Originally published by L.S. Media. November 27th 2009.

After what seemed an eternity without a new Tori Amos album, two come along within a year. Midwinter Graces is Tori’s first attempt at a seasonal offering and in her usual way of doing these things, it works. It is a return to form after her disappointing debut album for Universal Republic, the critically loved but fan- slated Abnormally Attracted To Sin earlier in the year.

The album is a re-working (in Tori’s inevitable style) of some of the more famous carols we are prone to hearing at this time of year as well as some original offerings that suit the album perfectly, in particular the wonderful Snow Angel and a taster track of the rumoured next album Winter’s Carol. These songs blend in so well to the overall theme of the album that it can be hard to believe that they hadn’t been sang before as families gather round the roaring Christmas fire to sing their favourite yuletide songs.

The traditional songs that Tori has covered and changed to suit her style stand out as some of the best work she has done since 2002’s Scarlett’s Walk. Her reading of Star of Wonder with its new adapted lyrics is an absolute gem.

As usual Tori plays all the piano pieces on the album, all from her favourite Bosendorfer and also offers her loyal fans a chance to listen to her play on other instruments including the harpsichord and Wurlitzer. It is by no means a solo album though as Tori is joined throughout by some very talented musicians including Matt Chamberlin on drums and percussion, Jon Evans on bass and joining in for the first time, the voice of Natasha Hawley as the answer vocal on the Holly, Ivy and Rose.

Although there are no gigs to support this album, it can’t be long before Tori is back on stage in this country and thrilling her fans once more.

Ian D. Hall