Jill Barber celebrates the season with ‘A Holly Jolly Jill Barber Christmas’
Associated Press
It’s certainly no secret that I am a Christmas music junkie with over 400 Christmas albums accumulated over the last 40 years. Despite possessing such an extensive collection, I still get as giddy as a child on Christmas morning when the new holiday recordings are released. I subscribe to the notion that one can never have too much Christmas music.
Jill Barber’s first offering of holiday music is a comforting embrace of nostalgia as she lends her signature sound to seasonal favorites like “The Christmas Waltz,” “Mistletoe and Holly” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”
“Sleigh Ride” opens the set with those familiar sleigh bells jingling and has it feeling a lot like Christmas as the sophisticated songstress proclaims, “Let’s take that road before us and sing a chorus or two/Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.”
Barber unexpectedly exits the lush and cozy themed tracks for a brief moment to extend an invitation to dance with a spirited version of “Merry Christmas Polka.”
In keeping with the season of togetherness, “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” becomes a family affair when Barber is joined by her talented brother on this charmer that never fails to make me feel young again each time I hear it played.
The 45-year-old Barber raises the temperature on a chilly winter’s night with a smoldering cover of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” I’m certain she would have no trouble warming the cold heart of the menacing villain with skin all green and teeth all yellow.
The Canadian singer-songwriter also contributes two numbers to accompany the classics. “A Very Merry Christmas” provides a little country flavoring with its heartfelt message and “That Time of Year” addresses an abundance of love and hope surrounding this special time with friends and family.
As you lovingly prepare for the most wonderful time of the year, remember to highlight your memorable holiday moments with music that allows the warmth of Christmas to fill your heart and remind you of the true reason for the season.
Clinton Rhodes is a freelance writer based in Belle Vernon.