Darkside Of Christmas, by Collette Cooper

Darkside Of Christmas

by Collette Cooper

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This is a limited edition Christmas CD

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1.	Silent Night 06:13	info	buy track
2.	Ain't Necessarily So 04:48	info	buy track
3.	Another Day 03:04	info	buy track
4.	What A Wonderful World 05:51	info	buy track
5.	Darkside Of Christmas 04:12	info	buy track
6.	Run Santa Baby 04:55	info	buy track

about

This festive season, Collette Cooper provides an alternative take on the familiar deluge of yuletide projects with Darkside Of Christmas. Reflecting the current political and social environment caused by the impact of national and global events, Darkside Of Christmas takes a more poignant approach to the seasonal album, aiming to recognise the recent difficulties that have been felt by many around the world, touching on themes of love, loss and empathy, tied together with wry wit, edgy humour and outstanding musicianship.

Collette has a totally individual, unmistakable voice quality which is powerful, husky and above all soulful and tells a story with honesty and full of emotion which can take you from heartbreak to heaven.

While the theme may at first appear saturnine, Darkside Of Christmas’ ultimate sentiment is an uplifting feeling of spirituality and hope, laced with a devil-may-care party spirit designed to unify those who feel that the hour of ‘forced fun’ is upon them. Songs such as ‘Run Santa Baby’, sees old Saint Nick feeling the pinch of frostbite, while Cooper’s rendition of ‘What A Wonderful World’ sails over the sound of an old honky-tonk piano with the odd broken key, conjuring the essence of a singalong around the fire after a few too many glasses of Christmas spirit.

A more personal sentiment is projected on the original track ‘Another Day’ – is dedicated to Collette’s best friend Claire Bonham, who unexpectedly passed away in March 2020 (the last time they spent time together was New Year’s Day 2020), while the classic jazz standard ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’ is given a unique treatment with the addition of the melody from ‘Carol Of The Bells’.

Cooper recruited good friend, Richard Harwood, the principle cellist in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (the impact of his unrivalled bowmanship is most intensely felt on their version of ‘Silent Night’). Notable jazz musicians such as Andy Davies, Kevin Davy (trumpets), Liam Stevens and James Pearson (piano) greatly enhance the recoding with both their individual and collective dexterity and flair, while the mellifluous tones of The Kings Voices Gospel Choir add vibrancy and warmth.

The final jewel in the crown is the addition of legendary British actor Ray Winstone, who introduces the album by reciting an original poem by Collette Cooper, setting the tone for what is to come.

Primarily recorded at Abbey Road and Dean Street Studios, with original artwork by the acclaimed photographer Rankin, Darkside Of Christmas is a distinctive and stylish work, destined to indulge all of this years’ Scrooges and maybe a few Tiny Tim’s for good measure!

credits

released November 18, 2022

Vocals: performed and arranged by Collette Cooper
Cello: performed and arranged by Richard Harwood
Voice: Ray Winstone
Gospel Choir: featuring Kings Voices
Jingle bells: Gregory MacDonald
Trumpet: Kevin Davy
Piano: James Pearson
Drums: Jan Simson
Trumpet: Andy Davies
Piano: Liam Stevens
Bass: Daniel Malek
Guitar: Jack Parry
Hand claps: Gregory MacDonald, Richard Harwood, Sarah Meyz
Snow storm: Richard Harwood

Produced by Collette Cooper
Co-producers Gregory MacDonald & Richard Harwood
Strings arranged by Richard Harwood

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios by Gord Davidson, John Barrett, Joe Wyatt, and Sarah Meyz and at Dean Street Studios by Sam Hogg.

Principle Editing by Jamie Allen

Mixed by Tom Allom

Mastering by Naweed at Whitfield Mastering, London

Published by Xacutti LLP

Special thanks to Nigel Heath, Tom Allom, John Taglialavore, John Lyons, Rankin, Lois Winstone, Ray Winstone, Brooke Simons, Sophie Sugarman, Harriett Nicholson, Jacob Trappitt, Dave Benett, Tori Sunnucks, Rupert Burley, Jasmine Lee, Jai Taylor, and Mike Hanson.

Photography by Rankin

Artwork by Jai Taylor at Jaijo Design

Thelonious Punk Records copyright 2022

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about

Collette Cooper London, UK

'Most extraordinary voice and talent,' Chris Hawkins, BBC Radio 6 Music.

'A voice that is incomparable. I love it.' Huey Morgan, BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.

'The imitable Collette Cooper - what a voice!' Jonathan Ross.

'What a voice!' Sara Cox, BBC Radio 2.

'A rare talent' Tony Minvielle, JazzFM.

'Collette's brilliant voice is a revelation' Jazz Views.

'Distinctive and Stylish,' Jazzwise ... more