| Jazz |
Barely back from a brief journey to Montgomery, Texas—just enough time to greet a few friends in a warm and cheerful atmosphere—we find ourselves with this CD in hand, undoubtedly one of the most delightful we’ve received for the holiday season. Uplifting, cheerful, and irresistibly danceable, it exudes the vibrant essence of the Caribbean. However, one cannot help but lament the vocal performances, which fall short of the richness of the music itself.
Christmas is synonymous with cherished traditions: stuffed stockings, adorned Christmas trees, and festive feasts fit for the most refined palates. Yet, for many Afro-Caribbean communities, these customs are only the beginning. For steelpan musician Joy Lapps and her husband, drummer Larnell Lewis, the season resonates with a unique blend of spirituality and musicality. Capturing this essence in an imaginative collection of reimagined classics, *The Caribbean Christmas Mixtape Vol. 1*, available November 15, celebrates Caribbean artistry with a vibrant flair, unfolding as a heartfelt musical love letter to family, friends, and faith.
As Catholicism wove pagan and religious festivals together, it’s worth noting that neither Christmas nor Christmas trees were originally religious traditions. The religious narrative features St. Nicholas and Père Fouettard, while Christmas and the Christmas tree originated as winter solstice celebrations honoring the work of woodcutters, whose labor ensured warmth for all. The modern image of Santa Claus, as we know it, was crafted by Coca-Cola for holiday advertisements in the early 20th century. Santa himself is a derivative of St. Nicholas’s imagery, inevitably blurring the lines between pagan and religious celebrations.
Surrounded by a family of multi-instrumentalists, Larnell grew up as a “stage baby,” developing an empathetic artistic sensibility. With an encyclopedic understanding of rhythm, nourished by diverse styles and live performances, his path to becoming Snarky Puppy’s drummer seemed almost fated. Under the musical direction of his father, who led their church’s music ministry, Larnell was introduced to genres ranging from soul, R&B, and gospel to Caribbean rhythms like zouk, spouge, and reggae. Church performances also instilled in him the art of supporting collective expression. “Growing up as a church musician, I learned the importance of influencing the atmosphere and perspective of worship through music, and doing so intentionally,” Larnell explains. Naturally, this involved playing a great deal of Christmas music.
The duo delved into their shared memories, from *The Sound of Music* to the 1960s *Soul Christmas* album, embracing a mixtape philosophy that delights listeners with the joyful diversity of Caribbean music. The project also became a channel for personal expression. “Here’s a side of me you didn’t know,” shares Larnell. “This is the journey I’ve taken. This is what Christmas looked like when my family gathered to play, sing, and dance.” For Joy, the process was equally poignant: “Music is a part of how we gather, how we engage with and strengthen our community. And often, it’s simply about uplifting the soul.”
Ultimately, this album is an excellent choice for the holiday season. While the purely musical sections shine brilliantly, earning it a solid four stars, we hope it also finds a warm reception with you.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, November 18th 2024
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