- Bryon Harris
Darla Z - "Up On The Housetop"
Review by April Kranz
As we approach Christmas Day this year, I’m sure everyone’s tired of a lot of different things already. We’re tired of the gift shopping, the dinner planning, the decorating. Mostly I’m tired of hearing the same old songs over and over again on the radio. How many times one can stomach All I Want For Christmas is You is a true test of strength and honor. Fortunately Darla Z has put her own spin on an oldie but a goldie Up On The Housetop, one that seldom gets enough recognition. And with Darla’s flair on it, we get a cheeky rendition that makes me want to sit on a beach with a Mojito.
How does this version differ from the original? For one thing, we get a fun ska-inspired version that’s relaxed into its upbeats, and is always keeping it lighthearted and playful. Who needs Christmas bells when you can have cowbells? Even more fun is Darla’s play on the words, asking Santa for a lifetime’s worth of presents for a nice list champion:
“Give him a Ferrari that’s really fast
A laptop computer that’s built to last
I’d like a phone and a pretty ring
With pearls and diamonds and lots of bling”
You’d think that be enough to satiate Darla’s tastes, but that’s not all: she also wants a butler, a chef, a lawn mowing robot, a house on the beach, a clear schedule; oh, and a watch for him. Darla Z, you got any more room on your wishlist for me? You sound like you’re living my holiday fantasy. Does Santa actually give Darla the Christmas haul we all dream of? Go listen. Whether or not it’s the outcome you expect, it’s still a fun track to unwind to after you’ve done your holiday shopping.
About Darla Z
Darla Z began her on-stage musical career in 2005, opening in concert for Willie Nelson. Since 2005, Darla Z has performed and headlined in Las Vegas numerous times, opened in concert for Wayne Newton in 2007, and starred in three nationally released network television specials filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada, having prime time broadcasts throughout the U.S. She has performed successful benefit concerts for numerous charities, including Oklahoma City University, Pepper's Ranch Foster Care Community, the Oklahoma History Center, and Oklahoma Prevent Blindness.
Darla Z has also appeared in concert as the legendary Gap Band's special guest artist and recorded and co-wrote the music with the legendary platinum record producer/songwriter Ronnie Wilson. Among those who recognize Darla Z's vocals are extraordinary, is the internationally celebrity web site Radar Online who published this review of Darla Z's Love Songs Round the World television special stating,
"Acclaimed singer Darla Z... with yet another fantastic tv music special!"
John Avildsen, the famed Academy Award Winning Director of Rocky, wrote about Darla Z that "Darla's voice is nectar to the ears!" About Darla Z's appearance as special guest for The Gap Band, Ronnie Wilson, Founder of The Gap Band stated
"... Darla's unique vocals put her up there with the great ones…her show was phenomenal!"
Darla Z was featured three times on Radar Online's "Hot 100" list, being named No 1 on the list.
Learn More about Darla Z on their website
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