One of the annual treats of Queerguru’s summers up in PTown, Mass is that we get to hang out with the talented vocal and cello duo Branden and James.  This July it was in bed.  Well, to be truthful they were under the covers in their bedroom at the Pilgrim House Hotel and we were the other end of Town on Zoom.

They told me when they left bed and town they were heading off to record their first-ever Christmas ….. and here we are 5 months later listening to it.  In the Queerguru we always start the Holidays the very next day after Thanksgiving and Branden & James ‘Christmas Gift’ is the perfect mellow way to kick it all off.

The album features ten tracks; subtly accompanied by piano, and a chorus of cellos composed by the duo’s arranger and cellist, James Clark. “Be Still,” a collaboration with 2018 American Idol alum Effie Passero, is a reimagined cover by the American rock band, The Fray, highlighting Passero’s operatic chops, and Branden’s powerful tenor voice, while the cello weaves effortlessly in between the two. 

Some tracks such as Amy Grant’s hit song, “Breath Of Heaven,” and Andrea Bocelli’s “Caro Gesu Bambino” are lushly orchestrated, others comparatively, such as Joni Mitchell’s emotional ballad, “River” and “Blanca Navidad,” aka Bing Crosby’s iconic “White Christmas” are stripped down at times with only a stirring solo voice, some piano, and a stray, acoustic guitar. 

 

Since their recording career began in 2016, BRANDEN & JAMES’  have always focused with fresh, classical takes on more modern covers such as “Mary Did You Know,” and “Glasgow Love Theme” from the film, Love Actually. The pair recorded the album with multi-platinum, Latin American producer Carlos Santana who has produced hits for the likes of Filippa Giordano, Banda El Recodo, and Vikki Carr. 

 

BRANDEN & JAMES are currently on a performing arts center tour with this new album and you can  catch them live HERE 

The pair told Queerguru “We were in the peak of Covid-19 when we recorded this album. We chose a lot of emotional songs for the album; almost subliminally. Now, we realize how many of them might pull on people’s heartstrings as they reflect on the devastation the pandemic has left behind. So many homes will have empty chairs at their dinner tables this holiday season. We hope this album will provide some catharsis, and healing.”

 

You can buy the CD or a digital download at https://www.brandenjames.com/shop

 

PS You may also like to check out : –

https:// queerguru.com/branden-and-james-under-the-covers/