An Early Christmas Present
Something For Everyone
Christmas has come early, a full two months early. Very premature for someone who likes to keep Christmas well and truly within the month of December. So here I am, confronted with the task of reviewing an album of Christmas music in October. Only for David. This album does a good job, in general, of capturing the spirit of Christmas, with songs that express both the spiritual side and the traditional side of the holiday. This album is truly Christmas, from the heart. Christmas CDs are a very common and easy way for an artist and label to make money. Some artists are more suited to it than others, but this traditional style definitely suits David’s voice. The music fits him like a glove, and allows David to explore a more traditional vocal style than his pop ventures have permitted.
The first half of the CD is filled with “ye olde classics” such as Joy to the World, Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful arranged with orchestrated classical strings and a prom style performance. The second half ventures more into a cut back, groovier take on Christmas songs featuring more modern and unusual Christmas tunes. There is a nice variation between the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, and the lavish and the restrained. Christmas From the Heart is a fantastically balanced album truly possessing something for everyone.
Each track has its own moments of vocal magic. Silent Night demonstrates that soft fuzzy quality to his voice better than any other song I have heard him sing, whilst O Holy Night and Ave Maria enable David to take the bull by the horns and belt. David manages to capture the spiritual heart of each song so wonderfully, enhancing the beauty of Silent Night and elevating the joy in The First Noel, to name just a couple of songs. Joy to the World lets David put his take on a very traditional Christmas tune and inject some big vocals. O Holy Night gradually ascends into an epic collision of beautiful melody and David’s voice, accompanied by a full orchestra. This is a track not for the faint of heart. Truly epic.
Towards the latter end of the CD we encounter some more unusual songs with a more modern sound. Two personal highlights of the album include Pat a Pan, a rather unexpected pleasure, and Riu Riu Chiu. The former includes a snippet of French and the latter is sung entirely in Spanish. Pat a Pan begins with a cheeky little melody but emerges into a grooving soft rock song with some superb dramatic string work and an energetic chord progression. Riu Riu Chiu plays off a simple melodic hook but continues to build to an absolutely superb climax. Spanish is such a wonderful language and David performs this song with strong emotion and understanding.
A jazzy duet with Charice Pempengco, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, sits as a highlight of the album. David has a chance to display his wonderful blues/soul intuition. The two voices blend wonderfully, and Charice shows tasteful restraint. Not quite sure why, but memories of Aladdin and Jasmine spring to mind when listening to this song. Maybe A Whole New World should be next on the list?! Haha.
Ave Maria is one of the most commonly covered songs ever sung. It has been performed by the truly, truly great, and thus is subject to critical comparisons. It has the ability to pack a powerful spiritual punch but must be executed to perfection in order to do so. David’s vocal performance on this track is nothing short of a masterpiece. At 18 years of age? What can you say, really?
The final track on the album is an original song, Melodies of Christmas. This song is the link the between the debut album and the current CD. The radio beat and simple hook make this track the best one to represent the album. Overall, I like the song. It has a decent melody and chord progression. It gets a little hectic towards the end and the lyrics are a little cheesy but hey, it’s Christmas, so maybe in December I’ll be able to let that pass. David brings an uplifting sense to this song, which I think will go down well when the time is right.
The album ticks a lot of boxes here. Vocally, I think the album is a masterpiece and I haven’t heard a major label commercial release with awesome singing for a very long time. One major box I felt was un-ticked by the first album was the production value. In an earlier review, I raised major concerns with the sound, cohesion and direction of the production of the first CD, but I feel this album is a huge step forward. I was fearful that the orchestras would sound tacky, but was surprised at the lavish sound. David’s voice sounds pure and the arrangements are, with a few exceptions, tasteful yet powerful.
