A Very Carper Christmas
Mae/Soundly, 2025
9/10
Listen to A Very Carper Christmas
The inimitable artist Melissa Carper already has 3 well received solo albums to her credit, and here she puts her distinct voice to use across 15 charming holiday songs.
“Plug In A Tree” opens with Carper’s unique voice alongside Dennis Crouch’s playful upright bass and Katie Shore’s playful fiddle in the old time flavor, and “I Want A Dog” follows with a softer mood thanks to the expressive singing and Doug Corcoran’s soft sax.
Landing in the middle, “Sit By A Fire With You” uses Shore’s inviting pipes amid Chris Gelb’s light drumming for the intimacy, while “Christmas In New Orleans” is a rich album highlight that recruits Jeff Taylor’s spirited accordion and Tim Crouch’s well timed fiddle.
Residing near the end, “Oh Cheeseball” enlists Gina Gallina’s voice and Taylor’s dolceola for the cozy harmonies, and “The Day After Christmas” exits with soulful sax, Emily Gimble’s cozy Rhodes and the distinct singing.
The record consists of 2 solo originals, 2 classic covers and the remainder being collaborations with Gallina, Shore and Brennen Leigh, as Carper explores Country and Western Swing, R&B, folk, Latin and many other sounds for a project that resonates even when it’s 90 degrees out.
Travels well with: Melissa Carper- Borned In Ya; Melissa Carper- Ramblin’ Soul