Christmas in the Rockies

Released in late 2020, Christmas in the Rockies is a four-track EP that distills Stacey Kent's signature 'literary jazz' style into a seasonal context. While Kent is known for her expansive catalog of bossa nova and Great American Songbook interpretations, this release finds her at her most minimalist. The recording emphasizes a 'cabin-core' aesthetic, likely influenced by the global shift toward domesticity and isolation during its release year. Sonically, it aligns with her work on albums like 'The Boy Next Door,' but with a more pronounced focus on wintery textures. The tracklist consists of four ubiquitous standards, yet Kent’s breathy, cool-jazz delivery removes the 'department store' sheen from the songs, returning them to a state of wistful contemplation. Critically, it serves as a masterclass in vocal restraint and close-mic production, solidifying her status as one of the premier purveyors of intimate vocal jazz.