by Scott Roos
photo by Captured Beyond Today
Our grade: A-
Katelyn Lehner's newest single, "Santa Baby", which debuted on December 6th, brings a fresh and captivating twist to the beloved holiday classic. Recorded at Beez Neez Recording and produced by Simon Jasieniuk, the track showcases Lehner’s smooth and sultry vocals, which may be the finest display of vocal control and tone she’s achieved on a recording. She remains comfortably within her mid-range, delivering a pitch-perfect and emotive performance. Her voice carries a rich, confident quality that feels both commanding and intimate.
The production blends a subtle country twang with jazz undertones, creating a festive and timeless atmosphere. Instrumental contributions from Jasieniuk, including gentle “Freddie Green” style guitars and tasteful piano, are paired with soft brushstrokes on drums by Kyle Krysa, forming the perfect sonic backdrop. The backing vocals, also provided by Lehner, add warmth and depth to the arrangement, enhancing the track’s overall charm without overpowering the main melody. This harmonious layering creates an inviting, cozy feel.
Santa Baby retains the playful, fromage-encrusted tone of the original, but Lehner handles it with finesse, avoiding any over-the-top campiness. She strikes the right balance, maintaining the fun, festive spirit of the classic while offering a respectful, modernized interpretation that’s hopefully poised to become a popular choice for local holiday radio spins.
As a small piece of constructive feedback, in some of Lehner’s pervious works, there’s a noticeable shift in vocal depth. While her smooth, rich mid-range is undoubtedly her vocal sweet spot, offering the most ideal and consistent tonal quality, her voice historically can lose some fullness when she ventures into higher, more dramatic registers, especially in pop-infused styles. Exploring the vocal nuances displayed in "Santa Baby" in future tracks could result in a more cohesive overall performance moving forward.
In all, Santa Baby is a delightful and polished holiday offering from Lehner. The track blends her vocal strengths with a twangy, jazzy twist on a familiar favorite, creating a perfect addition to any holiday playlist. The production and arrangement, combined with Lehner’s captivating performance, make this a standout seasonal release.
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