There is something here for everyone. Some will enjoy the more traditional and orchestrated sound, and others will take more of a shine to the stripped-back modern stuff. Leaving the merits of the concept aside, the album delivers in the quality. Christmas songs may not be what everyone wants David to do, but in terms of quality, the album merits itself as a very worthy Christmas album. David is growing, you can hear it both technically (Ave Maria’s climax note) and also stylistically (I’ll Be Home for Christmas). The future is looking brighter and brighter and the journey is still young, but I can say for sure – this is a very strong stepping stone along David’s path.
~chenson
(For those few people who don’t know him, chenson is a college student studying music, and lives in the south of England. He has hopes of becoming a session musician and writer, and has followed David pretty much since week one of AI.)
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
Thank you chenson, love your review:
“Fantastically balanced album truly possessing something for everyone.”
I think this album is a great “starter” for people to hear David’s voice really featured, and there is enough variety so that there’s something for everyone. I like your mention of the “soft fuzzy quality” in Silent Night, and I agree that it’s a standout.
I’m also feelin the luv for Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and I’m a fan of Charice’s voice. I like her when she’s power belting, but I like her even more when she is restrained like she is here. One of the reviewers mentioned that David employed a lighter tone in his voice in order to better match with Charice, and I love how it sounds.
By the way, when you feel up to it I’d love to know why you think that I’ll Be Home for Christmas is a step forward stylistically.
About Ave Maria: “At 18 years of age? What can you say, really?” Really, what can you say? David’s rise will be meteoric, and we are privileged to witness it.
–
On another note, my buddy scottnsanfran posted a comment on the previous thread! People should go check it out! Love you, Scotty!
Brilliant review, my friend! Your insight and take on David’s music are always a pleasure to read!
You mentioned the “soft fuzzy quality” of David’s voice, and I have to say: yes, yes, yes!! It’s one of the things I missed on the first album, as they apparently cleaned up most of the vocal tracks enough to reduce it to almost non-existent – or it simply got drowned out by the mostly crowded pop-arrangements. So like you, I am very very very happy with the improvement they show in the production of ‘Christmas From The Heart’. David’s voice is always clearly in and at the center of every song, and it allows the various nuances of his rich voice to be heard. That gentle rasp of his voice is such a wonderful, pleasant sensation to the ear, like soft velvet sliding over skin or chocolate melting on one’s tongue.
I could add a thousand things here but I’m already rambling, and basically I’d just be saying “Yes!” to everything you wrote, haha… so I’ll leave it at that. lol I just wanted to say I love your review, Chens!
If you would be inclined to let us know your thoughts on ‘What Child Is This’, I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
P.S.: You got the titles confused talking about the duet.
AnniefromtheEU – thanks for the correction. Done!
Really nice article, Chenson!
Hey guys! Check out my video, inspired by this “early Christmas Present”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bka84xCXOUw
hell0g0rge0us . October 16, 2009 at 9:57 am .
Very sweet video! Although I didn’t “hear” it, the visuals are a treat. I will add this to the video/chat channel.
Good things come to those who wait.
Abrra
Thanks, Abrra!
This album simply oozes love from every note and word. There is a constant feel of love emanating throughout. Except for the times that love erupts, overwhelms and enfolds your very being. You cannot escape the feeling of love permeating your core.
The Salvation Army sent me a request for help to make a better Thanksgiving. I immediately wrote them a check. A lady in the parking lot asked me for change. I was happy to share and do not care what she does with that money. I wanted her to feel David’s love.
Merry Christmas to all of you. I think this is going to be the very best of seasons.
chenson – lovely article. I love how you put it:
“David manages to capture the spiritual heart of each song so wonderfully…”
So true. This appears to be a project close to his heart and he brings an intimacy and reverence to these songs that is quite beautiful.
Chenson – Great review from merry ole England! I agree with everything you say. Also like Melodies of Christmas but feel it gets a little busy and cacophonous toward the end. Like you say, “maybe in December I’ll be able to let that pass.” Closer to the holiday, when the spirit of Christmas abounds, the joy of that ending may resonate well. But ITA that it is all good!
