A Star’s Light Does Fall
Slovak, 2024
9/10
Listen to A Star’s Light Does Fall
The nylon string guitarist Margaret Slovak and acoustic bassist Chris Maresh come together for traditional and lesser known Holiday songs that are executed with much care and warmth.
The soft gestures of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” opens with the dreamy guitar and intimate bass interacting with much beauty, and “I Wonder As I Wander” follows with a hint of mystery via the meticulous playing from the duo’s inimitable skills.
Landing in the middle, “Infant Eyes”, by Wayne Shorter, emits much reflection in the bare delivery, while “Away In A Manger” picks up the pace a bit, where the soothing bass suits the intricate guitar.
Arriving close to the end, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” is a very peaceful interpretation of the classic, and “Hallelujah” exits with an emotive version of the Leonard Cohen tune that tugs on the heart strings.
A jazz album that touches on all the hallmarks of Christmas, Slovak and Maresh re-imagine the genre of Holiday music with tremendous impact.
Travels well with: Cliff Korman Trio- Urban Tracks; Dave Stryker- Stryker With Strings Goes To The Movies