Putumayo Presents - New Orleans Christmas

Τετάρτη, Νοεμβρίου 30, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 1 Comments

Artist: VA
Title Of Album: Putumayo Presents - New Orleans Christmas
Year Of Release: 2006
Type: CD
Label: Putumayo World Music
Genre: Jazz
Quality: mp3
Bitrate: 320 kbps
Total Time: 00: 41:31
Total Size: 92 MB

Tracklist:
01. Big Al Carson with Lars Edegran & His Santa Claus Revelers - Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town (3:32)
02. James Andrews - Christmas In New Orleans (4:08)
03. Ingrid Lucia - Zat You, Santa Claus (3:54)
04. Heritage Hall Jazz Band with Gregg Stafford - Silver Bells (4:03)
05. Banu Gibson & The New Orleans Hot Jazz - I'll Be Home For Christmas (2:42)
06. Papa Don Vappie's New Orleans Jazz Band - Please Come Home For Christmas (3:51)
07. Ellis Marsalis - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (3:07)
08. John Boutté - White Christmas (3:09)
09. Topsy Chapman with Lars Edegran & His Santa Claus Revelers - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (4:50)
10. New Birth Brass Band - Santa's Second Line (4:14)
11. Dukes Of Dixieland - Holiday Time In New Orleans (4:01)

This bright little compilation of Christmas tunes done New Orleans style takes on a little extra poignancy given the city's continued efforts to rebuild and rebound from the tremendous destruction that came with the landfall of Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. But hurricane or not, Christmas is a time of celebration, and the musicians of New Orleans have never had any kind of problem with celebrating, so a kind of reaffirmation is at work here that is cool to hear. Among the highlights are Big Al Carson and Lars Edegran's jazzed-up version of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," singer James Andrews' hybrid jazz and R&B approach (which owes more than a little to Louis Armstrong) on "Christmas in New Orleans," and the delightfully ragged, loose and joyous "Santa's Second Line" by the New Birth Brass Band, which also features some improvised singing from Andrews in the outro. This isn't the end-all and be-all of Christmas collections, but it has a refreshing feel of normalcy, and that, given all that New Orleans has been through, is a comfort. ~ Steve Leggett
cduniverse.com

1 σχόλια:

Putumayo Presents - A Jazz & Blues Christmas

Τρίτη, Νοεμβρίου 29, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 1 Comments

Artist: VA
Title Of Album: Putumayo Presents - A Jazz & Blues Christmas
Year Of Release: 2008
Label: Putumayo World Music
Type: CD
Genre: Jazz, Jazz Vocal, Blues
Quality: mp3
Bitrate: 320 Kbps
Total Time: 00:33:09
Total Size: 61 mb

Tracklist
01. Christmas Celebration - B.B. King
02. Santa's Blues - Charles Brown
03. Wrap Yourself in a Christmas Package - Randy Greer & Ignasi Terraza Trio
04. Santa Baby - Emile - Claire Barlow
05. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Ray Charles
06. Here Comes Santa Claus - The Ramsey Lewis Trio
07. Merry Christmas Baby - The Dukes of Dixieland
08. The Christmas Blues - Topsy Chapman & Lars Edegran
09. Xmas Baby - Riff Ruffin
10. All I Ask for Chirstmas - Mighty Blue Kings

About the Artist
Putumayo World Music was established in 1993 to introduce people to the music of the world's cultures. The label grew out of Putumayo clothing company, founded by Dan Storper in 1975 and sold in 1997. Co-founder Michael Kraus joined Dan to launch Putumayo World Music and establish a non-traditional sales division. Putumayo World Music has become known primarily for its upbeat and melodic compilations of great international music characterized by the company's motto: "guaranteed to make you feel good!" Putumayo's CD covers feature the distinctive art of Nicola Heindl, whose colorful, folkloric style represents one of Putumayo's goals: to connect the traditional to the contemporary. By combining appealing music and visuals with creative retail marketing, Putumayo has developed a unique brand identity - a rarity in today's artist-based music industry.
Product Description
Putumayo Presents Jazz & Blues Christmas with ten tracks of Holiday Happiness! 'Christmas Celebration' by B.B. King & Ray Charles, 'Santa's Blues' by B.B. King & Charles Brown, 'Wrap Yourself In A Christmas Package' by Randy Greer & Ignasi Terraza Trio & Charles Brown, 'Santa Baby' by Emilie-Claire Barlow and Ramsey Lewis, 'Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer ' by Topsy Chapman & Ray Charles, 'Here Comes Santa Claus' by Ramsey Lewis Trio & Riff Ruffin, 'Merry Christmas Baby' by Emilie-Claire Barlow and Dukes Of Dixieland featuring Luther Kent plus more holiday delights!
amazon.com