HG – That video is great promo for the album. Beautifully done! I’m sold!
Thank you Chenson for your positive review and festive pictures included. We have been enjoying the cd in a celebratory fashion, with a big congratulations for David…
There is not much in this world that is perfect and the idea of what is perfect changes from person to person and from day to day…Thank you for not dwelling upon any imperfections.
What we most enjoy about David’s Christmas cd is how it touches the hearts of the people, how refreshing and fantastic it is musically and that is what matters foremost.
hellogorgeous…I appreciate and enjoyed watching your video..!!
I have one VIP for Manchester for anyone anxious to see and speak with David…
SB
Chenson,
I always appreciate your glass-half-full impressions, your cheerful optimism. Who said the British have a stiff upper lip?!
I agree with much of what you have observed, particularly regarding David’s vocal work. It’s easier for those of us who cherish the sound of his voice, who know every nook and cranny and nuance, to hear what he is doing, to appreciate what he achieves in the midst of these arrangements. Less so for the uninitiated, I’m afraid, which may be an issue across broader audiences.
This is certainly the moment to celebrate what David has accomplished, however, and you have articulated that for us beautifully.
Chenson, I really enjoyed your review and you are so correct about O Holy Night. Every time I listen to that song I feel as though my heart wants to burst out of my chest.
And why is it that every time I read the words “he’s only 18″ does it always come as such a shock to me? He sings with such skill, conviction and maturity I always seem to forget about how young he is. When he sings he becomes ageless to me.
I am so impressed at how vocally challenging some of his song choices were and how expertly he delivered them. I’d be interested to know what other artists think when they listen to his album, especially ones near his age. Are they impressed? threatened? in awe? I can’t think of another contemporary singer, especially a young one, who is David’s vocal equivalent. He is truly in a league of his own and this Christmas album proves it.
Chenson- Thank you so much for your review. It is so gratifying for someone like myself who has no vocal or musica training whatsoever to hear you express what I cannot find the words for.
Rascal- I find myself at times mystified at how you express yourself. I have stated how “I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer” and even when I don’t fully agree with you am still in awe of your intellect.
Listened to Riu Riu Chiu again (only my 10th time, ha ha)-oh what subtlety and nuance which I am sure I only catch a few of the notes in their nuance and subtlety but it’s just such an experience when David takes us there. Woah, can’t get enough of this album. Happy times are hear again.
I should definitely review these before submitting-
1) musical, not musica (that Spanish kicking in sometimes)
2) should be happy times are “here” again not “hear”
BTW, can I say LOVE TO HEAR DAVID SINGING IN OTHER LANGUAGES makes me giddy. :] maybe a little
This may have been posted here but brought this over from SnowAngelz as a reminder:
Attention, Cleveland, OH, concertgoers, VIP tix go on sale Tues. Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. ET ($195) (www.iloveallaccess.com / password: heart)
For other cities, VIPs go on sale:
Waukegan, IL. — 10/20 @ 12 pm CT.
Kansas City, MO. — 10/20 @ 1 pm CT.
St. Paul, MN. — 10/20 @ 1 pm CT.
Salt Lake City, UT. — 10/21 @ 9 am MT.
Ann Arbor, MI. — 10/20 @ 1 pm ET.
Bakersfield, CA. — @ 12 pm PT.
San Francisco, CA. — 10/21 @ 10 am PT.
Anaheim, CA. — 10/21 @ 10 am PT.
Rexburg, ID. TBA.
Montclair, NJ. TBA.
Baltimore, MD. TBA.
Mashantucket, CT. TBA.
Boston, MA. TBA.
Westbury, NY. TBA.
ram — don’t ever let impressive presentation make you believe that the content is more significant. Well expressed opinions are still opinions.
But thanks for your generous comment.
Thank you CHENSON for a well thought-out and wonderfully articulated review of CFTH.
