Customer Reviews

Christmas Time Is Here

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What fun it is to hear Dianne Reeves giving fresh interpretations of Christmas standards. In an exciting album of great variety, she ranges from an almost traditional interpretation of "The Christmas Song," which she sings as a slow, danceable ballad with simple piano accompaniment (Peter Martin), to her spectacular jazz celebration of "A Child Is Born," with drums (Gregory Hutchinson), wailing sax (Steve Wilson), syncopation, and Dianne singing scat.

Apparently recognizing that most people buying Christmas albums are looking for music that has some resemblance to the traditional carols they grew up with, Dianne does not aim to overpower the original sounds with jazz variations, choosing instead to recognize the mood and meaning of each song while giving it a unique twist. "Little Drummer Boy," which opens the album, for example, is sung as a clean, quiet ballad, but its unexpected syncopated beat and an accompaniment consisting solely of drums, bass, and percussion create an exciting new interpretation. "Carol of the Bells," with a happy, up-tempo beat and deliberate dissonance, features extended solo riffs on the vibes (Joe Locke) and sax (Steve Wilson), and though Dianne sticks fairly close to the original melody, she does it in surprising, finger-popping swing beat.

In the wonderful "Let it Snow," a happy, toe-tapping background of bass and cymbals sets off Dianne's extended scat and a jazz piano solo by Peter Martin. One of the most unusual songs is the upbeat "Christmas Waltz" (though no one would ever try to waltz to it). With a fast, syncopated bass (Reuben Rogers), guitar (Reuben Lumbambo) and piano, Dianne allows herself to be a jazz artist here, singing scat, and, in a nice touch, including children at the end. Throughout the album, she is generous with her accompanists, as each one solos and often plays off each other. And just when you think it's impossible for anyone to make "I'll Be Home for Christmas" or "This Time of the Year" sound fresh, Dianne Reeves does it.

By giving fairly traditional songs unique beats and introducing new, jazzy interpretations to others, this is an album which should appeal to a wide spectrum of listeners. Dianne's control, her wonderful diction, her attention to the meaning of the songs, and her ability to recognize the value of quiet interpretations and soft sounds on some tracks make this an album that honors the holidays by paying homage to its many moods. Grammy #4 may be on its way for this one. Mary Whipple

I don't have one CD from Dianne Reeves that's a dud! She always does great work and puts out projects well worth their price. This one is no different. It's a great listen and because it doesn't sound totally Christmas-y, you'll probably be playing it beyond the Christmas season.

The best jazz singers take the songs to new places without losing their listeners. Reeves is a master, whether she's being backed by a jazz quartet or a string quartet. Equally at home with the swirling scat of "Let It Snow" or the hushed elegance of the traditional "Christ Child's Lullaby," Reeves makes Christmas Time ... a classic for all seasons and all listeners.

Dianne and company bring sophisticated jazz arrangements to traditional holiday favorites and a few more obscure tunes. About 300 percent better than the average holiday CD!

When I first got wind of this project I knew it was going to be something special. Until now, I have never purchased anything by this artist. Although I have always respected her craft. Now I must own her catalog. Ms. Reeves' voice is pure perfection here. My favorities are Little Drummer Boy, Christmas Time Is Here, I'll Be Home For Christmas, Let It Snow, and Have yourself A Merry Little Christmas. From beginning to end, Ms. Reeves' x-mas CD is pure class. See for yourself. Note: This CD is excellent for any x-mas festivity. In fact, it will get substantial playing time out of season at my place.

I just saw Dianne Reeves for the first time at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor (12/10/05) and I was absolutely messmerized by her wonderful voice along with her exceptional band. The next day, I bought this CD along with three others. (A Little Moonlight, Best of Dianne Reeves, In the Momement (Live))

I was sad when the performance came to an end but was grateful to hear a truly gifted singer accompanied by world class band.

Eric Apollo
Ann Arbor, Michigan

What fun it is to hear Dianne Reeves giving fresh interpretations to Christmas standards. In an exciting album of great variety, she ranges from an almost traditional interpretation of "The Christmas Song," which she sings as a slow, danceable ballad with simple piano accompaniment (Peter Martin), to her spectacular jazz celebration of "A Child Is Born," with drums (Gregory Hutchinson), wailing sax (Steve Wilson), syncopation, and Dianne singing scat.

Apparently recognizing that most people buying Christmas albums are looking for music that has some resemblance to the traditional carols they grew up with, Dianne does not aim to overpower the original sounds with jazz variations, choosing instead to recognize the mood and meaning of each song while giving it a unique twist. "Little Drummer Boy," which opens the album, for example, is sung as a clean, quiet ballad, but its unexpected syncopated beat and an accompaniment consisting solely of drums, bass, and percussion create an exciting new interpretation. "Carol of the Bells," with a happy, up-tempo beat and deliberate dissonance, features extended solo riffs on the vibes (Joe Locke) and sax (Steve Wilson), and though Dianne sticks fairly close to the original melody, she does it in surprising, finger-popping swing beat.

In the wonderful "Let it Snow," a happy, toe-tapping background of bass and cymbals sets off Dianne's extended scat and a jazz piano solo by Peter Martin. One of the most unusual songs is the upbeat "Christmas Waltz" (though no one would ever try to waltz to it). With a fast, syncopated bass (Reuben Rogers), guitar (Reuben Lumbambo) and piano, Dianne allows herself to be a jazz artist here, singing scat, and, in a nice touch, including children at the end. Throughout the album, she is generous with her accompanists, as each one solos and often plays off each other. And just when you think it's impossible for anyone to make "I'll Be Home for Christmas" or "This Time of the Year" sound fresh, Dianne Reeves does it.

By giving fairly traditional songs unique beats and introducing new, jazzy interpretations to others, this is an album which should appeal to a wide spectrum of listeners. Dianne's control, her wonderful diction, her attention to the meaning of the songs, and her ability to recognize the value of quiet interpretations and soft sounds on some tracks make this an album that honors the holidays by paying homage to its many moods. Mary Whipple

This CD really is impressive. One of the best that Dianne Reeves and ever recorded. Great tunes and Dianne's renditions of these somgs just blew me away. Quality of the recording as far as clarity and mixing is second to none. Just buy it !!

Dianne Reeve is always extraordinary, but delivering these Christmas standards with a true jazz flair is nothing short of a musical triumph. If you love jazz and you want to get in the holiday spirit, you'll definitely want this CD for your collection.

This CD Was uttely boring it sounded like Dianne didn't even care that she was singing. It was a disappointment to me becuase she usually is pretty excting. I felt like she didn't do enough to make this CD perfect. I mean if it was just a regualar person putting out their very first CD, it wouldn't sound like this, becuase it wouldn't sell! Okay so, I have to give it 2 stars becuase at times it sounds relazing and nice, but then I think that every Christmas CD should be as excting as Christmas really is.