Tom Chaplin follows the success of his acclaimed solo album ‘The Wave’ (which debuted at #3 in the UK Album Chart) with a glorious new release, ‘Twelve Tales of Christmas’ out now on Island Records. This stunning collection features eight original songs co-written by Tom, as well as four inventive covers. His single, ‘Walking In The Air’, is behind door 7 of our Essential Advent Calendar this year.
“Christmas is my favourite time of year,” says Tom who has fond memories from his childhood. “The passing years have conspired to erode that magic but I still feel it’s presence when I gather together with my family.”
Produced by David Kosten and recorded at Abbey Road, Muttley Ranch and Snap Studios, the album includes evocative covers of ‘Walking In The Air’, Joni Mitchell’s classic ‘River’, the Pretenders ‘2000 Miles’ and the immortal ‘Stay Another Day’ by East 17. Determined to capture the wonderful side of Christmas music, Tom has written some soon to be modern day Christmas classics including new single ‘Under A Million Lights’ and ‘Midnight Mass’.
“The four covers I chose are personal favourites and all very distinct from one another,” Tom says. “I found Christmas a great source of inspiration for writing my own songs. There’s a bittersweet quality to this time of year that made me want to explore the themes of love, lost love and remembering those we have lost.”
As documented on ‘The Wave’, Tom has endured his share of dark times and it was this turbulent period of his life that made him appreciate being able to see Christmas clearly now through his daughter’s eyes. His voice, one of modern music’s greatest instruments as evidenced by his incredible Keane catalogue and on last year’s ‘The Wave’, really suits the reflective nature of these songs.
Tom plays just three unmissable shows this December:
Sun 10th MANCHESTER, Palace
Mon 11th BATH, Forum
Tues 12th LONDON, Royal Festival Hall
Tickets on sale now. Find more details from Tom’s official website.
