Boy am I ready for some seasonal cheer!
There’s such a lovely retro feel to this gorgeous, wintery Christmas album from Canadian artist Norine Braun. I reviewed her album “Through Train Windows” last year, which I loved. She has a beautiful, sultry, soulful voice – bluesy, hopeful and warm. So whatever she sings sounds wonderful, if I’m honest.
This is a brilliant collection of songs, Christmas classics, carols and plenty of really excellent originals too. In fact, my favorite Christmas song is even here, the much forgotten “I Saw Three Ships.” It reminds me so much of Christmas as a kid in England. “Silent Night” as well, all done in Norine’s own inimitable style – soulful, gentle, authentic. Nothing spangly or fake, over done or commercial. Just a great collection of music that would work in any setting…party, dinner, quiet evening with the family, Christmas morning as we tear open the presents!
I can’t remember the last time I listened to a Christmas album, I wonder why more artists don’t give it a go. It’s the one time of the year that most of us stop worrying about all the unimportant stuff and try to have some fun. Music is such a significant element of our ability to let go and this year, more than most years, we all need to forget about the drama and have some fun.
Norine has a real KD Lang quality to her voice, with a little bit of Tracy Thorn from Everything But The Girl. There’s a distinct 80s vibe to this collections, it’s the song choice and also the gorgeous open production, the saxophone, the percussion, the unabashed joy and excellent musicians. Honestly, this is such a great album! I absolutely love it!!! And any time you can listen to “Last Christmas” is a very good day if you ask me and Norine’s arrangement is sublime!!
Favorite song…”Solstice,” but I also love “I Saw Three Ships” of course!
Norine Braun is offering limited edition CDs, Toques, Shirts and handwritten lyric sheets at her official store.
Listen to “December Falls” on Soundcloud.
Stream lead single “Solstice” on Spotify.
Stream “The WInter After Elvis Died” on Spotify.
“The WInter After Elvis Died” OneLink
Websites:
Official Website: www.norinebraun.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norinebraunmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/norinebraun
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norinebraun/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/50EtuuoMGWF8irCzYNtZph?si=uA9NANBUSwuaLFAhKkEldw
Bandcamp: https://norinebraun.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/norinebraun
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/norinebraun
Adam Popowitz returning as producer and playing bass and lead guitar on the album. Elliot Polsky is on percussion and drums, Alice Fraser is on keys and harmony vocals. Huggybear Leonard on blues harp and penny whistle, Brent Mah features on tenor sax and Norine plays rhythm guitar and vocals. Mixed and mastered at Rear Window Song and Sound.