As Christmastime is here again, it’s time to have a listen to new festive album. For a longtime I wasn’t the biggest fan of Christmas. It’s hard to get behind the whole corporate machine in your penniless 20s, but since being a Dad I’ve started to enjoy it again and look forward to it every year. One aspect I enjoy it the new Christmas albums. While it’s still early in the month, this year’s winner has already appeared. Amanda Whiting’s ‘A Christmas Cwtch’ might be my favourite in recent years and will hopefully soundtrack future years too.
Opening with a jaunty version of ‘The Night Before (Santa Claus Is Coming To Town)’. Before I pressed play this was make or break for me. If it hadn’t gone down well, I knew I was in for a rough ride. However, it was a sheer joy. I felt relaxed and ready to proceed. Very much like Christmas morning after the first present was a success. The standout tracks on the album are ‘Christmas Time is Here’, ‘Skating’, ‘The Christmas Song’ and ‘O Christmas Tree’. Here Whiting has the perfect balance between kitsch jazz, elegant playing, cheesy delight. The first three all featured on Vince Guaraldi’s 1965 soundtrack ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’. Here Whiting really comes into her own. She understands the brief of what makes a good Christmas song and leans into those parts with guest. The playing is light and lithe, but there is such a bounce to them that it’s hard not to smile.
There is a lot to love here. First the title. Loosely translated ‘A Christmas Cwtch’ means a Christmas cuddle. Listening to Whiting’s takes on these holiday bangers is the musical version of a hug. The music is so intimate you feel like you are intruding on something person between the musicians. Secondly the artwork is a massive nod to Charles M. Schulz’ Peanuts / Charlie Brown TV specials. Here we see Whiting playing a harp, in the snow, in front of a Christmas tree. As soon as I saw it, I got worried. Will the music live up to my associations to this style of artwork or will everything just feel flat, and annoying, for aping something so timelessly charming. Luckily, I didn’t have to worry as the music is a delight! It’s elegant, weighty, whimsical, and expertly played. So, if you are unsure what to play while opening presents on Christmas Day, what to soundtrack that family get together or just want something lovely to listen to while wrapping presents, then give yourself this Christmas gift this year.
8/10
Words: Nick Roseblade
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