Heart ~ I do love when Dennis unveils his more playful and witty side as he does on this song about a less than perfect Christmas. His ferocious paced song feels like he has loosened his immaculate tie, rolled his sleeves and thrown himself into the melodic cure for what ails you. Who hasn't set themselves expectations that haven't quite become reality - cast your worries away with gay abandon, grab the ones you love and shimmy to this song. Hard. 
  • Christmas When You're Here ~ the finale starts with a regal trumpet heralding in the closing moments of this spectacular musical adventure we've been on with Mr van Aarssen. The elegant atmosphere of the introduction continues through this lullaby of a song where Dennis sings with an aching sincerity. The trappings, the presents, the music - it is all irrelevant if you are not with the one you love. A genuine hug of a song to fill you with cheer til we do it all again next year.
**Ghosts of Christmas Past**
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