1 σχόλια:

Putumayo Presents: World Christmas Party

Δευτέρα, Νοεμβρίου 28, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 1 Comments

Artist: VA
Title Of Album: Putumayo Presents: World Christmas Party
Year Of Release: 2010
Type: CD
Genre: World, Christmas
Label: Putumayo World Music
Quality: 256 Kbps
Tracks: 12
Time: 40:15 min
Size: 72 MB

Track Listings
01. Wish You A Merry Christmas (Jacob Miller - Jamaica)
02. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Poncho Sanchez - USA)
03. Christmas Comes But Once A Year (Charles Brown - USA)
04. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree (Keahiwai - Hawaii)
05. Winter Wonderland (Jose Conde - USA/Cuba)
06. Alegria (Maria De Barros - Cape Verde)
07. Barra De Navidad Blues (Heritage Hall Jazz Band - USA)
08. The Christmas Song (Brave Combo - USA)
09. Kei Te Haere Mai A Hana Koko (H.K. Crew feat. Kina - New Zealand)
10. Carol and the Kings (Alison Brown Quartet with Joe Craven - USA)
11. Boas Festas Mocambique (Costa Neto - Mozambique)
12. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Ed Calle with Arturo Sandoval - Venezuela/Cuba

In most of North America and Europe, Christmas conjures up images of snow gently falling on tranquil winter wonderlands, Yule logs burning on an open fire, and introspective silent nights. Closer to the equator and in much of the southern hemisphere, the warm December sun and tropical rhythms are all that are needed to throw a holiday dance party. In Latin America, salsa, cumbia and other upbeat sounds provide the musical background for festive Christmas celebrations. Christmas parties in Jamaica, Trinidad and other Caribbean countries feature home-grown reggae, ska, soca and more. Across Africa, festive street parades are a common sight during the holiday season, with the dancing and merriment peaking after Christmas Eve services. While people around the world celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve in different ways, we all share the common desire to enjoy a festive holiday season with family and friends. After all, "`tis the season to be jolly," so we have assembled some of our favorite upbeat seasonal songs to get you rockin' around the Christmas tree. So get ready to deck the halls with a world Christmas party!
www.amazon.com

1 σχόλια:

Frank Sinatra - Christmas Collection

Κυριακή, Νοεμβρίου 27, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 2 Comments

Artist: Frank Sinatra
Title Of Album: Christmas Collection
Year Of Release: 2004
Type: CD
Genre: Jazz, Vocal Jazz
Quality: Mp3
Bitrate: CBR 320kbps
Total Time: 53:37
Total Size: 114MB

Tracklist:
01. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Wa [02:53]
02. The Christmas Waltz [03:13]
03. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town [01:42]
04. The Little Drummer Boy [03:05]
05. We Wish You The Merriest [02:18]
06. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas [03:58]
07. Go Tell It On The Mountain [03:28]
08. The Christmas Song [01:41]
09. I Heard The Bells On Christmas [02:39]
10. I Wouldn't Trade Christmas [02:54]
11. Christmas Memories [02:10]
12. The Twelve Days Of Christmas [04:32]
13. The Bells Of Christmas [03:41]
14. An Old Fashioned Christmas [03:47]
15. A Baby Just Like You [02:48]
16. Whatever Happened To Christmas [03:06]
17. White Christmas [02:12]
18. Silent Night [03:30]

