It’s Christmas
Self-Released, 2014
8/10
The Canadian singer-songwriter David Myles has had an impressive career that includes countless genres explored, and here be brings his immense skill to a very warm and inviting holiday record.
“It’s Christmas” starts the listen with graceful strings as soulful vocals from Myles enter the majestic, feel good opening, and this leads into the playful, vocally strong “The Christmas Song”, as well as the slow burning beauty of the pedal steel friendly “Star Of Hope”.
In the middle, the charming “Never Brings Me A Banjo” moves with a quirky folk spirit, while Myles’ version of “Let It Snow” recruits horns and strings with much warmth. “Les Cloches Du Hameau” then offers singing in French with female backing vocals on the very cultured Celine Dion tune.
Deeper yet, “Sleigh Ride” is a frisky, guitar friendly late album highlight, and “Silent Night” finishes off the listen with less than a minute of sublime singing in the emotive exit.
We’ve all heard these songs before, but they’ve never sounded quite like this, as Myles put his inimitable spin on the classics. An artist with an acclaimed catalog of original music, too, there’s really no bad place to start when delving into his work.
Travels well with: Catherine MacLellan- Coyote; Jenn Grant- Paradise