It is that time of the year again when silver white stars adorn the skies and the jingle of sleigh bells ring through the air bringing on the season of joy. Twinkling down your slope comes Jewel with her ’Joy: A Holiday Celebration’, a cheerful collection of all time favourite christmas tracks. ’Been done before’ you say. Well it sure has been repeated since time immemorial, but not quite like this.
This’Angel standing by’ has always delivered as promised, this time she renders christmas favourites in her unique style of sincerity and a touch of divinity.The very first track on the CD ’Joy to the World’ ushers in the very spirit of christmas in the thick of enthusiasm. The mood mellows down to the strains of ’O Holy Night’ and the everlasting ’Silent Night’. A sense of magic adorns the air in the country-inspired version of ’Winter Wonderland’.But what took my breath away in an instant was ’Ave Maria’ the hymn of peace, so poignant and stirring.There are mood variations in store for you in the form of the beloved classic ’Rudolph the red nosed reindeer’sung with her mother Lenedra Carroll. This is a jocular affair accompanied by a bevy of choir voices but what stands out is jewel’s modulation as she playfully changes the way its been sung over the years.The rest of the CD glides and flows right to the very end assuring all listeners a most glorious holiday ever.
As a bonus for all people who appreciate and admire her vocal finesse there is a Holiday version of her smash from ’Spirit’, the comforting ’Hands’.
here’s to another grand season of joy and many more to come.