The Chairman of the Board breezes his way through THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, a well-chosen set of Yuletide classics. This nicely remastered set should summon up memories of Christmas past for many, and is still capable of conjuring a certain kind of comforting holiday magic for younger generations. Sinatra swings through traditional fireside sing-alongs ("Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and "The Twelve Days of Christmas"), often accompanied by his kids, Tina, Nancy, and Frank, Jr., in the days before the latter two became stars in their own right. Sinatra is also joined by his one-time rival in the crooner stakes, Bing Crosby, most notably on the classic "White Christmas," which still has the power to call up pleasing sentiments of the season. The combination of Sinatra's warm, yet world-weary, voice and the material's lushly appointed arrangements is timeless and irresistible.
cduniverse.com

2 σχόλια:

Al Di Meola – Winter Nights

Σάββατο, Νοεμβρίου 26, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 1 Comments

Artist: Al Di Meola
Title Of Album: Winter Nights
Year Of Release: 1999
Type: CD
Label: TELARC
Genre: Jazz
Quality: MP3
Bitrate: 320 Kbps CBR
Total Time: 00:51:16
Total Size: 116 MB

Tracklist:
01. Zima (DiMeola) 4:05
02. Carol of the Bells 4:11
03. Winterlude Duet No. 1 (DiMeola, Hrynkiv) 1:27
04. Greensleeves 2:46
05. Mercy Street (Gabriel) 4:52
06. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Blane, Martin) 4:32
07. Winterlude No. 2 (Hrynkiv) :51
08. Midwinter Nights (DiMeola) 4:50
09. Scarborough Fair (Garfunkel, Simon) 4:36
10. Winterlude No. 3 (Hrynkiv) :47
11. The First Noel Sandys 3:13
12. Inverno (DiMeola) 5:38
13. First Snow (DiMeola) 2:43
14. Winterlude No. 4 (DiMeola) 1:31
15. Ave Maria (Schubert) 4:51

Al di Meola's first so-called Christmas album is a relaxed, flowing, intensely musical affair that jazzers, world music buffs, and new agers will feel equally comfortable with. Mostly, he steers away from the often-cracked chestnuts, composing several nice tunes of his own ("Zima," the leadoff cut, is especially inviting), playing acoustic guitar and a battery of percussion instruments and keyboards in a graceful one-man band, thanks to multi-track tape. Other tracks feature duets between di Meola (with overdubbed additional instruments) and Roman Hrynkiv, who plays a Ukrainian zither-like instrument called the bandura. For the die-hard consumer who must have those carols, there are intricate renditions of "The First Noel," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "Carol of the Bells." ~ Richard S. Ginell
His First Christmas CD;Faves & Originals;All Acoustic
Audio Mixers: Hernan Romero; Spyros Poulos; Rich Tozzoli; Al di Meola.
Arranger: Al di Meola.
Personnel: Al DiMeola (acoustic guitar, harp, keyboards, cajon, dumbek, tambor, percussion); Hernan Romero (acoustic guitar, shaker, percussion); Roman Hrynkiv (bandura).
Personnel: Al di Meola (acoustic guitar, harp, keyboards, dumbek, percussion); Hernan Romero (acoustic guitar, shaker, percussion); Roman Hrynkiv (bandurria).
cduniverse.com
Great arrangements and an excellent selection of songs, make this a very good buy. Excellent music to relax and meditate. A great addition to any collection, Dimeola as always, stands out among the rest.
Submitted by a reviewer (San Juan)

1 σχόλια:

Louis Armstrong & Friends - What a Wonderful Christmas

Παρασκευή, Νοεμβρίου 25, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 2 Comments

Artist: Louis Armstrong & Friends
Title Of Album: What a Wonderful Christmas
Label: Hip-O Rec.
Year Of Release: 1998
Genre: Jazz / Vocal Jazz
Type: CD
Quality: Mp3
Bitrate: 224 kbps
Total Time: 40:50 min
Total Size: 60 Mb

