Susannah B's Soulful Holiday Version of Charlie Brown's Christmas Classic Brightens the Season
Susannah B's Joyous Take on a Holiday Classic
The magic of the holiday season is often encapsulated in music, and singer-songwriter Susannah B is set to enhance that spirit with her dreamy rendition of the beloved Christmas classic, "Christmas Time Is Here." Released on December 4, 2024, this charming track is the latest from her newly acclaimed album, POV.
After the successful launch of her recent album, which features unique and bold perspectives on a variety of songs, Susannah B not only demonstrates her versatility but also her deep-rooted connection to the holidays. Her newest single follows her earlier release this year, a vibrant and funky interpretation of "Winter Wonderland."
In "Christmas Time Is Here," Susannah collaborates with distinguished members of Alanis Morissette's band, showcasing a stellar group of musicians. This includes keyboardist and co-producer Michael Farrell, who is also known for collaborating with Macy Gray, along with drummer Victor Indrizzo, electric bassist Sean Hurley, and electric guitarist David Levita. Together, they create an enchanting arrangement that feels both fresh and timeless.
Susannah expresses her deep-seated love for Charles Schultz's Peanuts characters, especially Snoopy. She shares a personal connection, revealing, "I have an ankle tattoo of Snoopy dancing that represents pure joy and reminds me to dance, too." This playful spirit can be felt in her music, especially when it comes to the song she has chosen to reinterpret this holiday season.
Reflecting on the hauntingly sweet quality of the original track, Susannah states, "The moment when the kids all start to sing 'Christmas Time Is Here' with their high, little-kid voices is so tender and sweet. It inspired me to create my own version. The song carries a wistful longing for kindness and love all year round, which resonates deeply in today's context."
The arrangement is distinctly lush; the relaxed, languid instrumentation allows Susannah's soulful voice to shine, evoking the warmth and nostalgia typically associated with the holidays. She remarks, "I’m very happy with how this turned out," highlighting her joy in creating music that resonates with both her and her listeners.
Throughout her career, Susannah B has traversed multiple musical realms, moving from off-Broadway performances to pop and jazz clubs in New York and Los Angeles. Since the launch of her recording career in the early 2000s, she has gained recognition for her unique blend of jazz and pop influences. With a variety of albums under her belt, including her early works such as Happy Today (2003) and Let's Pretend (2008), Susannah has continuously pushed the boundaries of her artistry.
Her latest album, POV, features fresh reincarnations of her original work, aiming to offer listeners a new perspective on familiar tunes. Among the standout tracks, fans can find reimagined versions of Billy Joel’s iconic song "Vienna," alongside her touching take on "It's Alright to Cry," a beloved song originally written by her mother, renowned composer Carol Hall.
As Susannah B spreads joy with her musical magic, her soulful twist on a classic Christmas song stands as yet another testament to her ongoing evolution as an artist. This holiday season, fans can certainly look forward to embracing the tender appeals of her music, reminding us all of the importance of love and kindness—not just during the holidays but throughout the entire year.