If you don’t mind me asking, when will you graduate and which branch of music are you focusing on?
Chenson, your articles are always a great read. This one deserves major props. Having had no formal musical training, I learn so much from your perspective as a student of music. Thank you!
Meanwhile, I’m feeling very conflicted…
Is it possible to have two religions??
If I don’t stop listening and singing along to CFTH my hubby’s threatening to drag me to our Rabbi for confession.
Zoe – LOL!! Maybe we can form a side club (JWODD)- “Jews With Obsessive David Disorder.” My husband’s not ready to commit me yet – if I can listen to Barbara Streisand sing Christmas songs, I certainly can listen to David!!
What’s scary is I keep having fantasies of David standing in temple singing Hebrew prayer’s. The Cantor at my Synagogue has an amazing voice, but I do believe David could give him a run for his money..LOL
I know it’s really late, but David is still out. He went to the Kings Of Leon concert. He cracks me up! He tweeted very simply…”You know that I could use somebody” (a song by KOL) and nearly caused Twitterland to explode!
I feel stangely comforted knowing David is in Nashville making what sound like great music, instead of LA or Utah. He’s making important contacts with good people. He’s where he should be even if it’s just for another day or a few more days. I think he should consider living in Nashville someday.
Good night, and for David,
Dear lord,
Please take care of David.
Watch over him, protect him from all harm.
Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that is thrown in his path.
Give David the courage and guidance to say no to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give.
Surround David with loving and supportive people who love him unconditionally as we, his devoted Archangels do.
Separate David from those who have agendas other than for his well being.
Give him rest when he feels weary.
Give him stamina to sustain his hectic pace.
Give him assurance when he feels doubt.
Give him joy when he feels sad and never allow David to feel alone or lonely.
GIVE US THE WISDOM TO ALWAYS DO RIGHT BY DAVID.
OPEN OUR EYES AND HELP US IN THE WAY WE SUPPORT DAVID SO THAT IT’S ALWAYS IN HIS BEST INTERESTS.
Cloak him always in your protective arms during this time on his journey.
Keep David and and his voice healthy and strong as he fulfills his Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born.
Though we may be unworthy Lord, we humbly pray. Amen
David, have a good night’s sleep with sweet & happy dreams. Thank you for all you do and for who you are. Keep with you all our love, support & prayers always.
Contigo siempre en la distancia, con amor!
SF: I agree about David being in Nashville – it just seems like the right kind of town and a lot of good songwriters there. Maybe I’m imagining it, but it seems less flashy and less autotune-oriented than LA. And Utah is probably not a peaceful place right now.
Nina, JWODD FTW! And how about JOCFTH (Jews Obsessed with CFTH) — sorry Bob Dylan! I have the same fantasies of David singing Hebrew prayers. haha. These days I kind just substitute David’s voice with that of my cantor’s when I am in temple (Sorry Cantor!). Bebereader, would it be greedy to petition David to sing a Hanukkah song in the tour for his poor Jewish fans suffering from Xmas-envy?
Nina and YJ, ROTFLMAO!!! Never thought about substituting David’s voice in temple before. Sure would’ve helped me a few weeks ago during those looooong hours of High Holiday prayers!
Zoe/Nina/Bebe, I think we got a club! I am nominating Bliss as the president of JWODD.
Zoe, You should try to imagine hearing David’s voice singing Hebrew. It’s amazing! (is it wrong to fantasize about David, er, I mean his voice, during the prayer service? is it proper to give your Jewish friends CFTH as a Hanukkah present? haha)
YJ – hahaha! I’m imagining David chanting Shema Yisrael and it’s WORKIN FOR ME!
Dangit, won’t be giving CFTH to my Jewish friends but there are a heck of alot of lucky Christian peeps who will be getting an Xmas gift from me for the first time!
Pick a date for the opening club meeting…I’ll be there!
