John Legend did not need any prodding to record a holiday album and is in the spirit throughout
A Legendary Christmas. Produced by
Raphael Saadiq, with whom
Legend collaborated on
Once Again highlight "Show Me," the LP is joyously nostalgic, decked with strings, horns, and a trio of background vocalists including secret weapon
Sy Smith. The majority of the material dates from the '40s through the '70s, while the six originals are similarly styled. Most of the new songs hold their own. The dashing "Wrap Me Up in Your Love" could pass for a vocalese version of a song intended for a Sky High Productions holiday album shelved since 1974, as it resembles something
Fonce and
Larry Mizell might've whipped up for
Bobbi Humphrey or
Donald Byrd. Another standout, "Bring Me Love," fits in with the thoughtful mix of Motown numbers: "What Christmas Means to Me" (popularized by
Stevie Wonder, heard here on harmonica), "Give Love on Christmas Day" (recorded by
Jackson 5, coincidentally co-written by
Fonce Mizell), and "Purple Snowflakes" (originally cut by
Marvin Gaye but not released until 1992, 27 years after the original composition was reworked/repurposed as the single "Pretty Little Baby").
Legend brought the ham to the recordings of the best-known selections. These include the
Esperanza Spalding duet "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and especially "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)." They're straightforward renditions, whereas
Saadiq and Jamelle Adisa's upbeat, uptown soul-style arrangement of "Silver Bells" brims with energy, and
Legend beams through it like he can't wait to make Another Legendary Christmas. The booklet, filled with
Legend family photos, make a strong case for physical over digital. ~ Andy Kellman