If peppermint had a sound, it would be Laura Cheadle's A Christmas Album

Photo Cred: Anneke Schoneveld

Adding Laura Cheadle’s A Christmas Album to a holiday music collection is akin to throwing a peppermint cookie into a box of vanilla wafers. 

True to her refreshing pepperminty style, Cheadle carries over her rich yet smooth sound to her festive record. This standout Philly artist offers listeners a funky, soulful, multi-faceted approach to Christmas music.  
 

Starting with a fresh take on an enduringly quaint Christmas carol, Cheadle provides a Latin take on “Deck the Halls.”  Laura’s vocals sit beautifully on top of a spicy, samba infused track, but adds even more heat with the next tune “Giving You Me For Christmas.”  In this original tune (written by Laura), she takes things from underneath the mistletoe to underneath the Christmas tree, and the song’s old school R&B vibe further reveals the sultriness of this naughty chanteuse.  

Photo Cred: Anneke Schoneveld

Cheadle’s slightly jazzy rendition of “Let It Snow” draws the listener in with a beautifully soothing soft tone, while on “Silent Night” Cheadle lives up to her “funkyness” as she conveys the message of the song in soulful yet contemporary way. 

Combining a modern voice with a classic feel, “Let's Get Together for Christmas” is another spirited original.  Written by Laura’s father James, the smooth groove of the song proves the Laura’s funky and jazzy musical taste must have been inherited from Papa Cheadle. 

The entire album is excellent, but “Santa Baby” is an absolute must-listen. A variety of genres are present in just this one song (including r&b, blues, jazz, and even a touch of hip-hop), yet it is the most commercial track on the CD.  The recording is not only pristine, but it is also brilliant in the way it seamlessly blends the diverse musical components.  Laura proves with “Santa Baby” that she is the queen of Christmas song divas!

Photo Cred: Gregg Maddalo

A phenomenal close to a phenomenal CD, Cheadle wraps up her album with “The First Noel.”  Even the most jaded of listeners will be moved by the Christmas spirit with this faithful standby.  It is impossible not to be affected by the poignant lyricism of both Papa Cheadle’s piano solo and Laura Cheadle’s angelic voice.

A Christmas Album is a perfect treat for music fans looking to flavor their holiday events with a sprinkling of sugar AND spice!

Laura Cheadle’s holiday album can be purchased here     Note: True to the holiday spirit, Laura is throwing in a free Live CD with the purchase of A Christmas Album. 

 Laura Cheadle performing "Here Comes Santa Clause" on The Tim Qualls Show: