RECORD REVIEW
Mary J. Blige
A Mary Christmas
(Verve / Interscope Records)
____________
As an old-school R&B
aficionado and a massive
Mary J. Blige fan, I was
amped to discover this
Yuletide treasure when
it was first released back
in 2013. I was even more
stoke to recently score
a copy of the reissued
version on double green
translucent vinyl.
____________
A cozy collaboration between modern-day "Queen of Soul," Mary J. Blige, and iconic producer, songwriter and musician, David Foster, A Mary Christmas is a shiny musical ornament — one beaming with beautiful highlights.
Combining Blige's signature soulfulness with traditional choral and orchestral accompaniment, the classic "Little Drummer Boy" serves as a powerful opening track, while Rodgers and Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things" makes for one of the record's brightest moments.
A more contemporary number, the Donny Hathaway / Nadine McKinnor classic "This Christmas" has been covered over the years by a host of top-selling artists, including Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Gloria Estefan, and Christina Aguilera. However, due largely to the happy-sounding orchestration and Foster's lively piano work, Blige's version truly zings!
While maintaining the warmth and charm of the Mel Tormé / Bob Wells standard, "The Christmas Song," Blige makes it sound fresh — enhanced further by Andreas Varady's "Breezin'"-flavored guitar work. Channeling the late, great Ella Fitzgerald, Blige delivers a stunning performance on the big band-styled version of "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer" — simply amazing.
Combining Blige's signature soulfulness with traditional choral and orchestral accompaniment, the classic "Little Drummer Boy" serves as a powerful opening track, while Rodgers and Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things" makes for one of the record's brightest moments.
A more contemporary number, the Donny Hathaway / Nadine McKinnor classic "This Christmas" has been covered over the years by a host of top-selling artists, including Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Gloria Estefan, and Christina Aguilera. However, due largely to the happy-sounding orchestration and Foster's lively piano work, Blige's version truly zings!
While maintaining the warmth and charm of the Mel Tormé / Bob Wells standard, "The Christmas Song," Blige makes it sound fresh — enhanced further by Andreas Varady's "Breezin'"-flavored guitar work. Channeling the late, great Ella Fitzgerald, Blige delivers a stunning performance on the big band-styled version of "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer" — simply amazing.
Does anybody ever really get tired of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Certainly not me! And this duet between Blige and Jessie J is a real treat. Equally magical is Blige's union with The Clark Sisters on "The First Noel."
Whether it be English or Spanish, I love hearing the name of Christ proclaimed in Christmas music. And Blige's collaboration with Marc Anthony on "Noche De Paz (Silent Night)" makes for a perfect closing track.
In sum, A Mary Christmas is a true gem — one that easily will appeal to Blige's hipster audience and traditionalists alike.
-Christopher Long
(December 2024)
- A SHOT OF POISON -
"10th Anniversary Edition"
(2020)
__________
- SUPERSTAR -
__________
- SHOUT IT OUT LOUD -
(2014)
__________
- C'MON! -
(2012)
