Given that the festive season is upon us, I thought I’d share a festive jingle that landed its way into The House That Soul Built‘s inbox.
Sung by Kyle Taylor Parker – a soul/jazz singer who also starred in the US tour of Broadway smash Kinky Boots – ‘Stowin’ Away (In Santa’s Sleigh)’ was written by songwriters Barry Anderson and Mark Petty and Broadway actor Drew Seeley. Parker’s rendition was recorded on Wish: The Anderson and Petty Holiday Album in 2017. He explains his approach and interpretation:
‘”Stowin’ Away (In Santa’s Sleigh)” was the first solo song I’d ever recorded in the studio. When Anderson & Petty brought me onboard I jumped at the opportunity to put my jazz/soul take on an original song. Good holiday music transcends the “idea” of a genre and keys in on the universal unifying nature of music. To me the holidays are defined by the sounds of Otis Redding, Donny Hathaway, and Ella Fitzgerald. I’ve attempted to infuse this song with the spirit of their sound. Recording this tune further inspired me to record my debut album, Broadway Soul, vol 1., a mixtape of Broadway showtunes rearranged as soul and R&B standards.’
The melody and delivery is evocative of the soul/jazz holiday standards which Parker seeks to pay homage to. He lends charming, jazzy vocals to the twinkly, piano-driven arrangement. Lots of festive warmth to enjoy.
(Image courtesy of Barry Anderson)
