Warm Wishes from Hi Tide

By Anna Wooton, anna@cfp.ky

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Hi Tide’s two members, Shane Allenger and Sean Hennings, have plenty of talent and years of experience between them to churn out an excellent Christmas CD.

However, they went one better and included a number of songs on their latest Christmas album, titled Warm Wishes, which sees the duo teaming up with other Caymanian musicians such as saxophonist Devon Edie.

Local crooner Quincy Brown offers some variety on vocals on the album’s opening track Angels We Have Heard on High. With Jonathan Ebanks providing soothing guitar rhythms on the instrumental Auld Lang Syne, the CD’s closer – which makes sense, as Auld Lang Syne is actually the traditional New Year’s Eve song more so than Christmas. Mr. Edie’s sax spices up an instrumental version of Angels We Have Heard on High.

However, Hi Tide’s sound when they stand alone as a duo is no less impressive. Standouts include the melodious, relaxing sounds on It Came Upon a Midnight Clear and the band’s arrangement of 12 Days of Christmas, as the calypso rhythms prevent the song from become tedious when the lyrics begin repeating themselves for the 10^th, 11^th, and, yes, 12^th time.

The CD marks the band’s eighth album, and third Christmas collection, but still their sound refuses to get old as the duo incorporate new beats and melodies into their repertoire of hits. One thing that remains constant, however, is their uniquely acoustic sound which, when coupled with the duo’s percussive rhythms and smooth vocals, is a treat for the ears.

Hi Tide continues to be one of Cayman’s success stories, having achieved international recognition for their music. Three of their hits – Open Invitation, In Your Kiss and That’s What I’d Do – have made it into the international charts, and most recently their song Love You More has been licensed for play in European stores while tunes Next to You and Don’t Ask Me Why have both been licensed to a new television show, Sleepless on Sunset.

Audiences in Cayman are lucky enough to have the opportunity to watch this talented band play live every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at Deckers Grill and Lounge.