Tracklist:
01 White Christmas Berlin 2:54 02 'Zat You, Santa Claus? Fox 2:39
03 Christmas in New Orleans Sherman, VanWinkle 2:22
04 Christmas Night in Harlem Parish, Scott 3:06
05 Cool Yule Allen 2:39
06 Winter Wonderland Bernard, Smith 2:59
07 It's Christmas Time 2:55
Performed by: Peggy Lee
08 Jingle Bells Pierpont 3:22
Performed by: Duke Ellington
09 Santa Baby Springer, Springer 2:39
Performed by: Eartha Kitt
10 The Christmas Song Torme, Wells 3:26
Performed by: Mel Torme
11 Silent Night Gruber, Mohr 2:59
Performed by: Dinah Washington
12 Merry Christmas, Baby Baxter, Moore 2:42
Performed by: Lionel Hampton
13 May Every Day Be Christmas Jordan 3:10
Performed by: Louis Jordan
14 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town Coots, Gillespie 2:59
Performed by: Lena Horne

This is a Christmas set which really stands out from the pack. For one thing the material is great, and on top of that, it has great sound quality...finish it off with some inspired cover art, and it's a can't-miss package. All of the Armstrong tracks are fabulous, and feature a variety of settings, such as Gordon Jenkins' lush snowscapes for White Christmas & Winter Wonderland, and Benny Carter's swinging orchestra on Christmas in New Orleans. 'Zat You, Santa Claus? with The Commanders is a hoot, with a paranoid Louis locked up in his Christmas cabin, wondering what all those funny noises are outside (It's interesting to note that this "'Zat You" doesn't have any whistle or wind overdubs as it does on Laserlight's Christmas Through The Years). Louis also delivers an infectious Christmas Night In Harlem, and by the time he blows some exuberant trumpet on Cool Yule, feelings of holiday joy will have completely overtaken you. Some of these tunes by Louis are actually pretty rare, so it's great to have them here in good sound quality.
Other goodies featured include a bluesy Silent Night by Dinah Washington, a live The Christmas Song by Mel Torme (who co-authored it), and a rare and hypnotic Peggy Lee tune called It's Christmas Time Again. Lionel Hampton brings the good vibes on the blues number Merry Christmas, Baby, Eartha Kitt signs in with her amusing Santa Baby, and Duke Ellington righteously jazzes up Jingle Bells. Lena Horne has it "on good authority" that Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town, and Louis Jordan turns in a bluesy and soulful May Everyday Be Christmas.
My review is over now, but before I get into the nog, I'd like to share with you my recipe for the ultimate Louis Armstrong Yuletide disc. Yes, there is no complete Satchmo Christmas set, but if you love Louis like me, you'll want to make one, and here's how; Take the six Satchmo tunes from this disc, and add in Santa Claus Blues, The Night Before Christmas, and the live masterpiece Baby, It's Cold Outside from the Christmas Through The Years disc (Laserlight). Now get your hands on the Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald duet I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm. Finally, pick up the remastered version of Louis Armstrong & Friends, which features the bonus track Here Is My Heart For Christmas. Mix these up in a good ol' good way, and be sure, of course, to put The Night Before Christmas at the end. Congratulations, daddy, you are now the proud owner of the ultimate Louis Armstrong Christmas set! If you play this mix only in December like a good little boy or girl, Dipper Claus just might leave a shiny new trumpet in your stocking! Happy holidays, pops.
This review is from: What a Wonderful Christmas (Audio CD) Amazon.com

2 σχόλια:

B.B. King - A Christmas Celebration of Hope

Πέμπτη, Νοεμβρίου 24, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 2 Comments

Artist: B. B. KING
Title Of Album:A Christmas Celebration of Hope
Label:Geffen
Year Of Release: 2001
Genre: Blues
Type: CD
Quality: Mp3
Bitrate: 320 kbps
Total Time: 48:22 min
Total Size: 108 Mb

Tracklist
01. Please Come Home For Christmas (4:54)
02. Lonesome Christmas (3:05)
03. Back Door Santa (3:27)
04. Christmas In Heaven (4:50)
05. I'll Be Home For Christmas (3:47)
06. To Someone That I Love (5:01)
07. Christmas Celebration (3:39)
08. Merry Christmas Baby (3:56)
09. Christmas Love (2:57)
10. Blue Decorations (3:27)
11. Christmas Comes But Once A Year (4:16)
12. Bringing In A Brand New Year (2:42)
13. Auld Lang Syne (2:22)

