“Merry Christmas From Andra Day” –
Warner Bros Records
When Day re-recorded Stevie Wonder’s classic 1967 anti-war Christmas anthem “Someday At Christmas” with the Motown legend himself as a duet, the music world knew this San Diego, California native was carrying some musical clout.
If music lovers didn’t take notice when Lady Day unleashed the monstrously uplifting single “We Will Rise”, which ironically was used for a Beats By Dre headphones ad before First Lady Michelle Obama made it the theme song for her “Let Girls Learn” campaign, aimed at education rights for young girls in the First World.
But when her duet with Stevie on “Someday” was used in an ad for Apple during the 2015 Christmas season, the world took notice of Day’s vocal prowess.
On this 5 song X-mas e.p., Day does the unthinkable; she actually finds new ways to deliver yuletide anthems.
The piano bar seductive crooning take on “Winter Wonderland” makes you think Billie Holiday is under your Christmas tree. Day’s phrasing on “Wonderland” is wondrous and irresistible.
“Carol Of The Balls” receives a modern r’n’b treatment with delicious jazzy guitar and Day hitting falsetto registers with ease and sex appeal.
“The First Noel” is probably the most conventional sounding rendition on this set, with fantastic results nonetheless.
High point is her funky, almost marching-like take on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” which breathes a whole new life into this classic.
Have a very soulful and jazzy Christmas!
Rating = 7/10
