First Listen: Beverley Knight gives us “A Christmas Wish”
(December 4, 2020) The name Beverley Knight may not immediately register on the radar of some U.S. music listeners. But in her home country of England, she is a musical treasure – charting several U.K. 40 hits (“Shoulda Coulda Woulda” and “Get Up!”), and has been recognized by the Queen for her on and off stage accomplishments. Classic soul echoes in this singer/songwriter’s musical spirit with inspirations in Sam Cooke and Aretha (Franklin), and her collaborations include legends such as Prince and Chaka Khan.
For her latest contribution, First Listen presents Knight’s new holiday track, the bouncy “A Christmas Wish: The Theme to The Loss Adjuster” (Pink Flamingo Records). In a poignant gesture towards the U.K. theatre community that has shut down during the pandemic, Knight filmed the accompanying video at one of West End London’s historical landmarks, the Noel Coward Theatre. The music behind “A Christmas Wish” beckons the gigantic Wall of Sound of Phil Spector, fueled by the strings, keys, choir, and bells joyfully ringing out the holiday season. Up front, Knight’s animated voice captures the essence of Mariah Carey by her vocal range, soulful inflections, and sass. Undoubtedly, we are glad that Knight knows how to light up the holidays. So, listen up.
By Peggy Oliver
Beverley Knight – “A Christmas Wish”
