Album title: ‘Eli’s Christmas Mission’

Artist: Eli Harris Jr.

Genre: A funky, acoustic Christmas

Sounds like: Friday nights outside Chuck’s Cafe

Soundwaves: 4/5

Christmas with some funk! Eli Harris — every Syracuse University student’s favorite back alley minstrel — has delivered a holiday gift to all. ‘Eli’s Christmas Mission’ is a fun little album packed with the trademark acoustic sound of Harris, who covers classic ditties with some festive funk.

‘Christmas Love’ sets the album off in a cheery manner, encouraging lovers everywhere to kiss under the mistletoe. Harris’ mellow yet funky acoustic style lends itself well to these feel-good songs. Take ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town,’ for example: It is reworked to sound more like a Dave Matthews Band jam than a holiday tune. ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ is similar, paced by some crisp drumming and funny lyrics.

The layering of the tracks is simplistic, yet it provides balance to the songs. Harris’ gravelly yet soulful vocals sound raw and emotive, and they complement his guitar style well. Understated harmonies and vocal backings spice up the songs, and Harris’ improvisational ad-libs keep the mood appropriately lighthearted.

The few original songs are a bit more serious, which provides ‘Eli’s Christmas Mission’ with some more sober moments. ‘Angel’ is a winter love ballad with flavor, as Harris incorporates some Bobby McFerrin-esque whistling into the mix. ‘Glory’ is a religious hallelujah, urging us to give it up for the man upstairs. The religious tone of the songs is never off-putting, instead underlining the album’s Christmas theme.

‘Eli’s Christmas Mission’ is a refreshing and fun listen. Harris’ mission is clear: Get your feet a-tapping, spread love and urge everyone to be thankful this holiday season. So give the album a spin and join Harris in a funky sing-along next time you catch the Christmas bug.

ajhaeder@syr.edu

Published on December 6, 2010 at 12:00 pm