A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OF HOPE won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.
"Auld Lang Syne" won the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.
After nearly five decades of making music, B.B. King ducked into the studio with his touring band to come up with his very first holiday album, A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OF HOPE. Despite bringing in The Nashville String Machine, co-producer King used them in a way that enhanced his rich singing on lush versions of Billy Ward's "Christmas In Heaven" and a pair of Charles Brown perennials--"Please Come Home For Christmas" and "Merry Christmas Baby." Other artists getting the royal treatment are Clarence Carter (a funky "Back Door Santa") and Amos Milburn (the brass-soaked "Christmas Comes But Once A Year"). The only originals the King Of The Blues trots out are his resurrected 1960 shuffle "Christmas Celebration" and the more recent slow blues instrumental "Christmas Love."
King even squeezes in a tribute to the New Year with a rollicking take on Brown's "Bringing In A Brand New Year" and an equally swinging instrumental interpretation of "Auld Lang Syne." In true holiday spirit, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OF HOPE will fund innovative research and compassionate patient care programs at the California-based City of Hope, a world-renowned comprehensive cancer center.
Recorded at Dockside, Maurice, Louisiana; Sound On Sound, Unique Studios, New York, New York.
Personnel: Leon Warren (guitar); Melvin Jackson (saxophone); Stanley Abernathy, James Bolden (trumpet); James Toney (keyboards); Calep Emphrey (drums); Tony Coleman (tambourine).
Audio Mixers: John Holbrook; Josiah Gluck.
Recording information: Dockside Studios, Maurice, LA; Sound On Sound Studios; Unique Studios, NY.
Photographer: Kevin Westenberg.
Arranger: B.B. King.
Personnel includes: B.B. King (vocals, arranger, guitar); Leon Warren (guitar); Melvin Jackson (saxophone); Stanley Abernathy, James Bolden (trumpet); James Sells Toney (keyboards); Michael Doster (bass); Calep Emphrey Jr. (drums).
cduniverse.com

2 σχόλια:

VA - Superstar Christmas Jazz

Τετάρτη, Νοεμβρίου 23, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 1 Comments

Artist: VA
Title Of Album: Superstar Christmas Jazz
Year Of Release: 2009
Genre: Jazz / Vocal Jazz / Smooth Jazz
Type: CD
Quality: Mp3
Bitrate: 320 kbps VBR
Total Time: 41:23 min
Total Size: 54 Mb

Tracklist:
01. Chris Botti - Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (4:04)
02. John Pizzarelli & The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra - Snowfall (3:13)
03. Terence Blanchard - O Come All Ye Faithful (6:42)
04. Steve Tyrell - I'll Be Home For Christmas (3:41)
05. Jane Monheit - Merry Christmas Darling (4:36)
06. The Manhattan Transfer - The Christmas Song (Feat. Tony Bennett) (4:42)
07. Miles Davis - Blue Xmas (2:41)
08. Grover Washington, Jr. - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (4:54)
09. Kenny G - Sleigh Ride (3:47)
10. Duke Ellington - Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy) (3:06)

1 σχόλια:

Wynton Marsalis - Christmas Jazz Jam

Τρίτη, Νοεμβρίου 22, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 3 Comments

Artist: Wynton Marsalis
Title Of Album: Christmas Jazz Jam
Year Of Release: 2009
Label: Somerset Entertainment
Genre: Jazz

Type: CD

Quality: MP3

Bitrate: 320 kbps

Total Time: 68:40

Total Size: 87,8 MB

Tracklist
01. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 04:50
02. Mary Had A Baby 04:04

03. Jingle Bells 04:43

04. Blue Christmas 05:25
05. Go Tell It On The Mountain 07:09
06. O Christmas Tree 07:25
07. O Little Town Of Bethlehem 07:22
08. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer 06:06
09. The Christmas Song 05:31
10. Good King Wenceslas 06:50
11. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 07:09
12. Greensleeves 02:06

Wynton is back with Christmas Jazz Jam, his first holiday album in 20 years. Wynton is joined by his septet for his 78th recording as they breathe new life into Christmas classics. Rooted in the spirit of New Orleans and the gospel church, these new arrangements of holiday standards are drenched with down-home soul and joyous swing. Christmas Jazz Jam brings the American art of jazz improvisation to traditional songs loved worldwide. It provides a great opportunity to discover and enjoy contemporary jazz.
Editorial Reviews (Amazon.com)

3 σχόλια:

Ella Fitzgerald - A Swinging Christmas 2010

Δευτέρα, Νοεμβρίου 21, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 1 Comments

Artist: Ella Fitzgerald

Title Of Album: A Swinging Christmas

Year Of Release: 2010

Label: Classic Music International

Genre: Vocal Jazz, Swing

Type: CD

Quality: MP3

Bitrate: 320 kbps

Total Time: 51:33

Total Size: 113 MB

Tracklist:
01. Jingle Bells
02. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
03. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
04. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve
05. Sleigh Ride
06. The Christmas Song
07. Good Morning Blues
08. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
09. Winter Wonderland
10. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
11. Frosty The Snow Man
12. White Christmas
13. The Secret Of Christmas
14. Medley We Three Kings Of Orient Are O Little Town Of Bethlehem
15. Christmas Island
16. The Christmas Song (Alternate Version)
17. White Christmas (Alternate Version)
18. Frosty, The Snowman (Alternate Version)

Ella, as usual, has a great album. So smooth, so Ella, what more needs be said. Enjoyed listening for hours on end.
This review is from: Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas [Remastered] (Audio CD) Amazon.com

1 σχόλια:

Sergio Franchi-The Heart of Christmas (Cuor' di Natale)

Κυριακή, Νοεμβρίου 20, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 1 Comments

Artist: Sergio Franchi
Title Of Album: The Heart of Christmas (Cuor' di Natale)
Year Of Release: 1965
Label: RCA
Genre: Vocal
Type: CD
Quality: MP3
Bitrate: 256 kbps
Total Time: 32:42
Total Size: 57 MB

Romantic tenor Sergio Franchi's Heart of Christmas warms up the holiday season with traditional hymns and two original songs: "The Heart of Christmas" and "Buon Natale." This CD is remastered from the original 1965 tapes.
by Heather Phares

Tracks
1 Buon Natale (Christmastime in Rome) Warner 2:19
2 The Heart of Christmas (Cuor' DiNatale) Velona 2:28
3 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear Sears, Willis 2:38
4 Panis Angelicus Franck 3:04
5 O Little Town of Bethlehem Brooks, Redner 2:46
6 Away in a Manger Murray, Traditional 2:00
7 Medley: Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle/O Bambino (One Cold and Blessed Winter) Capra, Traditional, Velona 2:59
8 Ave Maria Schubert 2:52
9 The First Noel Sandys, Traditional 3:10
10 Silent Night Gruber, Mohr 2:53
11 O Come All Ye Faithful Oakeley, Traditional, Wade 2:48
12 The Lord's Prayer Malotte 2:45

1 σχόλια:

Oscar Peterson: An Oscar Peterson Christmas

Σάββατο, Νοεμβρίου 19, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 1 Comments

Artist: Oscar Peterson
Title Of Album: An Oscar Peterson Christmas
Year Of Release: 1995
Label: Telarc
Genre: Jazz
Type: CD
Quality: MP3
Bitrate: 320 kbps
Total Time: 52:46
Total Size: 116 MB

Oscar Peterson takes it easy during his relaxed set. He had not completely recovered from his stroke but he was still an impressive pianist. Peterson, who is assisted by guitarist Lorne Lofsky, bassist David Young, and drummer Jerry Fuller, is joined by a 20-piece string section arranged and conducted by Rick Wilkins. The 14 holiday tunes (which include "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman," "White Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas") are given tasteful and lightly swinging treatments and there are guest appearances by vibraphonist Dave Samuels and flugelhornist Jack Schantz. But no real surprises or chancestaking occurs and the music is mostly just pleasant.
by Scott Yanow

