Barlow's first album, Sings, was released in 1998. She has received seven nominations for Canada's Juno Awards with her album Seule ce soir winning for best Jazz Vocal Recording in 2013 and Clear Day winning the same award in 2016. Seule ce soir also won Album of the Year – Jazz Interpretation at the 2013 ADISQ Awards. Barlow was also nominated for the Jack Richardson Producer of the Year Award at the 2016 Juno Awards.
Barlow was named Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2008 National Jazz Awards. She has named as influences Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Stevie Wonder.
Barlow has voiced various characters for animated television series, including Sailor Mars and Sailor Venus in Sailor Moon, Courtney, Laurie and Ellody in the Total Drama series, Chrissy in 6teen, Mrs. Ridgemount in Stoked, Bunny in Almost Naked Animals and Theresa Falcone (MacDougall) in Fugget About It.
Born in Toronto to parents who were professional musicians, Barlow grew up in recording studios and by age seven had begun a career singing television and radio commercials.
She was encouraged by her parents to sing and study several instruments including piano, cello, clarinet, and violin. Barlow studied voice at the Etobicoke School of Arts and music theory and arranging at Humber College.
Barlow's grandfathers were ventriloquist Cy Leonard and actor Bob Homme (who played The Friendly Giant). Her father is award-winning jazz drummer Brian Barlow (aka Brian Leonard). Her mother, Judy Tate, is a composer, arranger and singer. Her uncle was Richard Homme, a Canadian jazz bassist who died 6 May 2011.
Christmas Time Is Here
Emilie-Claire Barlow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year
Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there
Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year...
The song "Christmas Time Is Here" by Emilie-Claire Barlow exudes the festive mood of the holiday season. The opening verse talks about the happiness and cheer that fills everyone's hearts during this time of year. The phrase "Fun for all that children call" suggests that Christmas is a time of joy and merry-making for not just a certain section of society but for everyone, especially children.
The second verse focuses on the ambiance of Christmas with references to snowflakes in the air, carols everywhere, and the olden times and ancient rhymes of love and dreams to share. The song then brings specific visuals of the holiday season like sleigh bells in the air and beauty everywhere. The phrase "Yuletide by the fireside" is suggestive of the warmth of the season which also refers to the custom of lighting a fireplace during Christmas eve. The final verse of the song points out how we wish the same spirit of Christmas could last throughout the year, meaning the love, joy, and good spirits of Christmas.
Overall, the song captures the joyous atmosphere of the season and its spirit of love, togetherness, and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas time is here
The season of Christmas has arrived
Happiness and cheer
There is an atmosphere of joy and merriment
Fun for all that children call
Children are excited and happy during this time
Their favorite time of the year
Christmas is the most beloved time of year for children
Snowflakes in the air
The weather during Christmas is cold and snowy
Carols everywhere
Christmas music can be heard everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Christmas reminds us of traditions and customs of the past
Of love and dreams to share
Christmas is a time for sharing love and dreams with one another
Sleigh bells in the air
The sound of bells ringing can be heard
Beauty everywhere
The decorations and lights make everything beautiful
Yuletide by the fireside
Sitting by the fire is a cozy and traditional way to enjoy Christmas
And joyful memories there
Being together with loved ones creates happy and memorable experiences
Christmas time is here
The season of Christmas has arrived
We'll be drawing near
People will gather closer to celebrate Christmas
Oh, that we could always see
If only we could experience the joy of Christmas throughout the year
Such spirit through the year
Keeping the holiday spirit alive all year would be wonderful
Writer(s): VINCE GUARALDI, LEE MENDELSON
Contributed by Tyler G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.