SedSoul Records have given us so much fantastic music over recent years, and now it’s time for their latest release which, as usual, takes everything great and good about soul music AND this time also draws upon all that we cherish about the festive season to make a very special album of festive and celebratory songs. Rob Hardt at Sedsoul Records has all the elements of a truly successful and popular Christmas album that does not fall into the trap of being sugary, schmaltzy or gimmicky. With his “Christmas At Sedsoul” we are treated to soulful music which is melodic, relaxed and luxuriant, as well as other songs that are joyous uptempo numbers which will put a smile on your face, a spring in your step and create the right atmosphere for the festive season. Soulful Christmas albums have never been given serious consideration before, but this album certainly merits serious, critical attention. When Eugene Wilde sings about Christmas on “I Love Christmas” he puts his heart and soul into this, and the lyrics support the whole ethos of the album. Sharing the good times, laughing, enjoying family and appreciating all that is good are what we’re talking about. SedSoul has always incorporated the best of the past into their music, and this is no different and a nod goes to the past masters of the Christmas song when Nat King Cole is referenced.

Amongst the new festive jams are interpretations of traditional songs; skilfully reworked and given the magic touch. The funkiness of Ann Sexton’s “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” easily equals the past festive recordings by the likes of the Jackson 5, and Peggi Blu’s superb “The Christmas Song” easily stands shoulder-to-shoulder with recent critically acclaimed works by Anita Baker. Noel McKoy delivers a superb warm and heartfelt song called "This One's For You" which attests to family and friends who are not at our side. Real values and feelings are at the heart of this and all songs, making this stand apart from the tinsel-covered crowd. Christmas is also a time for partying and C. Robert Walker invites the listener to enjoy the season, have fun and treat it like it may be your last. No time for party-poopers here! Cool Million's Frank Ryle steps in withRiebau for a spangly, hand-clapping effort that will appeal to fans of Macy Gray and the wonderful Marilyn Ashford Brown also testifies with a groovy stepping tune to let our hair down and celebrate. Positivity really is the name of the game. A time of intimacy too is accounted for with the seductive Natasha Watts on "You And Me This Christmas" and adds a personal connection between two hearts at this special time. A superb Midnight Star-type beat adorns Jeniqua's "What Christmas Means To Me" and with C Robert Walker closing the set with "On This Day" they really do give Jam & Lewis a run for their money! The album's lyrics are real-world and true to our daily lives, there is little slushy, ephemeral, sentiment here. Creating a new Christmas album isn’t an easy task, yet SedSoul have mastered it with that lil’ bit of Christmas magic...why not have a Christmas with Sedsoul? You won’t regret it.