Martin Cilia - Electric Christmas CD (Bombora)

A new disc of holiday recordings by Martin Cilia is a welcome arrival, even in October when thoughts haven’t quite turned towards Thanksgiving yet. As fans of Martin Cilia can imagine, the guitar tone throughout is absolutely spot-on - twangy and filled with luscious reverb and echo. What stands out though is his arrangements - he really infuses these songs, most of which are holiday standards, with freshness and vitality. I especially loved the little original interludes he sprinkles throughout - familiar melodies are separated by new melodies composed by Cilia, but in a way that fits perfectly. Plus, he’s gone even further by writing three new Christmas songs - “Christmas In July”, “Christmas Stomp” and “South Of The Equator”. 

Tracks: Oh Come All Ye Faithful - Deck The Halls - Good King Wenceslas - Christmas In July - Hark The Herald Angels Sing - Christmas Stomp - Little Drummer Boy - We Wish You A Merry Christmas - Away In A Manger - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - South Of The Equator - Auld Lang Syne - Silent Night