[ CHRISTMAS ]
STAR-BULLETIN
CD's from top, "Have a Roots Reggae Christmas" by Uptown Rockers, "Our Ohana's 1st Christmas" by various artists and Putamayo's "Christmas Around the World;" below "Hawaii's Favorite Christmas Songs," by various artists.
Holiday notes
New Christmas albums
offer some holiday comfort
and joy
The major record labels release new Christmas albums every other year like clockwork, and 2003 being "that year," here are reviews of a few noteworthy releases:
"American Idol: The Great Holiday Classics" (RCA): So THIS is what Clay Aiken is supposed to do. He's supposed to sing "The First Noel" on the "American Idol" holiday collection, with an orchestra building and booming behind him. It's the first song on the album -- it's the best song on the album -- and it's a far more effective use of his rich, disarming voice than anything on his tepid solo debut.
From there, "The Great Holiday Classics" is the plain, poppy "Idol" fare you've come to expect, with some notable exceptions: a soulful "Silent Night" from Tamyra Gray, and Kimberley Locke's smooth, jazzy rendition of "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)." Aiken and Locke also have some warm, easy harmonies on "Silver Bells."
It's no surprise that the strongest singers from the TV competition give the strongest performances here. Justin Guarini's "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is as disposable as ripped-up wrapping paper. And Ruben Studdard strains his way through "This Christmas," written by his idol, Donny Hathaway.
Just as powerful as Aiken's track is Kelly Clarkson's chill-inducing, a cappella "Oh Holy Night." She sounds like Christina Aguilera here, and the song reinforces why she was the obvious choice to win the first "Idol" competition. It appears inexplicably on a second disc, along with one other song, "My Grown Up Christmas List," perhaps to give you the false sensation of buying a two-disc collection. -- Christy Lemire, AP
"One Wish: The Holiday Album" by Whitney Houston (Arista): Whitney Houston has had her share of personal problems, but her voice is still in fine shape and it dazzles here. The diva sounds like the star of a gospel choir as she soulfully reinterprets holiday classics such as "The First Noel" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
In many ways, this album echoes the gospel-inflected soundtrack, "The Preacher's Wife," she did a few years ago. In fact, two songs from that album, the lovely "Who Would Imagine a King" and a buoyant "Joy to the World," are also here.
Her voice, though raspy at times, captivates on every track, whether it's soaring to a crescendo or singing with the tenderness of a mother's love (her duet with daughter Bobby Kristina on "Little Drummer Boy" is a highlight).
Although "One Wish" is a Christmas album, chances are you'll want to keep it around long after the holidays. -- Nekesa Mumbi Moody, AP
"Harry for the Holidays" by Harry Connick Jr. (Columbia): Harry Connick Jr. comes back to Christmas with "Harry for the Holidays." Like 1993's "When My Heart Finds Christmas," the album is a mix of standards and originals and a sampling of several styles. And, like the 1993 effort, the mix either works for you or it doesn't.
The first track, a frenetic arrangement of "Frosty the Snowman," may be over the top for some; his treatment of "Blue Christmas" will be slow for others. Either way, there's enough variety that it takes a heart two sizes too small to get through the entire album without finding something to like. "The Christmas Waltz" features Connick's croon and his lush big band. "Silent Night" gets a gospel gloss without becoming overwrought.
There are also four originals, including the sprightly "I'm Gonna Be the First One (Up on Christmas Morning)" and Connick's duet with country legend George Jones on "Nothing New for New Year (for Me)." -- Rich Harris, AP
"Joy for Christmas Day" by Kathy Mattea (Narada): Having known only of Mattea's mainstream country music, this album was a surprise to me. The music is indicative of her move into more personal, folk-tinged music, with a strong, earnest personal statement that's an adept mixture of the traditional and contemporary. A live recording of "O Come, All Ye Faithful" with her band backs up the song's celebratory tone by moving from a Latin-arranged opening to a full-tilt blues workout, complete with Hammond B-3 organ.
The real ear-openers come with her choice of contemporary material. The opening "Unto Us a Child Is Born" is a strong piece of musical theater, with folk, Celtic and country tinges. My favorites include "Baby King," a vocal-driven piece of gospel that'll make you want to testify. And the closing "There's Still My Joy" is a touching tribute to her late father, recorded with just her beautiful voice, piano and cello.
If you want something different this year for your holiday collection, I can't recommend this one highly enough. -- Gary C.W. Chun, Star-Bulletin
"Maybe This Christmas, Too?" by various artists (Nettwerk America): It's often hard to find anything original during the holidays, or at least not so cheesy that it doesn't require Christmas crackers. "Maybe This Christmas, Too?" offers a little relief. Although the album has its standards, more than half of it comprises original songs that often highlight the more melancholic and humorous aspects of the season.
