The Tony nominee and Grammy award winning actress has released a collection of beautifully heartfelt tracks that capture the spirit of Christmas perfectly.
Doing exactly what the title suggests, this festive album is filled with utterly charming songs that will leave the listener with feelings of warmth and affection – exactly what is needed after the year that we have all had.
This acoustic album sees Liz Callaway accompanied perfectly by guitarist Peter Calo and offering completely heartfelt renditions of songs such as ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, that offer a new perspective on the meaning of the songs.
From the sweet and tender sounding ‘Merry Christmas Darling’ and poignant (which had me tear up) ‘God Bless My Family’ – there is no denying this is an album that has been made with love and understanding for the hard year that everyone has been through this year. Through the lyrics and the emotion that comes through the lyrics, it certainly feels like this is an album that makes you reflect on the things that are important.
Particular highlights include a wonderful elegant rendition of ‘Walking in the Air’, featuring a lovely arrangement that certainly made me see the song in a new light – not simply a song from ‘The Snowman’. Elsewhere, ‘Love is Christmas’ had a wonderful lullaby quality about it – very soothing for the soul.
Meanwhile, Callaway’s version of ‘O’Holy Night’ really manages to find a whole new meaning, thanks to a really gorgeous arrangement that offers hope for the future, combined with vocals that really shine and make you pay attention.
There is such a truth and purity about this album that makes it endearing to listen to, particularly with reflective songs such as ‘Hard Candy Christmas’ and ‘Christmas Eve (Could Not Ask For More)’ that really make a lovely impact.
This is an album that is absolutely flawless in terms of its quality – both vocally and the accompaniment by Peter Calo on guitar making this a genuinely heartfelt festive album to listen to.
By Emma Clarendon
Comfort and Joy:An Acoustic Christmas is available to buy and download now.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