YJ – I’m up for nominating Bliss as president of JWODD!!
David seems to have a natural affinity for speaking different languages. I bet he would be a hit at any synagogue. All those people who only attend during the high holidays would come out in droves for a simple Friday evening service..LOL
As a child I loved Elvis, his beautiful face and gorgeous voice,,,, hm,,,:),,, so I saved my money to buy his Christmas album.
I was anticipating so much, and was crushed to hear the many cutsie songs on the album.
Now flash forward through much of my adult life and I play David’s CFTH. I LOVE every song soo much, but the first six songs, the carols I longed for Elvis to sing, were there in absolute perfection!!!! The whole album is a gift to me the adult, but those traditional carols are making the child in me rejoice. Thank you so much David.
(So Elvis,,, you are off the hook and while I am at it grandpa too. He never did get me that pony.:)
Nina – you’ve got me spazzing thinking about David leading Friday night services. What a way to rejuvenate a congregation!
Speaking of spazzing…I’m getting psyched for the rescheduled AC show on November 1st! I found a great seat on Ebay a few weeks ago. Long suffering hubby will be at the blackjack tables while I go by my lonesome (what a guy…he should only TRULY know the extent of my ODD, haha). Would love to say hi to fellow TDC attendees!
poof – growing up, my family was huge Elvis fans. Recently went to Memphis and Graceland. Looking at all his gold and platinum records just blows you away, funny how you forget how many he had; and the beautiful photographs, and interviews of a young, humble, soft-spoken Elvis, and then the videos of his performances – the voice, the stage presence, the charisma, Lisa Marie talking about how at a very young age she was completely captivated watching her father on stage.
Boy, all I could think about was all the similarities.
YJfanofdavid,
Why do you do this to me?
“Zoe, You should try to imagine hearing David’s voice singing Hebrew. It’s amazing!”
I was just recovering from his voice singing in Spanish and now am reeling from the French pronunciations. But the thought of hearing him sing in Hebrew, the language that Christ spoke, (I am Christian,) elicits images of profound weakness and buckling knees. I almost took Hebrew in college just to understand how He formed His words. All those Voiceless glottal fricative h’s.. too much beauty. From Wikipedia on the Hebrew language pronunciation of H,
[h and ɦ] have been described as voiceless or breathy voiced counterparts of the vowels that follow them but the shape of the vocal tract is often simply that of the surrounding sounds.
That just might kill me. I know of worse ways to go.
Zoe: There are a bunch of us going to AC. You don’t have to go alone! I’m going to start a new list on the AC Tour page and ask for anyone to send me a note on the contact page and I will email and coordinate some meet-ups.
http://www.thedavidchronicles.com/2009/08/atlantic-city-nj-august-22-2009/
Thanks Marlie!! I’ll be in touch
Zoe – I’m going to the AC concert as well – we have to try and meet up. My husband will be at the poker tables probably losing money, so this little AC trip is going to be a lot more money then originally anticipated…LOL.
Also, aren’t you the person who’s child is going to IU? Love to chat about that as well!!
Nina, awesome to know you’ll be there!!! We will def meet up. Maybe we can get the hubbies to hang out together (and WIN BIG at the tables, lol) while we chat before or after.
And yes, my daughter is at IU and we have A LOT to talk about that!!
Just what I needed on a cold, soggy Saturday afternoon…
For your reading pleasure, check out http://www.masterclasslady.com for a just posted review of CFTH. Haven’t started it yet, but every critique I’ve read by this highly regarded music aficionado/instructor is a fascinating, balanced, thorough review of the subject matter. Enjoy!!
I’m “plotzing”. This site has enough Jews to form a Thursday NIght Mah Jong game (your tiles or mine?). I hope David feels our “kvelling” over everything he sings and does, because he is the best example of a “mensch” I have ever seen. Not to even mention that “shana punim” on him.
