Our Review
On occasion, an album calls out to me long before I play it through. Jolie Vigen's Another December: Songs of the Season affected me this way. Although I had heard only the smallest snippets from the release before it arrived in the mail, I just knew that there was something extra-special about this CD. And I was right--Vigen's gentle pop/jazz gem is a glorious, easy-listening delight.
Here's the deal. I love well-crafted vocals with a minimum of fuss, and that is exactly what Vigen expertly delivers here. She has a small, but stellar, supporting ensemble (Greg Fulton, Trystan Matthews, Dave Pascal, Will Dowd), and the resulting sound is warm and intimate, like having the group in the corner of your living room on a cold December night. Vigen sings just for you, and her sincere and straightforward execution is richly rewarding.
Singer/songwriter Vigen mixes it up with four originals; of these, the title track is my winning entry. Another December has catchy lyrics, a memorable melody line, and just enough hooks to keep me thinking about the number long after it ended. It's a strong start to a very attractive collection of holiday fare. Her Sweet Little Baby Child is an adoring lullaby, and Gingerbread Latte is a rollicking, latin-inspired tribute to the jaded frenzies of Christmas shopping.
This music is laid-back, but never boring, and it is just the antidote for seasonal stress. Vigen's voice is confident, yet vulnerable, and radiates a childlike innocence without being cloying. I love Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming with the minimalist format and heavenly harmonies (all by Vigen). Her What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? is the album's longest track (4:08), and is another favorite; it exudes sweet melancholy. And speaking of length, this album does come up a bit short, ending at just under 34 minutes. More, please!
Eh bien, Jolie Vigen, your Another December is jolie indeed!
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)
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From the liner notes:
Jolie Vigen, vocals
Greg Fulton, guitars, organ, piano, mandolin
Trystan Matthews, cello
Dave Pascal, basses
Will Dowd, percussion
Produced by Greg Fulton, Dave Pascal, Jolie Vigen
Recorded and Mixed by Dave Pascal
Jolie Vigen
Another December: Songs of the Season
Order from CD Baby
Artist site
Label: Trulyoob Records
Length: 34 minutes
Genre: Pop
Release: 2006
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Another December |
| Away in a Manger |
| What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? |
| Sweet Little Baby Child |
| Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming |
| The Holly and the Ivy |
| Brightest and Best |
| Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas |
| Gingerbread Latte |
| Ave Maria |
| Here in My Heart |