Sarah Darling ” Winter Wonderland” album review – Review by Lesley Hastings

You know that feeling when you hear that an artist is releasing an album of Christmas covers and you cringe at the thought? Well that was definitely not the case for me when Nashville’s Sarah Darling announced recently she was doing exactly that! Her pure, sweet vocals were one of the highlights of her last album “Dream Country” and I was sure that they would be equally well suited to a festive collection. And indeed they are, and in addition the mix of songs on this eight track album demonstrate what a versatile singer Sarah is. There’s the cheeky, jazz infused opener “Santa Baby” , the classic carol “Silent Night” and a stunningly emotional version of Joni Mitchell’s 1971 album track “River” to name three of my favourites that she has chosen to include

The arrangements and backing vocals throughout the album are beautiful too, I’m a particular fan of the piano and sweeping strings that feature on several of the tracks. And I like the punchier than usual version of Winter Wonderland which gives it a country feel and adds variety to a generally gentle album which Sarah herself describes as “Dream Country at Christmas time!”.
This CD will definitely be a real treat for her fans both sides of the Atlantic and I’m sure those in the UK fortunate enough to have tickets to Sarah’s sold out show at London’s St Pancras Old Church next month will be hoping to have a festive sing along!
Any who missed out will be pleased to hear that she has just announced a further show in the capital at the Union Chapel on March 5th, where she will be showcasing some new material she has recently been working on for her next album. Tickets have just gone on sale, ticket link and further information on all things Sarah Darling can be found at sarahdarling.com

TRACK LISTING
1. Santa Baby
2. White Christmas
3. Silent Night
4. I’ll Be home For Christmas
5. Winter Wonderland
6. River
7. The Christmas Song
8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas