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This holiday season, prepare to be swept away by the mesmerizing voice of Maria Abous as she unveils her latest album, Merry Little Christmas. The crossover soprano brings an ethereal twist to Christmas classics with the timeless allure of Grace Kelly, the vocal warmth of Frank Sinatra, and a heart all her own.
Abous brings a rich tapestry of theatrical and classical influences to her work. From concert halls to supper clubs, she has carved out her own space as a cross-genre artist. Her most recent collaboration with a world-class group of jazz musicians (Nicolas Hetko, Philippe Lemm, Johannes Felscher) has produced a record that is both sophisticated and accessible.
Our hands-down favorite track on the album is her poignant rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The piano intro by Nicolas Hetko already takes us on an emotional ride. We sink deeper into our seats as Abous’ voice glistens, warmly complemented by sweeping strings and then the full jazz trio. She even incorporates some of the lesser-known original lyrics (“pop that champagne cork next year we may all be living in New York…”), and opts to swap some of the upbeat Frank Sinatra lyrics for the more sentimental Judy Garland rendition. Cue the “smiling through tears” emoji.
The release of Merry Little Christmas marks a significant milestone in Abous’ career – it’s a whopping twelve tracks long and soundly captures her essence as an artist. “I wanted this record to feel nostalgic, hopeful, longing, loving; to conjure up the wonder in each listener’s best childhood memories,” she says. Los Angeles-based producer Jacob Snider helped her accomplish exactly that. After Abous recorded the album live in a Brooklyn studio with the jazz trio, Snider layered in horns by Jas Walton and strings by Rita Andrade to round out the orchestration. This project marks Snider and Abous’ second collaboration – their 2021 album Crescendo, recorded while Abous was pregnant with her first child, reimagines jazz and theater standards as lullabies from mother to child.
Navigating the demands of early motherhood while pursuing a music career has definitely presented its challenges for Abous. With two young children at home, she is committed to balancing the responsibilities of parenting with the opportunities of her artistic life. She is making strides in two spotlights – at home with toddlers by day and in glitzy jazz bars by night. “It’s a great juxtaposition,” she laughs. “There’s nothing like potty training to keep the glamor in check.”
With recent sold-out performances on some of the most notable New York City stages, Abous is a rising star to watch. Be sure to listen to Merry Little Christmas at full volume and feel the feels this holiday season.
One thing is clear: Maria Abous is not just a singer. She is a storyteller whose voice speaks to both the beauty and heartache of the human experience. And we want to hear more.
Presented by: APG
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