Music reviews
Michael Bublé’s Christmas might look like the typical seasonal fare, but this one is a marvel — an album you will want to have on full blast while wrapping your Christmas gifts or decorating the tree even as Bublé’s warm, welcoming voice beckons each one of us into the trappings of this season.
Spreading some cheer
Bublé manages to add his own signature to these popular Christmas melodies with slight, amusing twists. The singer is able to bring in a tongue-in-cheek masculine tone to Santa baby by asking his “Santa buddy” for a Rolex or a new car. Not to mention, some cha-ching! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas makes you want to curl up next to the fire with a hot cup of cocoa — if only we had some snow to complete the picture. Ave Maria lends a beautiful, spiritual touch to this entire collection.
Bublé’s contribution to the Christmas classics is Cold December night, a song that is guaranteed to become a Christmas favourite in the years to come. The stand-outs, however, are All I want for Christmas is you, a revision of the Mariah Carey original, and Feliz navidad, a surprising, yet joyful ending to the album. Comprising 15 songs in total, Christmas is the perfect accompaniment to this holiday season. And just as satisfying as the Christmas cookie.
Varshini Murali
Legendary tunes
The pairing of music legends like Eric Clapton and Wynton Marsalis should be enough to draw the attention of music lovers. Jazz trumpeter Marsalis has earned every accolade in the jazz world — nine Grammys in jazz and classical music. Clapton has been one of the top guitar gods for nearly five decades. They performed together in April 2011 at
Lincoln Center for two sold-out shows dedicated to vintage blues. The album comprises selections from the two public concerts.
The first track Ice cream shows the group having a ball. Several members, including Marsalis, sing the chorus in a fun fashion backing Clapton’s lead vocal. The clarinet solo in Joe Turner’s blues, followed by a very nimble Clapton is pleasing. The tracks comprising old-school blues played in a jazz style give an opportunity for instrumental interpretations of trumpet, clarinet, piano, banjo, trombone and drums with Clapton’s electric guitar riff chipping in. Clapton’s all-time popular Layla is the lone track by him. Taj Mahal is a guest vocalist on the gospel standard, Just a closer walk with thee. The well-seasoned artistes demonstrate their artistry with great aplomb. The last time is a delightful tune while Kidman’s blues is that rare upbeat blues song.
Michael Patrao
