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Mars Lasar and Cadence Spalding - Holiday High
SMI 2008
SMI 2008
“...Mars Lasar has repeatedly demonstrated his gift for compelling, synthesizer-driven compositions (not just on his solo albums but in his movie and television scoring), on this holiday album...the Mars Lasar formula is at work here, with lush, keyboard-laden production and multilayered vocals courtesy of Cadence Spalding. The album is steeped in serenity, and is guaranteed to bring out the holiday
spirit in even the most hardcore grinches.”
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Reviewer: Michael Debbage
The master of sound manipulation has returned again to provide us with another all out Christmas affair. Much like his highly successful Christmas From Mars, released back in the year 2000, Lasar breathes life into the holiday songs that we have heard over and over again creating nuances that make the Christmas carols fresh and vibrant. This time around it is an all vocal affair with the addition of the dreamy vocals of new coming Cadence. The combination of these two artists makes for a magical merger.
It goes without saying that the production is detailed and crystal clear with all the bells, whistles and chimes (literally) associated with such a festive affair. Adding the wistful and ethereal vocals of Cadence further compliments the arrangements of Lasar. The album focuses on Christmas past by reviving seven traditional carols merged with three original compositions. Of the traditional arrangements “Angels” “Immanuel” and “All Is Bright” are where the vocals of Cadence are most defined and inspiring. Multi layered and angelic, comparisons with Enya will be unavoidable though her presentation comes with sense of even greater wholesomeness and purity keeping the vocals focused.
As previously mentioned there are three original compositions in the form of the title track, “Peace” and “Prayer”. These two tracks are self penned by Cadence while the latter is credited to both Lasar and Cadence. Of the three, “Peace” is probably the most stirring and spiritually uplifting and in and of itself is worth the price of admission. Though “Prayer” is a close second reminiscent of music from the soundtrack of the Titanic.
With the exception of some vocal assistance from Michael Angelo Caldwell on "Fall on Your Knees" and Philip Spalding on “Angel Song ”, this album focuses on the talents of both Lasar and Cadence. Cadence is even co-credited with the production and arrangements. This Christmas success allows us to relive our seasonal memories in a fresh and innovative way one expects from Mars Lasar through the voice of this gifted newcomer Cadence.
Now, I know you've probably had your share of pats on the back for music you've created over the years and may or may not be receptive or even interested in that. However, we cannot allow this letter to pass by without stating how beautiful it is. In fact, it could very well be the most beautiful Christmas album we've ever heard. Given that I have a huge passion for music (and is a mystery why I never learned to play), then you can be sure that I don't give that assessment lightly. There is something deeply moving about the way you've constructed this album. You've managed to take the traditional Christmas melodies that we all know and love and morph it into something truly special. That takes great talent because more often that not, it's merely a repeat of the same old. Not in this case. This album is a tapestry and since we've had it on all day long here (on a sound system that warrants it), it was easy to fall in love with it straight out of the gate. Major cudos go out to you.
Christmas is a special season for many people. And, that certainly rings true around this house. We've had our decorations out since November 14. Anyway, since this season means so much to my family because we're a bunch of kids at heart, then this new album from you will be something that I can assure will be well played. Again, sincerely,
thank you very much indeed.
Derek
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