A Gulf Coast Christmas
Gulf Coast Records, 2020
9/10
Listen to A Gulf Coast Christmas
A label with a reputation for quality music from some of the most flourishing and hardest working artists today, Gulf Coast Records brings us 7 originals and 9 covers on this holiday album where their roster is represented by their heavy hitters as well as rising stars.
Mike Zito starts the album with his first of two songs as his inimitable blues guitar and gritty vocals highlight the soulful “All I Got For Christmas Is The Blues”, and “Somebody Stole My Christmas”, by Albert Castiglia, follows with both power and melody in the restrained rocker.
Further along, the bright brass of “Back Door Santa” showcases Jimmy Carpenter’s knack for timeless melodies, while “It Ain’t Christmas” displays Kat Riggins’ sublime pipes on the organ friendly balladry. “Ring The Bells”, one of the album’s best, then has Diana Rein offering plenty of rhythm as her soaring vocals guide the playful and charming atmosphere.
Deeper still, Thomas Atlas gets funky and frisky on the expressive “Christmas Is Cancelled”, and some of the best singing present resides on “Please Come Home For Christmas”, as Sayer and Joyce offer much beauty on the lush, uplifting gem.
A record that’s plenty diverse, a whole lot of fun, and, of course, quite festive, this is one of the few Christmas albums you play on repeat and not tire of. In fact, you’re likely to find a new favorite track with each subsequent spin.
Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free; Kat Riggins- Cry Out