The last year and a half has been busy for Heather Rankin, and now the Cape Breton singer is preparing to celebrate both Christmas and her brand new holiday album, Imagine.
With a mix of original songs and classics, including her cover of John Lennon's Imagine (the title track on the album), Rankin has delivered 10 songs that can be enjoyed at a gathering of friends and family, or as you sit at home alone with a fire burning and a festive beverage in your hand.
Other Christmas classics, traditional and welcoming, include Once In Royal David's City, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and Silent Night. All three offer Rankin's own touch, without taking away from what listeners will know and love from the songs they've been hearing for years.
The first single from the album, Wrap It Up, is everything we could have hoped for from the former Rankin Family performer. It's a toe tapper, it's a good timer, it's a fun tune that you might just catch yourself humming along to. With references to kitchen parties and stealing kisses under the mistletoe, Wrap It Up is a great introduction to the original music on Heather Rankin's album.
We had the chance to catch up with Heather in Toronto as she prepared for the release of Imagine. And while we chatted, we took the time for a special holiday round of 5 Quick Questions. Hit play!
5 Quick Questions with Heather Rankin
While we were with Heather we also talked about the process of her solo career and her new holiday album. She told us that she's wearing many hats these days, and she's okay with that. From start to finish, she's involved in all the processes of her career, and her debut solo album, A Fine Line, was the start of a busy time.
Heather told us that she's experienced many milestones in a short period of time, which has been exciting. She also told us that she took baby steps as she moved into the solo artist world. Beginning with short 20 minute sets, and building up to feature performer status, Heather took her time and made sure she was ready.
We asked Heather about Imagine and when she started planning for the holiday record. She told us that it's something that she'd been quietly thinking about for a while, but early in 2017 it became a reality with music, planning, and recording set up and put together.
She also told us about growing up with music, the traditional Scottish and Gaelic songs that the settlers of the area brought with them. And she told us of the evolution to the Cape Breton sound, the music that Canadians know from The Rankin Family.
What we loved most about our entire time with Heather Rankin, whether we were talking about home, touring, Imagine, or Christmas, was her kindness and generosity. It became clear that she is the person that cares about everyone she knows. And that she's always doing what she can to make life better for others, either through her music, or with acts of individual kindness.
Heather Rankin is warm and genuine. And her 2017 holiday album, Imagine, displays that as well as anything could.
Heather Rankin, Imagine Tracklist
The holidays aren't complete without great food and drink, so we're happy to share Heather Rankin's favourite holiday recipe with you. If you love eggnog, and a little spirit added to your festive festivities, this one is definitely right for you!
Eggnog in Quantity
(Serves 12-14)
Ingredients:12 Egg Yolks
2 cups Confectioners Sugar
4 to 6 cups Dark Liquor (Dark Rum, Bourbon, OR Rye. note the OR)
1 ¾ litres Whipping Cream
12 Egg Whites
Fresh Cinnamon and Nutmeg to Garnish
1. Beat egg yolks until light in colour.
2. Gradually beat in the confectioner's sugar.
3. Add 2 cups rum/bourbon/rye very slowly, beating constantly.
4. Let mixture stand covered for 1 hour to dispel the "eggy" taste.
5. Add remaining rum/bourbon/rye (2 to 4 cups depending on your preference) and whipping cream, beating constantly.
6. Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Fold egg whites lightly into the other ingredients. (if desired)
7. Serve sprinkled with fresh nutmeg and cinnamon to taste.
Recipe via The Joy Of Cooking