Anyone who's ever scoffed at the materialism of the season will appreciate Rufus Wainwright's "Spotlight on Christmas" and its message: "Don't forget all the horses and toys, never can fix the poor little rich boys."
The album's most haunting track is Lisa Hannigan's reinterpretation of "Silent Night" as an a cappella requiem for lost love.
The record, the second in a series, also offers quality tracks from Badly Drawn Boy, Rilo Kiley and the Dave Matthews Band. However, there is one song -- a traditional rendition of "O Holy Night" by Avril Lavigne and Chantal Kreviazuk -- that is dead in the water. Lavigne's flat vocals are nearly an affront to Kreviazuk's more angelic tone, and they just plain don't mesh.
Overall, the collection may be a decent departure from the traditional plethora of Christmas covers, but it still falls short of being anything more than a kitschy holiday party record or novelty gift. -- Angela Watercutter, AP
Mediaeval Baebes, "Mistletoe & Wine: A Seasonal Collection" (Nettwerk America): This polyphonic London-based group of "eight bawdy women" have lent their lovely voices in churches, castles -- and S&M clubs -- throughout the United States and Europe since 1997. This collection of new and previously released material serves as their latest offering to the holiday.
They specialize in singing, sometimes a cappella, medieval period-inspired choral songs mostly in Latin, French and Ye Olde English. Some songs are from an earlier Christmas-themed album, "Salvo Nos" -- "Gaudete," an exquisite and ethereal "Coventry Carol" and the title track, newly recorded for this collection. Other new tracks include "The Holly and the Ivy," "L'Amour de Moi" and "In Dulce Jubilo." Of the other songs from previous albums, "There Is No Rose of Swych Vertu," "Quan Vey La Lozerta" and the hearty "Ecce Mundi Gaudium" stand out. -- Gary C.W. Chun, SB
"A Very Special Acoustic Christmas" by various artists (Lost Highway): There are goodies for everybody on this disc, which works best when the banjos and mandolins are let loose.
"Christmas Is Near" by the ageless Ralph Stanley is as square as a cookie sheet filled with red-and-green sugar cookies. And Rhonda Vincent's "Christmas Time at Home" is an old-fashioned homage to simple holiday pleasures ("popcorn strings and handmade things, socks hangin' on the mantle"). But they're as warm as home should be.
This benefit album for the Special Olympics was produced by Lost Highway, the same label that released the soundtrack to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and brought bluegrass to a new audience. The back-to-roots style brings the same refreshing authenticity to Christmas standards such as "Jingle Bells" (performed by Earl Scruggs) and a gorgeous version of "O Come All Ye Faithful" by Patty Loveless, who's like a caroling choir all by herself.
There are fun family songs such as "Frosty the Snowman" by mandolin player Dan Tyminski, but the best songs have a sly, mischievous tone: Willie Nelson's bluesy "Please Come Home for Christmas" and "Even Santa Claus Gets the Blues," in which Marty Stuart sings St. Nick's lament: "What I wouldn't give for just one silent night, just me and Mama Claus by the warm firelight."
A gorgeous torch song by Norah Jones called "Peace" makes a fitting finale to an eclectic but satisfying holiday collection. -- Landon Hall, AP
"Peace Round: A Christmas Celebration" by Yellowjackets (available only at yellowjackets.com): The veteran fusion jazz group plays a selection of impeccable standards arranged with a modernist touch by saxophonist Bob Mintzer, keyboardist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip. These are not slavish renditions of popular tunes. More often than not, familiar melodies jump off to more exploratory areas, as with "Silent Night" and an airy, near-ambient "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem."
The album's one vocal number, "The First Noel," is sung in a light voice by Jean Baylor, wife of drummer Marcus, with Mintzer offering effective counterpoint on tenor sax. The title track is a Ferrante arrangement of an old English canon, and it's the simplest yet deepest piece of music on this solid album. -- Gary C.W. Chun, SB
"Christmas Island" by Leon Redbone (August/ Rounder): This is a reissue of a 1989 title. Its small chamber string section, the country feel of banjo and dobro, and a genteel, turn-of-the century ambience makes this is an understated but charming album. It's filled with the usual standards, but with Redbone's unique voice wrapped around them, songs have a warm, homespun feel. Standouts include the calypso groove of the "Kitty Cats' Christmas" and "Christmas Ball Blues," with a fine turn on clarinet by Bobby Gordon and, of local interest, the island-evocative title song, with an "Aloha 'Oe" quote thrown in. -- Gary C.W. Chun, SB
"Elf" soundtrack (New Line Records): Redbone also makes several appearances on this soundtrack to the hit Will Ferrell holiday movie -- from the reissued album, "Winter Wonderland" and "That Old Christmas Moon" (misidentified here as "Christmas Island"), and a new, delightful duet with cast member Zooey Deschanel on "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Deschanel has a light, beguiling voice, the perfect contrast to Redbone's "old man" persona.
