'Tis the Season

Audio Mixer: Jochem van der Saag.
Recording information: Avatar Studios, NY; Blackbird Studio, Nashville, TN; Silent Sound Studios, Atlanta Georgia; Verve Studios, Los Angeles, CA.
Photographer: Frank Micelotta.
'Tis the Season is the first holiday offering from Jordan Smith, winner of 2015's ninth season of TV singing competition The Voice (U.S.). It follows the covers specialist's 2016 debut by seven months and adheres to that album's air of outmoded vocal pop, one that has proved to be a welcome respite to a fan base that landed him at number two on the Billboard 200. Here, performance highlights include "Grown-Up Christmas List," whose delicate arrangement of strings and piano makes room for Smith's tender delivery, and a dramatic version of "What Child Is This." An album that balances playful and wistful selections, 'Tis the Season also features appearances by such esteemed guests as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and soprano Maria Aleida. ~ Marcy Donelson