Review: Wondrous TALES OF CHRISTMAS by Mario Frangoulis

I had the opportunity to chat with international singing star Mario Frangoulis the other day, and it was a simply delightful experience. He'll be performing in St. Louis at the Peabody Opera House on December 6, 2015 along with the legendary Smokey Robinson in a concert that will benefit the Voices For Veterans Organization. This is a group that seeks to end homelessness, especially for those forgotten and neglected soldiers who have bravely served our country. It's a great cause, and it should be a fabulous event. Mario spoke with me about his career, and in particular, his latest release, a holiday album titled TALES OF CHRISTMAS.

The album opens with a nod to Barbra Streisand and her arrangers (Jack Gold and Marty Paich) with his take on their jazz, and particularly bebop, rendition of "Jingle Bells." It's an especially fun way to kick off the festivities, and it shows off Mario's playful side. Throughout the tracks Frangoulis also displays his unique crystalline clarity of tone, which makes his singing seem effortless in execution, and it's a beautiful and perfect fit with Jorge Calandrelli's versatile arrangements and production choices. In fact, it's the element of diversity in these songs that really grabs you and makes you take notice. The three years and fifty songs he recorded, primarily at Abbey Road Studios, along with some bits at Avatar Studios in New York, were pared down to a dozen, and in doing so, some clever and creative decisions were made. Of course, being a Beatles fan, I had to ask about how it was working in their old digs, and he related to me that there was a definite vibe that the studio gave off that energized him during the recording process. I can only imagine. Sigh.

What follows are a series of really interesting selections that include: the Eden Ahbez penned "Nature Boy", familiar to most from the iconic recording by Nat King Cole, and here a definite standout; and a lovely modern sounding song called "Christmas Mornings" which takes full advantage of Mario's ability to communicate some genuinely emotional lyrics in truly meaningful fashion. Then we're treated to the swinging sax sounds of "White Christmas", which takes Frangoulis straight into crooner territory, and winningly so. Chaplin's "Smile"is given a gorgeously simple treatment with Calandrelli's piano work providing a stark and compelling counterpoint to Mario's flawless voice, and "What Child is This" benefits from an acoustic bed of instrumentation that brings an Irish flavor to the proceedings.

All the while Frangoulis is telling a story through song. This isn't just a singer tackling the usual yuletide standards, but someone attempting to convey the true meaning of the season. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is lush and lovely, and "Carpe Diem" (with Sarah Brightman) soars majestically. A Spanish language version of "Ave Maria" is another example of trying something different, since it's usually sung in Latin, and winding up with a revalation of unexpected beauty in this fresh interpretation. His finale with Marilyn Horne (who hasn't been active on the concert scene for several years, but has been a workhorse in giving back to the community with her Foundation) is an amazing run through "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," which features some sweet harmony, and a memorable coda from Marilyn that closes the album.

Mario Frangoulis has led an incredibly interesting life. He's fluent in several languages, started playing violin at age 6, and entered a theater program from ages 17 to 21, which resulted in a number of incredible performances, and some very important recognition and offers. And, yes he's a handsome and charismatic artist, as well. That goes without saying. But, for me, this is his best work so far. It's certainly not your typical Christmas release, since it actually comes from the heart, not the production line. It's not something you put on in the background while you're trimming the tree or opening presents, it's a collection you actually pay attention to, and reap its many rewards by doing so. TALES OF CHRISTMAS is highly recommended!