Samuel Milord 12/12/21 Samuel Milord 12/12/21

Christmas Music Review

I DREAM OF CHRISTMAS, Norah Jones

So Christmas came early for me this year when Norah Jones announced that she was releasing a Christmas album in October. Honestly, this album is a dream for serious Norah Jones fans. Each track is touched by the signature melodic, Calgon-take-me-away sound her voice consistently gives.

Jones released I DREAM OF CHRISTMAS on October 15th and specific tracks from the work of art have already been featured a couple of times on The Music Monday Playlist.

The project starts with Christmas Calling (Jolly Jones). As the piano plays, I feel led to put the kettle on for some hot chocolate and marshmallows. Then the album continues with Christmas Don’t Be Late. The run on the “Me, I want a hula hoop” lyric is slow, easy, and fantastic. Christmas Glow sounds like a beautiful snowfall. This song makes me feel like I am walking through a wintry mix looking at lights in neighborhoods that compete with their house decor. It’s Only Christmas Once A Year gives Hallmark vibes, so you can put this on rotation between the endless showings of holiday movies on their TV channel. You’re Not Alone is a beautifully written song that is completely about the gospel of Jesus. The sound takes me to church, specifically the chorus and piano accompaniment. A Holiday With You is a fun ditty from the perspective of someone longing to spend the season with their crush. The good time continues with a tune about the reindeer of all reindeer in Run Rudolph Run. The title track, I Dream Of Christmas, continues the feels from Christmas Glow in giving the same warmth with a bit of an 80s/90s rhythm pattern. And with I’ll Be Home For Christmas, this good time comes to an end. But it doesn’t have to due to the ease of looping the album on your streaming platform of choice. Spotify is favored most deeply in my household.

Please don’t just take my word for it, I strongly suggest you experience this bit of holiday music excellence for yourself. It is quite clear Norah Jones and Christmas music go hand-in-hand. The fine pairing is indeed classic and will no doubt be enjoyed for years to come.

“When those weary nights, take over your mind, I say His love won’t leave you behind”

— You're Not Alone

INFINITE CHRISTMAS, Infinity Song

Coming from a large family, I have a sweet spot in my heart for sibling music groups. When I first learned about Victory Boyd, I was surprised to learn that she also had brothers and sisters who can all SING. Their group Infinity Song released a 3-track EP with Christmas tunes that you will definitely want to play at your gatherings this year.

Christmas Baby is a cute song about longing for a gift of a person. It has a bit of a summer vibe, and the visual reminds me of the R & B videos I grew up on. Home For Christmas is a feel-good tune with a pop, California flare. The chorus is particularly catchy. The guitar intro on Beautiful Christmas sets the tone for the track. The lyrics cause you to stop and sit in gratitude.

Honestly, the fact that a family of siblings created this whole project adds to the goodness of it. Whether you are with your cousins, grandparents, children, aunts and uncles or at home solo on Christmas, INFINITE CHRISTMAS brings the joyful spirit of the holiday, with a lot of happiness, to your home.

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Vince Guaraldi Trio

Now we shall get into one of my top favorite Christmas albums of all time. Yes, it reminds me of my childhood. Yes, there are no lyrics. Yes, I believe this work is genius. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS continues to be a timeless treasure every December.

From the happiness of the keys in Skating to the dramatic overtones in What Child Is This, this album provides the perfect soundtrack for an intimate gathering, a classroom busy at work, or a large office party.

I want to specifically focus on Linus and Lucy for a second. The opening begins with the deeper octave of keys, immediately drawing you in. As the chords continue, they tell a story and set the scene for daydreaming to take place. Towards the end, a break happens in the song as the keys rise the scales bringing me, the listener, SHEER DELIGHT.

Christmastime Is Here, Greensleeves, and O Tannebaum are other holiday classics the trio covers. Overall, this album is the definition of Christmas music. Again, please don’t just take my word for it. I implore you to take it in for yourself. Yes, you will want to pull out the Christmas tree. Yes, you will want to pull out lights to decorate your porch and windows. Yes, you will want to bake cookies. Oh, and of course you will want to watch the actual special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” repeatedly.

Kendolyn Walker is a creative based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.

Samuel Milord 9/28/21 Samuel Milord 9/28/21

Headphone Delights: Tracks By Laura Mvula, Peter Cottontale and Madison Ryann Ward

I came across Peter Cottontale when I was looking for songs by Yebba (a female artist whose mesmerizing voice has been featured multiple times on our #MusicMondayPlaylist). I found “Forever Always” and loved the originality of it. The track takes several turns, features several stellar artists and I loved the complete ride.

So, over the past few weeks, I have come into Peter’s full library, starting with his album, CATCH (2020). Guys, his music is such a breath of fresh air. The creative way in which his music reminds us of God’s truths and beautifully speaks to relevant life circumstances leaves your spirit feeling rejuvenated.

Let me get into my favorites. “Do Your Thing” is a perfect way to open the album. The organ starts out and takes us to Sunday mornings in church. The chorus cheers us on to walk in the purpose God has specifically given each of us. “Keys, Wallet, Phone, God” has a soft melody, and calming tone giving a personal feel in speaking to faith. “Saul/Paul” though? This intensely, creative track tells the story of one of the Bible’s heroes. Although I truly believe you will enjoy Peter Cottontale’s full album, the last one I will mention is “Find You.” The horns, the harmonies and the lyrics will give you hope and remind you of the loved ones who are no longer with us. Enjoy the video of this tune played live at Lollapalooza 2020.

Since Sing To The Moon (2013), Laura Mvula’s voice has shifted my perspective, taken me to happy places and lulled me to sleep when I couldn’t otherwise. A guy I was dating then sent me the record and I gave it a listen. The excellent quality and texture of her voice honestly made me feel like everything is going to be okay. This may sound dramatic, but once you take her debut project or “Magical” from her latest project, Pink Noise, I dare you to tell me different.

To begin with the retro feels that open the song simply put you in a good space. This is a tune that speaks to a life-changing relationship. At least the passion in Laura’s voice give that impression, a moment worth fighting for.

The electric guitar part in the second verse is indeed special. I highly recommend listening with GOOD headphones, as some parts of the orchestration could be missed. And the harmonies … goodness the harmonies. They hit you in the third run of the chorus. The song ends leaving you in a galaxy-like state when Laura’s voice fades repeating “Do you remember?” You have no choice but to reminisce on what once was or simply appreciate the magic you are currently enjoying. The visualizer is posted here with lyrics.

Finding “Player” by Madison Ryann Ward was a pleasant surprise one Spotify-surfing night a few weeks back. I am pretty sure I saw it as a recommendation (those people on that music streaming platform know me so well). So once I took it in, via headphones of course, I knew I wanted this track on the #MusicMondayPlaylist. The guitar intro alone, with the easy drum sets the tone for the song. Her voice, along with the lyrics, easily make this one of my top choices for a morning soundtrack.

“Higher” is another beautiful work with sweet harmonies and a jazzy feel. The electric guitar puts me instantly at ease. The lyrics speaks to the personal relationship between God and women. The intimate sound makes it a perfect devotional experience. The video is posted here for your listening pleasure.

Both of these tracks are refreshing additions to my Christian library as I continue to look and find music that soothes my soul, while reminding me of the One who loves me the most.

Kendolyn Walker is a creative based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.