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Our Review

With a voice more powerful than a locomotive, able to jump tall octaves in a single bound--well, you get the idea. Ledisi's super voice exudes clout, flexibility, and unstoppable energy. It's Christmas is a dynamic, soul-satisfying R&B/pop brew that showcases Ledisi's considerable raw talents. Impressive!

If you enjoy fully orchestrated holiday music displaying powerhouse vocals, then It's Christmas may well be your cup of nog (or tea, or perhaps something stronger). For the holiday dozen included here, eight are classics, and four are brand new Ledisi creations, including the catchy title track (co-written with George Duke). Be There for Christmas (co-written with Rex Rideout) is also noteworthy; it's a danceable, upbeat treat. As for the long-familiar favorites, Ledisi delivers an outstanding, understated Silent Night set in a cool jazz frame of rhythmic percussion. She also shines bigtime on a playful What Are You Doing New Year's Eve.

Ledisi has undeniable talent, and It's Christmas exhibits several sides and many textures. For me, less is usually more, so my personal predilection favors the more restrained pieces here; this may just confirm what my children have long suspected--that I am seriously unhip and out-of-touch. In any event, there is no question that Ledisi is a bona fide, developing diva; her future looks very bright indeed.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Ledisi: vocals
Executive Producers: Bruce Resnikoff, Ledisi Young and Bill Darlington
Produced by: Rex Rideout, Ledisi Young, George Duke, Lorenzo Johnson, Luther "Mano" Hanes and Richard Smallwood
Recorded by: Ray Bardani, Danny Duncan, and Erik Zobler



From the Website:

Singer/songwriter Ledisi (pronounced led-duh-see and adopted from the word that means "to bring forth" in the Yoruba language of Nigeria) is the epitome of the performer that - after she earns a standing ovation - people stare wide-eyed and mumbling, "Where has she been all this time?" The lady will tell you - in a voice of equal parts sweet, slightly weary yet triumphant - "Here...all the time." ***

From singing on Broadway and teaching voice in Berkeley to performing around the globe, having the guts to compose and manufacture her own soul-baring music, and the good fortune of being born in New Orleans (soul music central) to two fine singers (and a drummer for a step daddy to boot), Ledisi extends from roots any artist would proudly claim.

Ledisi

It's Christmas

Artist link

Track List