Michelle Malone & The Hot Toddies

Toddie Time

SBS Records/BFD

Snowflakes float on a chilly upstate New York Halloween morning, and this cheery and bluesy Christmas album creates a perfect soundtrack. Atlanta’s Michelle Malone & the Hot Toddies’ Toddie Time features inspired twists on the tried and true.

Malone croons “Jingle Bells” clearly and with tenacity, its unique jazz-based arrangement, and Doug Keys’ ringing hollow body guitar matching her radiance. Known for over 30 years as a fiery southern roots, blues, and rock singer and slide guitarist, Malone recorded her first Christmas album in 1992, forming the Hot Toddies (she on acoustic guitar, with Keys and upright bassist Robby Handley) as a side project for holiday events. She has become so cozy with the material that any resurrected relic or classic becomes something of her own swinging making. The finger-snapping “Zat You Santa Claus” and “Blue Christmas” are nocturnal and blue, Malone’s voice in the latter absolutely soaring, and thrilling. “I’ll be Home for Christmas” and “Count Your Blessings,” on the other hand, display tenderness and heartfelt appreciation.

Dramatic changes in style and tempo never seem out of place. Toddie Time’s songs complement each other like a bushy white beard draped over a round red suit.    

Tom Clarke for MAS

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