Winter Wanderful
Tamar Braxton, the youngest sister to the global mega-star Toni Braxton, has recently released her first Christmas album, Winter Loversland. After a huge success of Love and War, she decided to share her fantastic vocal capabilities with her fans and record her versions of some of her Christmas favourites. For those who do not know, Tamar is a coloratura soprano with a vocal range spreading across five octaves. The album spins fast, making you sing along in most places. Tamar has also invited one of her sisters, Trina, to join her in the super funny The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late), a David Seville (Ross Bagdasarian Senior) 1959’s classic.
The album has been exclusively produced by Tamars husband, Vincent Herbert. Great production.
01. Sleigh Ride (Leroz Anderson, Mitchell Parish)
Fresh take on this Christmas classic, Tamar adds a nice R&B feel to it, flawless vocals and perfectly contemporary arrangement.
02. Santa Baby (Joan Javitas, Philip Springer)
Soulful version of this 50s favourite, Tamar is seductive and sultry, a groovy delivery.
03. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (John Frederick Coots, Haven Gillespie)
This 1934′s tune has been performed by almost every artist over the decades so it’s hard to expect something extremely different or unique. Tamar makes it her own by her flawless delivery.
04. No Gift
This is a brand new track on the album. A lovely little Christmas tune with a lovely hook, led by a piano. Must be accompanied by a video soon.
05. Away In A Manger /Little Drummer Boy (Katherine Kennicott Davis)
A’capella version of Away In A Manger is simply perfect. Little Drummer Boy – finger click and choir work superbly with Tamar’s voice. One of the best versions of this song that has ever been recorded.
06. Merry Christmas Darling (Richard Carpenter, Frank Pooler)
Carpenters’ classic in a new R&B outfit. Tamar makes it very sensual and seductive. Nice arrangement.
07. The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) (David Seville)
A duet with Trina Braxton with a very funny intro – another a’capella flawless delivery. Makes you wonder what could the next Braxton’s album might sound like.
08. She Can Have You (Tamar Braxton)
Second brand new tune accompanied by a video. Quite a twist on a typical festive song with Tamar making very clear, she’s just fine being single during Christmas time.
09. Silent Night (Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr)
Fabulous vocals and acoustic guitar arrangement. Simple yet powerful – Tamar really shows her full vocal range in this one.
10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane)
Imagine yourself in some smokey jazz bar, with a glass of whiskey in your hand. Splendid. Fabulous end to the song with strong vocal from Tamar.
Winter Loversland, released on 11th November 2013
Streamline / Epic / Sony Music Entertainment