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WOW, what a talent! Judith Owen is a Welsh wonder whose killer voice oozes charisma and seductive style. Her Christmas in July is a fabulous holiday offering, a jazzy jewel that will take your breath away.

I knew I was going to like Judith Owen before she ever sang a note. After all, her recording company is "Dog on the Bed Music," and her album cover features an enormous dog (looks like a Great Pyrenees to me, but I'm not sure) wearing a friendly grin. In addition to the great dog, Owen is married to Harry Shearer of "Spinal Tap" fame (Shearer is "Derek Smalls" in that iconic mock rockumentary), so what's not to like?

The worst part of Christmas in July is definitely its paltry length. Owen pulls you in with her incredible voice, embraces you with her oh-so-sexy, yet vulnerable, stylings, then shuts you out cold turkey after only twenty-two tiny minutes. What a cruel joke! The instrumentation is minimal--only Owen on the piano and a double bass (Sean Hurley).

Although Christmas in July includes only six tracks, they are all winners. The opening number is a very special "Christmas with the Devil" stolen straight from "Spinal Tap," except that Owen's sultry treatment transforms the humorous number into a sophisticated gem. Great lyrics ("The elves are dressed in leather, and the angels are in chains&"), glorious execution! Very cool! The album also presents two very touching and personal Owen originals ("The Dancing Tree" and "My Father's Voice") and three holiday chestnuts. On the quieter numbers, Owen exhibits a breathy fragility that will make your heart ache (on "The Dancing Tree," for example). Julia Fordham contributes to the dynamite harmonies on "Silent Night."

Ironically, I am actually reviewing Christmas in July in July. Absolutely everything about this album reflects verve and superb musicianship. Thank you, Judith Owen, for making me grateful to be a holiday music reviewer on this humid summer night!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Piano/Vocals: Judith Owen
Double Bass: Sean Hurley
Guest Vocals:
Harry Shearer--"Christmas with the Devil"
Julie Fordham--"Silent Night"

Christmas in Southern California always feels like July. (That's why a home-sick Mel Torme wrote The Christmas Song.) Here's hoping these songs help you feel, wherever you are, and no matter how high the temperature, like you're snuggled round a toasty fire. Happy Holidays
--Judith X

From the Web site:

Judith Owen is an exclamation point. Gifted, witty and Welsh, she is described by the Los Angeles Times as "whip-smart and endearing", while Variety magazine calls her "a charmer and a seducer" adding that "it's the voice that really woos the listener." Her seamless blend of rock, pop and jazz with arresting lyrics yield songs that impact the listener both emotionally, and humorously.

Judith Owen

Christmas in July

Artist link

Track List