Our Review
Kerry Getz is a sensational artist, and "it's a wonderful life" is an exceptional album. Sometimes people wonder whether I tire of hearing the same holiday favorites done a thousand different ways. Oh, writing reviews does have its moments; still, discovering fantastic "new" musicians like Kerry Getz makes the endeavor more than worthwhile. This disc now occupies a permanent place of high honor in my holiday music collection.
Before picking up this CD, I had never heard of Kerry Getz, although she has been working in Los Angeles to great critical acclaim since 1997. Her phenomenal voice conveys pop/folk/rock sensibilities, and she is a skillful songwriter to boot. Getz presents achingly expressive alto tones; she brings to mind the best work of singers such as Sheryl Crow, Jewel, and Dar Williams.
My biggest complaint about this holiday CD is that it is too darn short (just under 40 minutes). The eleven tracks mix four Getz originals (including the title number) with ancient carols ("Lullay Lully", "Wexford Carol") and modern classics ("Christmas Time Is Here", "Maybe This Christmas"). Amazingly, the originals blend seamlessly with the other cuts; Getz's songwriting skills shine like bright stars throughout the disc. "Yuletide Romeo" and "It's a Wonderful Life" are particularly strong.
This is an undeniably first-class holiday music experience. Even if you absolutely detest the usual Christmas fare, give Getz's CD a try, and you will very likely agree that "it's a wonderful life."
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)
More
From the liner notes:
Musicians:
Kerry Getz- vocals; acoustic guitar; Martin Beal- guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion; Barry Hovis- pump organ, mellotron, piano, organ; Stuart Pearson- hurdy gurdy, keyboard; Rick "the drummer" Campos- drums; Landon Donsbach- upright bass; Jason Feddy- background vocals.
From the promotional materials:
Though Kerry Getz has immersed herself in the holiday spirit for her latest recording, it's a wonderful life, she has only experienced Christmas in sunny Southern California. She is used to opening gifts with the windows open and eating Christmas dinner on the back patio while wearing a sundress. And though some might question Kerry's credibility when it comes to the holiday spirit (she's never seen a white Christmas!), it only takes one listen to it's a wonderful life to appreciate her expertise.
Kerry Getz
It's a Wonderful Life
Artist link
Label: World in Motion Records
Length: 39 minutes
Genre: Pop
Release: 2003
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Lullay Lully |
| Suspended in December |
| The Wexford Carol |
| Christmastime Time Is Here |
| In The Bleak Mid-winter |
| In The Rain |
| It's A Wonderful Life |
| Maybe This Christmas |
| O Come O Come Emmanuel |
| Christmas In Suburbia |
| Yuletide Romeo |