In a year when most bands have taken their foot off the accelerator a little bit, Melbourne’s Kingswood have hit something of a purple patch, announcing the release of their third album this year.
Announced overnight, A Kingswood Christmas will serve as the group’s first-ever Christmas record, and first album consisting of covers, with the 12-track release solely featuring songs of the festive season.
With a long-lasting love of crooners from days gone by, the idea of a Christmas album was one that had been on the minds of the band for some time. However, with 2020 serving as an unpredictable year already, the Kingswood crew felt now was the perfect time for such a record.
“With a deep love of the many and varied Jazz-eras and the show-tune stylings of big bands that shaped American and furthermore, western global musical trends for some decades, our fascinations with the classic inspired interpretations on Christmas standards have long been celebrated throughout the years of Kingswood,” the group explained in a statement.
Recorded at Melbourne’s Newmarket Studios with Guus Hoevenaars and guest musicians Irena Laska (flute), Richard Butler (tenor saxophone), Steve Hornby (double bass), and Jack Davies (double bass), the record sees classics such as “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Silent Night” being given the standard Kingswood twist, with the latter featuring Alex Laska and Fergus Linacre trading off vocals throughout.
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While the record itself will be released on November 27th, physical copies are available for pre-order now, with all proceeds being donated to Beyond Blue, with the group teaming up to raise funds for the organisation’s Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service.
“Mental health is an issue that we have always been passionate about, and we have had the honour to work with many great organisations throughout our career,” the group explain. “Many Australians are approaching an unprecedented period of difficulty, with the ongoing hardships the pandemic has caused, running into Christmas.
“The experts at Beyond Blue recognise that sometimes holidays can also bring stress, anxiety and depression, particularly among those dealing with loneliness, relationship difficulties or financial worries. Beyond Blue provides vital support for all Australians and together, we want to remind everyone that if you’re in strife and you need support for your mental health, reach out and ask.”
A Kingswood Christmas serves as the group’s third album in 2020, following the release of Juveniles in March, and its reimagined companion album, Reveries, which was released late last month.
Kingswood’s A Kingswood Christmas will be released on November 27th, with pre-orders available now.
