Christmas
Lucky Mojo, 2020
9/10
The stunning vocalist Simone Kopmajer returns with 16 holidays songs, 4 of which are European traditionals, and she’s in fine company with an international cast that includes Terry Myers, Aaron Heick, and Allan Harris, among many others.
Kopmajer starts the album with an elegant and very romantic version of “Santa Baby”, where sparkling keys leave an indelible mark, and she follows this up with the shuffling pace of the frisky and fun “Jingle Bells”, as well as “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, where Viktor Gernot lends his expressive, deep pipes on the playful duet.
In the middle, “Have Yourself A Very Little Christmas” benefits from a soothing, lounge delivery, while “Es Wird Scho Glei Dumpa” recruits accordion, dulcimer and Ina Regen’s contributions on the cultured album highlight. “Feliz Navidad”, another stand out tune, puts a gorgeous and melodic spin on the festive standard.
Closer to the end, “White Christmas” offers a trumpet solo amid the light, agile musicianship, and “Silent Night/ Stille Nacht” finishes the affair with an emotive and stirring exit of radiant beauty.
A flawless Christmas album of songs we’ve all grown up with, and some that will probably be new to our ears, Kopmajer reworks them all with jazz and folk sensibilities that help make this essential listening for the holiday season.
Travels well with: Diana Panton- A Cheerful Little Earful; Coniece Washington- Shades Of Shirley Horn