First Snow
Commonwealth Ave., 2020
8/10
The pianist and vocalist Robert Prester and Adriana Samargia have been collaborating for nearly a decade now, and here the pair sprinkle in some fuller tunes amid their intimate moments on the very holiday spirited First Snow.
“Joi To The World” starts the album with many vocals harmonizing in the percussively strong and delightfully upbeat setting that’s classically inspired, and the sublime and swift keys of “First Snow” follows, where brief flashes of soaring, wordless vocals accent the mood of the lone original on the album.
Further along, “In The Bleak Midwinter” resides in ballad territory with gorgeous singing from both Adriana Samargia and Joe Samargia unfolds alongside graceful piano and light drumming in the jazz atmosphere, while “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” is a solo instrumental that display the massive amount talent Prester possesses with the piano. The ensemble more than do justice to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You”, as they put a Latin spin on it with some playful vocal scatting, too.
As we approach the end, “Masters In The Hall” flows with swinging jazz fun, and “Blue Christmas” exits the listen with The Parson Brown Singers, i.e. Josef and Jacob Samargia, offering an a cappella version of a tune popularized by Elvis Presley.
Prester has an acclaimed background in jazz and classical sounds, and Samargia is well versed in gospel, sacred, classical and jazz singing, and together with the esteemed contributors present they put a very eclectic and inviting make over on these timeless holiday songs.
Travels well with: Noah Bless- New York Strong- Latin Jazz! Jeni- Slotchiver- American Heritage