Christmas Jazz

When you are tired of Christmas music you can play this CD simply to hear good jazz. Likewise when you are in that magical mood for Christmas this will enrich your mood.

Juno-nominated artist Barbra Lica is a fast-rising star in the Canadian music scene and has been receiving accolades for a unique vocal ability that stresses subtlety and grace. Based in Toronto, Canada, Barbra’s live show captivates audiences all over North America with her genuine warmth and confident stage presence. A deep passion for the music of classic vocalists like Doris Day and Ella Fitzgerald led Barbra to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto. Shortly after graduating, Barbra was runner-up in the 2013 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition with judges Al Jarreau and Gretchen Parlato.

Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass add plenty of spice to this Christmas jazz CD, not only with superb, fresh charts but a few surprising selections. The rich brass and reeds carry the deliberate rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," which segues into a perky Latin-flavored chart of "I'll Be Home for Christmas." "Away in a Manger" is not the commonly heard melody but one first written in 1887, though the music will likely be familiar, even if one doesn't associate it with the well-known lyrics. The lush setting of "The Christmas Song," which likely set Mel Tormé and Bob Wells for life with royalty checks due to its many recordings, showcases the leader's valve trombone and pianist David Restivo. "My Favorite Things," originally written for The Sound of Music, has gradually been transformed into double duty as a Christmas carol; this swinging interpretation works very well. Johnny Mandel, the composer of many memorable melodies, deserves greater recognition for his gorgeous piece "A Christmas Love Song"; this arrangement deserved to help put it on the jazz map. Rob McConnell & the Boss Brass consistently delivered first-rate music throughout their existence, this holiday CD no exception.

For this Christmas jazz album, Harry Connick, Jr. emphasizes his vocals (his piano playing is quite secondary) as he sings ten familiar Christmas songs plus four of his originals while joined by a big band, a string section, and background singers.
It is among the most popular holiday collections of the past two decades in the United States. The album proved to be the best-selling holiday album in the U.S. of 1993.

What a nice present! Just in time for the Christmas season 2015 Barbara Dennerlein is back with a new album! Combining elements from Pop, Funk, Soul and Fusion she creates Christmas Jazz at it´s best. Since more than 3 decades Barbara Dennerlein is one of the top stars of the nternational Jazz scene.
Several times the prestigous Down Beat Magazine voted her as “instrumentalist of the year”. She received numerous Jazz Awards and in 2013 she was honoured to become a member of the “Hammond Hall Of Fame”.
Now Barbara Dennerlein presents a soulful selection of Christmas songs played on the famous Hammond B3. Ten fingers, two feet, one instrument.