Versatile talent Allan Palacios Chan captures the spirit of the holiday season with new album Christmas is Here, a familiarly warm yet refreshing collection of tracks that comes alive with tenderness and nostalgia.
Co-written with acclaimed producer Leo Z – who has worked with major artists like Elisa, Lucio Dalla, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Nathan Pacheco, Katherine Jenkins, David Archuleta and Tina Guo – the vibrant project shines a light on Chan’s lifelong love of Italian culture and tradition wrapped in his classic blend of rich opera and lush pop.
Offering us a selection of captivating seasonal classics from his own 2023 hit “Coventry Carol/What Child is This,” to unique renditions of timeless pieces like “O Holy Night,” and “Little Drummer Boy,” the latter of which saw Chan join forces with award-winning filmmaker Alan Filoteo to create a short film shot in Lake Sebu, Philippines, featuring members of the T'boli tribe and paying homage to their Dream Weavers heritage.
Beyond the layers of familiarity bred from holiday staples, is the refreshing the heart of the album – its title track "Christmas is Here (Il Natale é qua).” Written by alongside his producer, Leo Z, and lyricist Franco Marino, the track is an intricate sonic tapestry spanning pop, cinematic, theatrical, chant, and operatic elements, with Italian refrains paying ode to both Chan’s and Leo’s deep-rooted connection to Italy.
Speaking of the track, Chan says, “We wrote this particular song in Italian because of several things. One, Leo is originally from Bologna, Italy, so it is his first language. I've also studied in Italy over the years and have made a career singing Italian music, mainly the old bel canto repertoire, not to mention that ever since I was a kid, I've had an affinity for Italian music and culture…especially the food. The English lyrics came straight from my childhood, particularly from those snowy Christmas memories growing up in Jersey and Northern Virginia.
Evoking a sentiment that feels cinematic and intimate all at once, the track is stepped in the nostalgia of not just Chan’s cherished childhood Christmas memories, but is a vivid encapsulation of varied memories we all hold within the festive season.
Led by graceful Italian verses, and a sweet children’s chorus performed by his own nieces and nephews alongside heartfelt lyricism, the track transports us to simpler times underscored by a deeply personal yet relatable sense of joy.
Reflecting on the album, Chan says, “This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a journey through traditions, stories, and sounds that have shaped who I am as an artist,” Chan explains. “I've also made a bit of a career singing new music, which tends to be pretty modern in the Stravinsky sense. And though I am always up for that type of challenge, I think I just wanted something that brought me back to simpler times.”
With an extensive background in opera, jazz, theatre, and church music brings an unmistakable depth to each track on the project, while Leo Z’s influence as a crossover and film composer weaves cinematic layers throughout. Supporting these luscious arrangements through backup vocals are Grammy-winning singer Helena Buscema and an ensemble of world-class musicians led by concertmaster Mark Robertson.
Laying out the kind of soundscape that strikes us straight in our hearts, the album is reverent yet refreshing as captures both the spirit of the season and his personal journey inviting us to immerse ourselves in the comforting but cinematic musicality that Chan crafts.
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