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2000 R-Jay Records release
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fine jump-blues take on Christmas songs - and a keeper,
By
This review is from: The Christmas Album (MP3 Download)
I have no idea what the previous two reviewers are arguing about re: 'seasonal surprise elements' and instru-tinsel, but this band doesn't need any of that crap: they're pretty damned hot on their own. Leave out the hokey jingle-bell effects, I say, and this album is better off without them. Besides, the other reviewers obviously aren't dancers or jazz/jump blues fans, or they'd have paid more attention to other things.
Chicagoan that I am, I know the Mighty Blue Kings' music very well and have heard the band live often enough to appreciate their main strength, which is an unfailingly hip jump-blues sensibility and swinging rhythm that makes most of their tunes oh so danceable. And blues dancers and Lindyhoppers appreciate the absence of such seasonal musical sound effects, which only distract from the swing elements and melody. Ross Bon and his group are a joy to dance to, and truly swinging Christmas dance tunes are hard to come by -- so dancers and jazz fans alike really dig it when we find holiday songs that are as alive as those performed here. The best tracks would be 1 (Christmas Time), 5 (Good Morning, Blues) and 9 (They Say It's Christmas) from a dancer's standpoint (1 and 9 are MBK originals, whereas 5 is a classic Count Basie Christmas favorite), and 7 and 10 (All I Ask For Christmas and the classic I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, respectively) are highly danceable, too, as is the uptempo, rocking version of Jingle Bells. The rest are mostly slower, and Silent Night is there because it's practically obligatory, but I could have easily done without it. In fact, compared to MBK's two best albums, 1996's Meet Me In Uptown and 1998's Live In Chicago (recorded here at the Green Mill Lounge), this recording is a little tame next to their usual fare. That, and the inclusion of Silent Night, which makes for a weaker than necessary ending, really make this somewhere between 4-1/2 and 4-3/4 stars; but what the heck, I like round numbers and it's Christmas. Make it five. Bottom line: Get it, share it, spread the news, and enjoy! Better yet, dance to it -- I certainly do!!
5.0 out of 5 stars
WHAT???,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Christmas Album (MP3 Download)
No seasonal surprise elements? Are you crazy? I bought this disc from a radio recomendation a few years back by DJ Mancow Mueller. It is far and away among the best (and I am a niche Christmas music junkie). #4 Just to be with you #7 All I ask for Christmas and #9 They Say it's Christmas are ALL surprise original elements. Those 3 cuts alone are well worth the price. Sample them in the MP3 downloads area. This one goes in permanent Holiday rotation. -JB
3 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
and1\2 com"YULE"ation Cleric : Chi ~ town Club Kings~~,
By Mitch Mirthman (on the path in search of YULEtide Treasure) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Christmas Album (Audio CD)
This album is a seasonal soundscape of the sty lings that make up the sub-genre Chicago sound and stands as a testament that it will continue on as a worldwide hub of both blues and jazz. This sleigh ride from high upon the loungey hill mixes a well rounded selection of songs with a genuine instrumentation flowing from intimate beatnik to big band roadhouse. ~~~Merrily Mix~ {1}seldom, party starter, bluesy sax,Blue_****, {2}s.s.s.,swingy handjive , UJ or L _, ***1\2, {3} seldom, slower soulful, good guitar,Brownlike, Blue_ UJ or L_, ****1\2, {4}(org!) waltzy love song, UJL_, ***1\2, {5}little, strong bass, Santa guitar goodies,UJL_, ****, {6}s.s.s., heavy symbol, **, {7}(org!), rock'n big band with soulful and Santa, TOYS_ ****, {8} seldom, slow sax,small room, UJL_, ****, {9}(org!) swinger with horns and around of solos, UJL_,**** {10}s.s., jazzy,**, {11}s.s.s., organic solemn ,** ~~~Post Script: Even though this home grown production was recorded in only 3 summertime days, an elf'n ear senses that the festive YULEtide decorations and ample guest appearances bring forth some merry studio magic. Still, the album just falls short in load, has no seasonal surprisal elements or instru- tinsel, and in my option could have benefited with more umph. All factor in to the ranking dim, yet I'm still a supportive fan of the band, thanks for the gift. ***buyit*saveit*sharesome*giveit* donateit to the local library *** YULEridGEMality Factor = 4 1\2
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