The album is bookended with a great Louis Prima-Sam Butera cover of "Pennies from Heaven" and Billy Preston's rollicking 1974 hit "Nothing from Nothing." In between are choice Christmas songs covered by Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt (her trademark "Santa Baby") and country legends Jim Reeves and Eddy Arnold. And Brian Setzer leads his orchestra through a swinging big-band "Nutcracker Suite." -- Gary C.W. Chun, SB
Speaking of Setzer ...
"Boogie Woogie Christmas" by the Brian Setzer Orchestra (Surfdog): One reason those old Elvis Presley Christmas tunes are still cool is the timeless appeal of the guitar-driven, rockabilly vibe that permeated most tracks. Elvis is long gone, but Brian Setzer, who helped launch the rockabilly revival in the early '80s with the Stray Cats, remains a faithful son on "Boogie Woogie Christmas." Dishing up cool-rockin'-daddy versions of holiday favorites, he has produced one of the best Christmas compilations of recent years.
Backed by his big-band orchestra, Setzer's vibrato guitar works magic on "Jingle Bells," "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus" and versions of "Blue Christmas" and "Santa Claus Is Back in Town," which owe more than a little to the King.
A certain amount of goofiness is inherent in rock Christmas albums, and Setzer races right up to the permissible limit in his duet with Ann-Margret on "Baby It's Cold Outside." But this is an album that will still be played on the radio decades after Setzer is gone, too. -- Wayne Parry, AP
"Elvis: Christmas Peace" by Elvis Presley (RCA): This new two-disc collection ensures that the King's fans don't have a "Blue Christmas." This is easily Presley's most complete holiday compilation. Although all 40 of these tunes have appeared earlier, it's nice to have them all on one, noticeably remastered, release.
Disc 1 is the sound of the holidays in Las Vegas or Nashville, with Presley wrapping his bluesy growl around "Santa Claus Is Back in Town" and his silky baritone evoking visions of what life would be like "If Every Day Was Christmas."
"It Won't Seem Like Christmas (Without You)" will have the devoted searching for the mistletoe, while "Blue Christmas" -- a true standout -- appeals to anyone, proving once again that Elvis and Christmas go together like eggnog and rum.
Disc 2 showcases Presley's underappreciated, spiritual takes. By far his most vulnerable and convincing recordings, these earnest renditions of "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley (for Me)" and "I Believe" are deeply affecting. -- Jake O'Connell, AP
"Go Tell It on the Mountain" by The Blind Boys of Alabama (Real World)
For a group that's been a gospel staple since the late 1930s, it's about time the Blind Boys of Alabama cut a Christmas-themed LP.
And it was worth the wait.
"Go Tell It on the Mountain" is no example of sugary-sweet holiday concoctions so readily available during the yuletide season. Instead, it's a measured blend of true gospel attitude coupled with holiday standards that are alternately rollicking and joyous to sagacious and somber.
The group lined up some serious guest stars, adding gravel-voiced Tom Waits to sing on "Go Tell it on the Mountain" and a live a capella version of "Joy to the World" by Aaron Neville, his countermelodies sliding in time with the chorale of the Blind Boys. "In the Bleak Midwinter" joins Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders and guitar great Richard Thompson.
The 12-song disc also features holiday regulars such as "The Christmas Song," with a vocal assist from country maverick Shelby Lynne.
Next to the Kathy Mattea album, this is another must-buy for the holiday season, and justly deserving of its Grammy nomination for "Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album."-- Matt Moore and G.C.
"Christmas Around the World" by various artists (Putumayo): This heartwarming sampler of Christmas joy will add a little "global chic" to your holiday gatherings, with traditional winter carols such as "Here We Come A-Wassailing" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen."
The tropics are most heavily represented. Countries in Asia and India are not, and Europe has one entry -- from France. But what a pleasure to hear so many of your favorite Christmas carols set to Cajun and Caribbean beats. Cuban singer Liuba Maria Hevia sways through "Adeste Fidelis" with a soft, evocative voice that could warm any frosty night. -- Aimee Maude Sims, AP
"Comfort & Joy: A Christmas Celtic Sojourn, Vol. II" by various artists (Rounder): This compilation is described as being "the perfect companion for a snowy evening of sipping mulled cider while a log crackles in the fireplace." While there is a shortage of all of that in Hawaii, we can travel to such far-off lands as Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany through this charming collection of songs.
