Our Review
Unlike most releases, Corrinne May's The Gift is very distinctive. This singer/songwriter is a pop star in Singapore, where she grew up, and now resides in Los Angeles, another place notorious for its lack of snow. Usually not short on words, I am struggling to describe the essence of what May presents here. This album is not frivolous pop; it is sophisticated adult contemporary fare, a mix of world influences and stately instrumentation, combined with unique arrangements and an absolutely killer voice. May has a vulnerable, clear voice that is slightly breathy, but crystalline like starlight. Really, her approach is quite unique in a most beautiful way. May's voice defines fragile, yet it is not tentative. Her singing held me captive from start to finish.
The album opens very well with classic strings paving an elegant entry into Silent Night, a piece that resonates with Japanese influences and a most delicate vocal delivery. Hark the Herald Angels Sing, on the other hand, has a warm and folksy feel, with acoustic guitars and an almost country vibe. She chooses to create lyrics for gorgeous pieces like Gustav Holst's "Jupiter" from The Planets Suite as a testament to God in The Answer. The Gift closes with May's own Hail Mary, a mystical and dreamlike piece with definite Celtic influences. The harmonies are exquisite, making this a most fitting close to an unusual release.
This offering is an exciting adventure; it is the perfect choice for those who enjoy holiday music, but are just tired of the same old thing. Corrinne May is intensely cool in an understated way, and has the voice of angel. Take it from me--The Gift is aptly named.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)
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From the liner notes:
Vocals: Corrinne May
Piano: Corrinne May (1,5,7,8,10) and Kavin Hoo
Electric and Acoustic Guitar: Andy Georges
Acoustic Guitar and Nylon Guitar: John Scott Evans (1,2,6,7)
Drums: Craig Macintyre
Bass: Eric Holden
Background Vocals: Corrinne May and Todd Herzog (3)
Violin: Nicole Garcia & Chris Woods
Viola: Han Oh
Cello: Adrienne Woods
Strings Arrangement: Kavin Hoo
Vocal Arrangement for "Hail Mary": Corrinne May
Guitar Arrangement on "What Child Is This": John Scott Evans
Arranged & Produced by Kavin Hoo & Corrinne May
Recorded by Kavin Hoo & Helik Hadar
Corrinne May
The Gift
Artist link
Label: Pink Armchair Records
Length: 43 minutes
Genre: Pop
Release: 2006
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Silent Night |
| Hark the Herald Angels Sing |
| Joy to the World |
| Angels We Have Heard on High |
| The Answer |
| What Child Is This |
| Away in a Manger |
| Be Thou My Vision |
| O Come All Ye Faithful |
| O Come O Come Emmanuel |
| Hail Mary |