TRACKLIST
01. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (3:26)
02. What Child Iis This? (4:49)
03. Let it Snow (3:42)
04. White Christmas (3:51)
05. Jingle Bells (3:17)
06. I’ll Be Home For Christmas (2:49)
07. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (3:31)
08. O Little Town of Bethlehem (3:17)
09. Christmas Waltz (6:54)
10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (3:59)
11. Silent Night (3:10)
12. Winter Wonderland (4:10)
13. Away in a Manger (3:36)
14. O Christmas Tree (2:15)

Personnel
Oscar Peterson – piano
Dave Samuels – vibraphone
Jack Schantz – flugelhorn
Lorne Lofsky – guitar
David Young – double bass
Jerry Fuller – drums
String orchestra conducted and arranged by Rick Wilkins

Like a delicious holiday turkey, An Oscar Peterson Christmas is nothing fancy, but easy to digest and something to look forward to every year. The legendary Canadian pianist works his way through fourteen Christmas standards with a quartet featuring Lorne Lofsky on guitar, Dave Young on bass and Jerry Fuller on drums. Guesting on a couple of tracks each are Dave Samuels on vibraphone and Jack Schantz on flugelhorn.
Arranger Rick Wilkins sweetens a few of the tracks with a string ensemble that is for the most part unobtrusive, but adds some colour to what Peterson and his cohorts are doing.
So what features characterize Christmas, Oscar Peterson-style?
Fun
On many tracks, Peterson locks into a lightly swinging, finger-snapping groove that casts even usually melancholic songs like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” in an upbeat light. He also fashions some of the tunes with nicely arranged introductions, such as a bewitching repetitive figure on “Jingle Bells,” and something straight out the book of Miles Davis on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Solo space for both Peterson and Lofsky is limited, but both make the most of it, especially when they dig into the changes on “Winter Wonderland.”
Reverence
While Peterson and the band sound like they’re having a ball throughout most of the album, the moments of levity are broken up by flashes of seriousness. A leisurely tempo is adopted for the Sinatra chestnut “The Christmas Waltz,” as well as “White Christmas” and this choice results in two moving ballad performances. For many of the album’s traditional carols, Peterson just concentrates on melody and forgoes any improvising. This very un-jazz like approach only really works on “Silent Night” and tends to bog down an album which is primarily upbeat.
On the surface, fun and reverence seem to be contradictory, but both emotions are rooted deeply in the Christmas season. It is a time to draw near to friends and family and to break away from the hustle-and-bustle of the rat race. But, it is also a time to reflect and count blessings. Intentionally or not, Peterson has created an album that captures both emotions.
By ROBERT GILBERT,
Published: December 22, 2002

1 σχόλια:

Etta James - 12 Songs of Christmas

Παρασκευή, Νοεμβρίου 18, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 1 Comments

12 Songs of Christmas is a holiday album by American singer Etta James, released in October 1998 through the record label Private Music. The album, produced by John Snyder, features standards arranged mostly by pianist Cedar Walton and solos by Walton, George Bohanon on trombone and Red Holloway on tenor saxophone. Critical reception of the album was positive overall. Following its release, 12 Songs reached a peak position of number five on Billboard's Top Blues Albums chart.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Artist: Etta James
Title Of Album: 12 Songs of Christmas
Year Of Release: 1998
Label: Private Music
Genre: Blues, Jazz, RnB, Holiday, Christmas Jazz
Quality: MP3
Bitrate: 320kbps
Type: CD
Total Time: 1:03:26
Total Size: 144 mb

Tracklist:

1 Winter Wonderland Bernard, Smith 4:26

2 Jingle Bells Pierpont, Pierpont 5:26

3 This Time of Year Hollis, Owens 5:47

4 Merry Christmas, Baby Baxter, Moore 6:10

5 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Blane, Martin 4:45

6 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town Coots, Gillespie 6:22

