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Joan Osborne is the high priestess of folksy blues. Her iconic One of Us (what if God was "Just a stranger on the bus, Tryin' to make his way home?") made a solid gold explosion back in 1995, and her album Relish absolutely ruled our home for years. Since then, we have heard far two little from this exceptional singer-songwriter whose lovely voice has the anguished jazz edge that makes fine vocals great.

Here Osborne comes again with Christmas Means Love, originally released in 2005 on a different label, but now re-released with new cover graphics by Time Life. This is an extremely cool offering, one that showcases her highly emotive, slightly raspy voice on a nice variety of sacred and secular holiday anthems. Although the artist enjoys some instrumental and choral support, this is Osborne's show, and her voice takes center stage at this intimate holiday event.

I fully enjoyed Christmas Means Love from stem to stern; every track floats my boat. The 1940s-style harmonies on the effervescent Santa Claus Baby had me bouncing uncontrollably in my seat, and her sassy Christmas in New Orleans filled me with Dixieland delight. The pulsing gospel number Go Where I Send Thee is full-bodied with rock guitar licks that take the tune to a new plane. As you might imagine, Osborne is the perfect songstress for What Do Bad Girls Get?; this sultry siren will definitely not be getting any toys for Christmas this year. As for the gentle carols like Away in a Manger and Silent Night, Osborne's throaty intensity is equally excellent, conveying passion and sincerity while remaining totally true to herself.

Lovely, lovely, lovely. Let Joan Osborne roast your chestnuts this holiday season--you will not regret it!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2007)

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From the liner notes:

Joan Osborne captures the essence of Christmas. Her delicate and jazzy voice combines with traditional blues arrangements to make the holidays come alive. Born in Anchorage, Kentucky, Osborne began her storied music career when she moved to New York City in the early 1990s and hit the scene singing in local bars during "open mic" nights. Her major label debut, Relish, released in 1995, put Osborne on the map. Powered by the hit single One of Us, the album sold over two million copies in the United States. Osborne has also generously given back to the community through a number of different causes, including Rock the Vote. Her influences are clear on Christmas Means Love--she evokes the spirit of Billie Holiday, Etta James and Ray Charles.

All songs arranged by Joan Osborne, Gary Schreiner, and the band.

Producer: Tor Hyams

Executive Producer: HyLo Entertainment

Musicians:
Joan Osborne: Vocals
John Leventhal: Guitars, Piano on "Silent Night"
Gary Schreiner: Piano, Wurlitzer, Hammond B3, Chromatic harmonica, Tubular bell, String arrangement
Tracy Wormworth: Bass
Billy Ward: Drums
Catherine Russell: Background vocals
Geoff Pearlman: Slide guitar on "Cherry Tree Carol"

Joan Osborne

Christmas Means Love

Artist link

Track List