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CD REVIEW: JOCELYN & CHRIS ARNDT – Still, A Holiday Collection

| 28 December 2016 | Reply

Label: Independent

Release Date: December 2, 2016

Rating: 8/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Christmas music isn’t normally my thing, but siblings Jocelyn & Chris Arndt recent release of their take on some classic holiday songs in addition to an original added to our holiday music arsenal.  Taking on the 1928 blues track “Christmas Man Blues,” the duo put their stamp on a killer track that until now was seldom heard – hopefully this cover changes that.  Great vocals from Jocelyn paired with brother Chris’ guitars add depth to the track while the cast of players behind them give the blues track added punch.  Original track “Still” is a beautiful song that brings the spirit of the holidays in vibe and sound without getting overdone in the lyrics.  The piano from Jocelyn is the perfect duet partner for her vocals.  The musical accompaniment is light and gives the song a mellow feel that enhances the songs overall delivery.  “Mary, Mary” allows Jocelyn to purr and almost croon over the musical counterpart.  The guitars are light and kick in the right amount of attitude at the bridge and underneath the big vocals.  “What Child Is This” is a cool take on a classic that has been covered by many great singers through the years.  The song marries the classic vibe of the song as we all know it with a youthful groove from the Arndt duo.  The vocals are smoky and seem to bring a depth to the track.  My favorite on the disc, “Christmas Time Is Here” has been heard by people since its debut as part of the Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965.  This version is acoustic and really gives the lyrics a different feel and sound.  I will forever smile and think of my sister (a huge Peanuts fan) whenever I hear this version, as she would have enjoyed this as much as the original.  The Torme / Wells holiday classic “The Christmas Song” gets a mellow jazz lift from the Jocelyn and Chris, with vocals, airy guitar parts, piano and an upright bass that keep the songs well-known groove intact while allowing the guitar solo at the bridge to help the couple make this their own.  I cannot wait to dig into some of the pairs other material… as soon as I can tear this one out of my player that is.

​​​Tracklisting: Christmas Man Blues – Still – Mary, Mary – What Child Is This – Christmas Time Is Here – The Christmas Song

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Category: CD Reviews

About the Author ()

ToddStar - that's me... just a rocking accountant who had dreams of being a rock star. I get to do the next best thing to rocking the globe - I get to take pictures of the lucky ones that do. I love to shoot all genres of music and different types of performers. If it is related to music, I love to photograph it. I get to shoot and hang with not only some of my friends and idols, but some of the coolest people around today.

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