Highlights include Steeleye Span singer Maddy Prior, accompanied by the Carnival Band, on such offerings as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "My Dancing Day" (dating to 19th-century England) and "The Boar's Head." The latter is about one of the oldest English traditions of the season, with the hunting and the roasting of the boar as a standard part of medieval banquets.
The all-female traditional Irish group Cherish the Ladies chime in the medley "The Distressed Soldier/Angels We Have Heard on High/The Fairy Reel," the gently rendered classic children's song "The Little Drummer Boy" and a wondrous "O Holy Night," all featuring vocalist Heidi Talbot. "Comfort & Joy" features top-flight musicianship. -- Gary C.W. Chun, SB
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Isle releases deliver sounds
of the season, local style
This year's crop of new local Christmas releases is the usual mixed bag of hits and misses by well-known artists and newcomers. Here's a look at the best and the rest:
"A Real Steel Christmas" by Greg & Junko MacDonald (MacDonald): This couple is Hawaii's most visible promoter of the Caribbean steel drum. Their foray into Christmas music is a collaboration with Pierre Grill, with an assist from Shawn Ishimoto on guitar and ukulele. The steel drum's cheerful bell-like tones lend themselves well to Christmas melodies. Purer arrangements, as on "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," are nice indeed. Ishimoto's work on "Mary's Little Boy Child" adds a second range of textures and enhances the music; the use of synthetic drum and bass effects on "Mele Kalikimaka" and other songs simply sound cheesy. There is a novelty factor here, but those in the market for unusual seasonal music should give this a listen.
"Another Island Christmas" by The Hongo Family (Christian Vision): The latest Christmas album by Randy and Gay Hongo is a fine family portrait, with the couple's son, Andrew, adding a third voice. "Christmas in Hilo" and the title song are two of Randy's best compositions. The lyrics flow nicely through the instrumental arrangements to create vivid images of Christmas shopping and fellowship that leads up to the celebration of Jesus's birth. Randy's local lyrics to "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "Let It Snow" work well enough, and his Frank DeLima-style reworking of "My Favorite Things" as "Local Kine 'Tings" could become a local favorite.
"Betsy's Christmas" by Betsy Curtis (Betsyko): Newcomer Betsy Curtis introduces herself with a beautiful collection of standards with a jazzy slant. She sings beautifully, and musician/arranger Loren Wilken offers more than stock treatments of familiar material. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" makes a great opening impression, and although some subsequent work isn't as imaginative, Curtis and her musicians approach all with a freshness rarely found in such releases. A take on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is particularly nice. This is the most impressive of this year's holiday releases.
"Have A Roots Reggae Christmas" by Uptown Rockers (various artists) (Kana'i): Few local reggae albums could have shallower roots than this low-budget project by Butch Helemano with Sister Shan, Riki L., Isis and Kaikua. The vocalists generally sound bored, and synth-bass arrangements have all the soul of a metronome. They may be halfway to something good. An all-instrumental "dub" album remixed from bass and keyboard tracks would be worth hearing.
"Hawaii's Favorite Christmas Songs" by various artists (Hula): A Christmas song contest sponsored by the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Hula Records, and KCCN was a boon for song writers in the 1980s to '90s. The winning song was recorded and this recycling of winners shows few were substantial, but the album is a perfect retrospective. To tempt listeners, producer "Flip" McDiarmid added a couple of legitimate hits, including Ed Kenney's classic "Numbah One Day of Christmas," Hilo Hattie's "Santa's Hula" and Nina Keali'iwahamana's beautiful "White Christmas."
"Mele Kalikimaka From Kanilau" by Kanilau (Nani Lawai): Lose the annoying synth strings and this is a beautiful memento of Christmas in Hawaii. Kanilau's four members have nine children who join in on "Christmas Island," adding a nice sense of family. The purity of the quartet's "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "What Child is This" make it clear that their voices and basic instrumentation (bass, guitar, ukulele) are all they need to make beautiful music. "Christmas In Hawaii" and "Christmas Luau" are two of the delights.
"Our Ohana's 1st Christmas" by various artists (Ohana): This fund-raiser for the Hawaii Food Bank is a musical potpourri ranging from reggae-lite to Hawaiian falsetto and chalang-alang. Ike Pono represents the latter two with its zesty "Mele Kalikimaka Ia Kakou/Mele Kalikimaka Ia Oe" medley. Vaihi's simple, elegant take on "The First Noel" and Baba B's gently swinging rendition of "Winter Wonderland" are also nicely done. Na Kama and Weldon Kekauoha & Tapa Groove are assets, but the Opihi Pickers' remake of "Christmas Don't Be Late" ("The Chipmunk Song") lacks the spirit and the humor of David Seville's 1958 comedy classic, and tinny synths mar Stacie's otherwise endearing "Christmas Joy."
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