“Silent night, the stars up high / Shining for you tonight / Miles and miles of open highway / Are calling you tonight.”
The first single from JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter Catherine MacLellan’s new 4-song EP was written during Christmas 2020, “feeling very far from family and friends that would normally gather around my kitchen table for feasts and laughter.”
This somber tune is effective in evoking the warmth one feels during the holidays. The delicate, yet uncomplicated guitar playing and minimalist approach to the accompanying bass and drums combine for that tough-to-produce, timeless sound. Catherine’s tender, relaxed voice reminds me of Aimee Mann’s, in all the best ways.
Along with this original piece, the “Holiday” EP includes a collection of three Christmas classics. My personal favorite is the dulcet sounding “In The Bleak Midwinter,” which opens the EP, along with popular favorites “Blue Christmas” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”
Self-recorded and produced, this digital release is perfect for your holiday playlists. “I’ve always wanted to make a record to celebrate the holiday season and I hope to make a series of these small, bite-sized collections,” Catherine shares. “It was such a joy to make this record; I hope that Holiday can accompany you during the coming festive season.”
“Calling you home for Christmas Day / Calling you home for the holidays / Calling you home, home to stay.”
Photo Credit: Dave Brosha
A bit of a Renaissance man, Steve Murphy is a singer-songwriter, author, and journalist based out of London, Ontario. An avid vinyl collector and audiophile, his personal collection of albums is wide ranging and in the thousands, including four released from his band Westminster Park.