7 White Christmas Berlin 5:52

8 The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) Torme, Wells 4:23

9 The Little Drummer Boy (Carol of the Drum) [Carol of the Drum] Davis, Onorati, Simeone 4:59

10 Silent Night Gruber, Mohr, Traditional 4:49

11 Joy to the World Handel, Mason, Watts 5:30

12 O Holy Night Adam, Dwight 4:50

Personnel

Adolphe Adam Composer

Robi Banerji Assistant Engineer

Lou Baxter Composer

George Bohannon Trombone

Ronnie Buttacavoli Flugelhorn, Trumpet

Rudy Calvo Make-Up

John Clayton Bass

Lupe DeLeon Executive Producer

Michael O. Drexler Digital Editing, Engineer

John Sullivan Dwight Composer

Franz Gruber Composer

George Frederick Handel Composer

Billy Higgins Drums

Red Holloway Sax (Alto), Sax (Tenor)

Etta James Arranger, Vocals

Sametto James Bass (Electric)

Lowell Mason Composer

Sonny Mediana Art Direction, Photography

Joseph Mohr Composer

Johnny Moore Composer

John Nelson Assistant Engineer

Jay Newland Engineer

James Pierpont Composer

Josh Sklair Arranger, Guitar

John Snyder Producer

Cedar Walton Arranger, Piano

Isaac Watts Composer

Review

by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

It's a little surprising to realize that after decades of recording, Etta James finally released her first holiday album, 12 Songs of Christmas, at the late date of 1998. Thankfully, she decided to make the record something of a special occasion. Working with arrangers Etta and Cedar Walton, producer John Snyder and a terrific lineup of musicians -- including Red Holloway, John Clayton, Billy Higgins, Cedar Walton, Josh Sklair and her son, Sametto -- James has created a terrific Christmas record, one that is firmly in her style yet contains surprises. First of all, she sings "O Holy Night" in both English and French. She also reworks "Silent Night" into a plaintive, bluesy plea. Each song on the album doesn't sound like a traditional carol, even if they're very familiar -- it all sounds like James, and it all sounds good. James fans may not feel like they need a Christmas album from her, but after hearing 12 Songs of Christmas, they'll be quite pleased indeed.

allmusic.com

1 σχόλια:

Eddie Higgins Trio - Christmas Songs

Πέμπτη, Νοεμβρίου 17, 2011 Giorgos Varvakis 1 Comments

Artist: Eddie Higgins Trio
Title Of Album: Christmas Songs
Year Of Release: 2005
Label: Venus Records
Genre: Jazz, Christmas Jazz
Quality: MP3
Bitrate: 320kbpsType: CD
Total Time: 52:36 min
Total Size: 115 mb

Tracklist:
1. Let It Snow Let It Snow Let It Snow 3:41
2. Christmas Song 5:15
3. I'll Be Home For Christmas 4:29
4. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 4:35
5. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town 3:34
6. O Little Town Of Bethlehem 4:49
7. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 4:19
8. The Christmas Waltz 3:25
9. White Christmas 4:43
10. Winter Wonderland 6:16
11. Deck The Hall With Boughs Of Holly 3:42
12. Sleight Ride 3:48

Eddie Higgins (piano)
Jay Leonhart (bass)
Joe Ascione (drums)

Every year at this time I choose a favorite jazz Christmas album to
share with you. My annual selection has nothing to do with new releases or hot new artists. My criterion simply is beauty, which isn't so easy, since a great Christmas album is hard to find. For me, most tend to be too solemn or sticky sweet. Just right is a fine line in this genre. To make the cut, a holiday jazz album needs to be uplifting and sentimental, but not dreary or noisy. I know, I know—picky, picky. My evergreen selection this year is Eddie Higgins' Christmas Songs.
Recorded in 2004, the album features pianist Higgins [pictured] with
bassist Jay Leonhart and drummer Joe Ascione. What I love about Christmas Songs is the drifting-feather quality of Higgins' piano playing, not to mention the perfect song list. All the chestnuts are here, and Higgins roasts each one with jolly grace.
Higgins, who died in 2009, was one of those rare jazz pianists who knew exactly
where the best chord voicings
were hidden on the keyboard. He also knew how to cover the entire ivory landscape without pounding or over-indulging. As you listen to him play (on all of his albums, in fact), you can almost hear song lyrics dancing around in his head.
On Christmas Songs, Higgins delivers a top-hat-and-tails holiday card with just a peck of jazz mischief and a pinch of frosty nostalgia.
jazzwax.com