As I said a few days ago here, Xmas was always a very secular holiday for me. It was all about getting a week off from school, going to Macy’s (and Gimbels) on 34st St. to sit on Santas lap (that finally ended when I was 45),and listening to all the great “seasonal” songs.
David’s CD has given me the incentive to acquaint myself with the sacred music of Christmas, and these songs are beautiful. Listening to David singing “O Holy Night” or “Ave Maria” transcends any upbringing or religion. David brings us all to that special place where we are all the same. These VIPs are more like pilgimages, where people come from near and far to be in David’s company. The Jonas Brothers have fans,. David has devotees. Check out the comments sections on any negative review he gets. That idiot in Wisconsin got eaten alive the other day by over 100 comments defending David’s honor and talent.
Personally, I feel a strong kinship with anyone who loves and appreciates David. If you are “on board” with David, you’re my kind of person. It’s that simple.
Glossary of terms for those who have stopped watching “Seinfeld”:
“Plotzing”-to be overwhelmed to the point of being speechless
“Kvelling”- to burst with pride
“Mensch”- a good, honest person who always takes the high road
“Shana Punim”-a beautiful face. (David is now the new criteria for the last 2 terms.)
Hey Bliss! Got that Mah Jongg game covered – we play every Wednesday. And you best believe Shana Punim Mensch David is the topic of many of our conversations.
I’ve recently convinced 2 holdouts to jump aboard the David express…still working on the 3rd, who happens to be Catholic, haha. Wait till I give her CFTH for the holidays – she’ll plotz!!
Good morning everyone. What is for breakie today? Thanks Zoe for the link. I wish I can post the whole review of Masterclass lady. I will just post the excerpts of top three (they keep changing) from my last night’s listening.
Bliss , I am tempted to send some of the excerpts to the “badger website” and tell me what the experts are saying about The Album and The Voice. Just to educate them about the so called elementary beats, “But, perhaps the biggest hiccup on the album is the background instrumentals. They detract from Archuleta’s voice and sound more like the elementary beats you’d tap out on your beginners’ Yamaha piano keyboard.”
here are the excerpts:
I finally managed to find some “me” time to savor the golden voice of David Archuleta in his wonderful Christmas recording, “Christmas From The Heart”.
As expected, David’s vocal artistry, combined with his magical team of musicians and arrangers, offer the listener fresh, exciting arrangements to these popular Christmas songs and carols.
Here is a link to the credits for this album. It’s a long list, so is it any wonder that this album is a winner?
So, I invite you to sit back and enjoy David’s music as you read this Masterclass review.
And if you haven’t yet purchased his CD, you can do so now through Amazon.Com and ITunes.
1. Joy To The World
This begins with an ethereal orchestral introduction followed by David’s luscious vocal style. This is a very good arrangement that becomes increasingly better as the song progresses. The chord progressions in this song are very good indeed.
Personally, I felt that the song rose to enormous heights in the middle of this song, where one can hear the orchestra play the closing refrain of “Angels We Have Heard On High”. At this point, David not only highlighted the strength and beauty of his gorgeous upper range, but also emphasized what a creatively mature artist he is and will continue to be.
Additionally, the background vocals added a mystical quality to this song.
The ending is truly spectacular -the goosebumps are starting to form on my arm. David’s liberated vocal style, that soulful quality that we have come to know and love is revealed in splendor and glory as he vocalizes the final strains of this beautiful song. Excellent!
5.The First Noel
Oh my, how I love this song. When I have a moment, I will have to add a video of my choir performing an adapted John Rutter arrangement of this song. This is truly a singer’s song. The wonderful melodic lines of this song allows the singer’s voice to soar and the orchestral possibilities are endless.
But I digress. Time to press the “play” button” and hear David’s personal vision of this most sacred of carols. Here we go!
I hear bells, then David, then strings and some soft percussion. I love the baroque “feel” to this arrangement – very similar to one performed by my choir, the Timmins Youth Singers. This style perfectly compliments this carol – the melody has a music-box quality in the rhythmic component that I absolutely adore.
