Multi-instrumentalist, poet, songwriter and singer Jodie Fox unites creativity and classic seasonal warmth, with her brand new EP of Christmas hits that is Songs of Peace and Joy.
Beginning with organic and colourful comfort, Joyous Night features an eclectic arrangement of keys, marimba, guitar, and vocal harmonies – a unique take on a timelessly familiar gem, and a song that introduces the intimate vocal stylings and passion of Jodie Fox in a likable way.
The project is off to a brief but enjoyable start – less than a minute of music and performance but a crucial moment in lighting up the route for the rest of these Songs of Peace and Joy.
Following this, arrangement clearly matters, and Jodie’s instrumental version of the iconic Joy To The World brings in an up-tempo groove, with a pop-rock beat and meandering keys and synths, with ongoing bells to help set the mood alongside this unmistakable melody.
Next we move into a smooth and mellow take on Silent Night, another fine example of the value of arrangement in presenting a versatile but welcoming array of songs. Jodie Fox’s Silent Night utilises the same familiar keys from the previous songs, the same approach to layering harmonies, but also truly underlines a whole other side to her evocative voice. This song is a definite highlight for this combination of elements, and Jodie’s voice is divine in this lower toned, breathy and emotive setting.
While all of the songs on this Peace and Joy EP are around two minutes or less, they achieve their intended goals with ease during that time. Jodie Fox presents a deeply soothing and inclusive sound and vibe with the project, wrapping things up with a simple but again unique take that is the closing track Merry Christmas.
Here we’re guided by a vintage piano movement, organic and genuine, with the weight of the keys setting that authentic, live-performance mood. Meanwhile, a handful of different voices or guests proceed to calmly wish the listener Merry Christmas. It’s an unexpected but wonderful curtain call for Songs of Peace and Joy – an EP that whole-heartedly lives up to the implications of its name in both song choice and style.
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