Coko | A Coko Christmas

Coko | A Coko Christmas
By Peggy Oliver

I must confess as an avid music connoisseur that when a popular vocalist records a Christmas project, especially a multi-million selling artist, curiosity almost sets in immediately. The main test question: Will they make a strong and lasting impression with their interpretations of holiday standards, favorite Carols, and original material? In the case of Coko’s Christmas musical present – A Coko Christmas – the former lead vocalist of SWV (Sisters With Voices) does a fairly credible job with the familiar tunes, two new urban holiday tracks, and some blasts from the past.

Coko initiated her solo chapter with the 1999 release – Hot Coko – that basically continued the vibe where SWV left off after their disbandment. It was inevitable, however, that she never truly forsaken her Gospel roots instilled by her mother, Lady ‘Clyde’ Tibba Gamble. Nearly seven years later, her second CD – Grateful – sticks with an R&B flavor but the lyrics are all praise and worship. In more recent years, Coko has completely re-dedicated her musical career to honor God in every capacity. Even when reuniting with SWV last year, she professed that she no longer could sing sexually inappropriate material.

When SWV released what turned out to be their swan song – A Special Christmas, it revealed a different side from their trademark jack-swing attitude that swept the R&B nation throughout the late eighties until the mid-nineties. A Coko Christmas incorporates three selections from that 1997 release including Donny Hathaway’s holiday standard, “This Christmas,” and “O Holy Night.” Both old and new school fans should appreciate the soulful finesse Coko puts into everything.

Thanks to David Caton’s keen production hands, there are three newly recorded tracks. “We Thank You,” begins with a cool jazz groove; then bursts into a Gospel celebration joined by Deon Kipping, who authored “Incredible God…Incredible Praise.” Need I say more?

“The Greatest” is an appropriate jam to play down the Soul Train line and the funky aura jogs memories of Solar Records jam bands Lakeside, Midnight Star, and Klymaxx. It’s also a declaration about how Jesus’ birth changed lives: “He was born to free us.”

A stunning duet by Coko and Lady Tibba on yet another take of “Silent Night” is the crème-de-la-crème. The gently swaying but funky underpinnings provide sweet musical dressing.

The only two bumps on the musical road; Thirty-five total listening minutes is way too short for a full-length CD this day and age; and the electronic vocal masking on “The Greatest” overwhelms the listening senses. As for the good news, A Coko Christmas has past the test considering the overall musicality and Coko’s expressive voice makes this holiday recording worthwhile.

ENJOY the holidays with “A Coko Christmas.”

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene