In Winter (2016)

"A gorgeously rendered holiday-themed effort, "In Winter" finds singer/songwriter Katie Melua backed by the 25-member Gori Women's Choir. The album is Melua's seventh studio production and first since parting ways with longtime collaborator Mike Batt. Recorded in her native country of Georgia it's a lushly produced, thoughtfully conceived album featuring arrangements by esteemed choral composer Bob Chilcott. An acclaimed institution, the Gori Women's Choir are famous for their haunting classical harmonies. They prove a superb match for Melua, who both sings along with the choir and frames herself against its angelic, delicately layered harmonies. Melua delivers a handful of ruminative and lyrical originals, many inspired by her memories of growing up in what was then the Soviet Union. She also weaves in several well-curated covers, including poignant renditions of Joni Mitchell's "River," Rachmaninov's "All-Night Vigil-Nunc Dimittis," and the hymn "O Holy Night"." (Matt Collar, Allmusic; 4,5 uit 5 sterren)