David’s voice sounds very good – always so expressive and so passionate.
And, once again, we are treated to a neat key change at the end of the second refrain, on the word of “Israel“. And, it allows David to access his baritone range with better strength and clarity than was heard earlier on in this recording.
And as David approaches the final segment of this song, he adds his liberated soulful style, improvising melody and lyrics. Although I was hoping for a more powerful ending, it is still a beautiful performance and sets the perfect tone for the next number on the CD.
9. Pat-A-Pan
This is a very cute song – very similar in content to the slightly more popular song, “The Little Drummer Boy”. I conducted a very busy arrangement of this song with my choir and, although it was a lot of work, it was also a great deal of fun once the end product was realized.
David begins this song with the traditionally French version of this sweet carol. I must say that his French diction is exceptional. He has a wonderful ear for this language- and all languages-, something that I feel will become increasingly evident throughout the remainder of this CD.
He then continues in English and his youthful, exuberant voice is so perfect for this song. And, of course, there is an excellent percussive track in this song.
I love, love, LOVE the wild musical ride that David and the orchestra embark on midway through this song. The arrangement takes on a very cool classical sound and the result is truly spectacular. Listen to those synthesized strings – lots of fun!
Once again, this adventure modulates to a higher key and David’s upper register voice just explodes with such passion and verve. And then, in a blink of an eye, he vocalized down the octave with a hushed nuance in his voice. while layering his variant background vocals. And then, all too quickly, the song fades to black.
This is a VERY current arrangement of this song and I truly hope that it receives the exposure that it truly deserves. Just excellent!
the last words of Masterclass lady
If you don’t love and appreciate the season and true meaning of Christmas after you listen to this CD, I’m sorry, I can’t help you! As once quoted by Jerry Seinfeld, “you need a team of specialists” to help you.
http://masterclasslady.com/2009/10/17/a-masterclass-review-of-david-archuletas-christmas-from-the-heart/#comments
Tomorrow , I might have my different favourites.
I think if we continue to access this latest review of David’s album, when people goggle “review Christmas and David Archuleta” this will be the first article that will come up. GOOD PROMOTION.
Good morning again , back to my CD, (thanks to team archies for my album. if you haven’t donated please do http://teamarchie.com/promo/?page_id=21 )
Bliss your post is too funny – Your first paragraph reads like Yiddish Mad Libs!!LOL
A few David-esque random thoughts:
Zoe, my most vivid memory of my mother’s Mah Jongg game was the cream cheese sandwiches on white bread she served to “the girls”, with the crust removed. I guess that was considered “haute cuisine” back in the Bronx, circa 1962.
Nina, “Yiddish Mad Libs”. What a concept.
I seem to remember David saying “Mazel Tov” on one of his interviews, but I can’t remember when or why he said it.
I believe that David’s performances on this tour will be epic. David always has a surprise or two up his sleeve, along with the talent and ability to bring it to life. His live performances of these Christmas songs will be, literally, “religious experiences”.
With David in Nasville, how about a Country CD, with his versions of such classics as “Always On My Mind”, “Sweet Deams”, “Crying”, and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, among many others. His performance of “Smokey Mountains Memories” on AI was mind blowing. That note he hits near the end goes right through me every time I hear it.
Time to check out the Yankee game. I hope it’s not rained out.
Is there anything the MasterClass Lady misses in a performance, esp with David? You’d think she is an Archie, but an objective one and a professional to boot
Wonder how the UW Scrooge would react when they read her review which most fans I bet would post in their newspaper! LOL
Am also glad she pointed out my long time pet peeve with OHN [Di(breath) vine], which was replicated in OCOYF [O Come Let Us Adore (breath) Him, Christ the Lord] & WCIS [Son (breath) of Mary].
