Years ago, Tara MacLean heard Adam Brazier sing in a musical and was taken aback by his vocal talents; “The first time I heard him sing, I wept.” She was instantly aware that she wanted to sing with him and to all our good fortune, the multi-talented tenor was more than happy to oblige.
The pair’s first collaboration was a romantic rendition of the Gordon Lightfoot seasonal standard “Song for a Winter’s Night” which they performed for the 2017 holiday show at the Confederation of the Arts (which Adam serves as Artistic Director at).
The harmony between the two surpasses the simple act of singing. As MacLean points out, “It’s special to find that kind of vocal chemistry. And he’s one of my best friends so that helps.”
The duet was then recorded with the assistance of Bill Bell (producer) and Kevin Fox (cello) and now reaches the top of the metaphorical Christmas tree (that’s the zenith of Christmas measurements right?) with its video release.
It presents us with a variety of picturesque winter scenery that fitting of the song’s splendour, two figures somehow stand out and blend into the scenic setting as they travel together throughout.
“We wanted it to symbolize togetherness, love, longing, and the beauty of the season. So many of us are apart from our loved ones or have lost people this year. So we wanted this song to reach in and hold their hearts.”
The video culminates with a simple yet poignant close-up of the two figures, hands held as they walk on in the snow while Brazier and MacLean harmonize.
“We are coming to the end of one of the hardest years in recent human history. It feels like this song can get us to the finish line. Like everything will be okay and we will all be together again soon, holding the hands of those we love.”
The pair will be singing the song to one another and an audience both live and virtual on December 20th for Comfort & Joy, where Brazier is acting as the musical mastermind behind the show once again.
“He wanted to put together a really spectacular holiday show that would really be moving for people right now,” says MacLean. “There is just so much musical talent on PEI and so he’s created a beautiful experience for people to see from anywhere in the world..”
The show will find Tara MacLean joined, as headliner, by Catherine MacLellan and Kinley Dowling, as well as additional guest talents. Tickets can be purchased online, here.