I missed the fragmented [ven (breath) tris] in AveMaria cos am already a puddle of goo by that time with David’s ‘daidly’ rendition.
Sorry for being anal about this. Just really want for David to conquer these lines in a breathless, seamless delivery cos they are very noticeable and could have been easily corrected.
(Goes to get the basket to catch SB’s tomatoes – yes! I remembered your warning 4 or 5 threads back about any complaints about this album. Am catching the tomatoes cos all veggies here are like gold currently)
BLISS – MCL also quoted Seinfeld!
If you don’t love and appreciate the season and true meaning of Christmas after you listen to this CD, I’m sorry, I can’t help you! As once quoted by Jerry Seinfeld, “you need a team of specialists” to help you.
And re when David mentioned “Mazel Tov” – it was during word assocation game in a radio station – what 1st comes to your mind kinda game. “Mazel Tov” was his reply to the question: “Who is the sexiest celebrity in a bikini?” or something like that. The only link I could think of? He was probably thinking of Fran Fine in The Nanny – anyone here remember that sitcom? That’s where I pick up yiddish phrases in my younger years, hehe
JR: I actually appreciate a review that doesn’t just say, “It’s wonderful.” It IS wonderful, don’t get me wrong, but I want to understand more about the parts that thrill me, and yes, the parts that thrill me a bit less. And generally, those parts are not about David’s singing (I barely noticed most of those incorrect breaths).
I think it was a few posts back that someone said the background music was too loud in places and they wanted to hear David at those spots. Me, too.
I appreciate that the Master Class Lady was able to be honest and give a professional opinion that informed of both the gorgeous (99%) and the few things that weren’t absolutely perfect. And what do we expect from any performance (except of course, CELD), I hope not otherworldly perfection, because that is a terrible burden to place on David.
What I do know is that when I listen to the CD, I am transported, and the loud orchestral passages and the pauses for breath in the middle of a phrase, and the whispyness of David’s lower register don’t impact my enjoyment at all.
MARLIE – “I think it was a few posts back that someone said the background music was too loud in places and they wanted to hear David at those spots. Me, too.”
I think that was me
And re my pet peeve –I edited my previous post to explain why, like MCL, it is driving me nuts. They are noticeable and can easily be corrected, what with being in a recording studio and all. And I don’t think it will be a burden on David if it is the correct and better way. In fact I think he will appreciate it as he is like a sponge, always eager to perfect his craft.
But let me be clear: my pet peeves do not diminish for me what he has accomplished in this album. CFTH is David/music at his/its finest.
Dozed off again..but David is still up so I guess it’s OK. He was eating a snack after a very long & productive day!
He is hosting on KIWI Radio tomorrow evening, but if he follows his usual custom, he may not tweet again til Monday.
Good night, and for David,
Dear lord,
Please take care of David.
Watch over him, protect him from all harm.
Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that is thrown in his path.
Give David the courage and guidance to say no to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give.
Surround David with loving and supportive people who love him unconditionally as we, his devoted Archangels do.
Separate David from those who have agendas other than for his well being.
Give him rest when he feels weary.
Give him stamina to sustain his hectic pace.
Give him assurance when he feels doubt.
Give him joy when he feels sad and never allow David to feel alone or lonely.
GIVE US THE WISDOM TO ALWAYS DO RIGHT BY DAVID.
OPEN OUR EYES AND HELP US IN THE WAY WE SUPPORT DAVID SO THAT IT’S ALWAYS IN HIS BEST INTERESTS.
Cloak him always in your protective arms during this time on his journey.
Keep David and and his voice healthy and strong as he fulfills his Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born.
Though we may be unworthy Lord, we humbly pray. Amen
David, have a good night’s sleep with sweet & happy dreams. Thank you for all you do and for who you are. Keep with you all our love, support & prayers always.
Contigo siempre en la distancia, con amor!
SF – Amen.
thanks for the comments guys!