December (Rpkg) [Original recording reissued]

Chris Botti | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 10, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Columbia
• ASIN: B000I0QKD8
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,638 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #55 in Music > Pop > Easy Listening > Orchestral Pop
  • #63 in Music > Jazz > Smooth Jazz
  • #72 in Music > Miscellaneous > Holiday > Opera & Vocal

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

With his GQ looks and warm, seductive brass tone, trumpet player Chris Botti has what it takes to command attention. This lovely recording will appeal to deeper jazz fans as much as to easy-listening and fusion aficionados. From brooding and bubbling arrangements of holiday standards to the original, radio-perfect ballad "Perfect Day" (featuring the talented horn man on vocals), Botti and his various ensembles deliver 13 tracks of comfort and joy, plus a taste of fleeting, seasonal melancholy that recalls Chet Baker. The more somber moods are brightened, however, by such merry fare as the Brazilian arrangement of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and the swinging "Winter Wonderland." You probably won't hear a more romantic (or ironic) version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and when was the last time a Leonard Cohen tune ("Hallelujah") appeared on any Christmas disc? December is tasty throughout and highly recommended. --Martin Keller

Amazon.com

With his GQ looks and warm, seductive brass tone, trumpet player Chris Botti has what it takes to command attention. This lovely recording will appeal to deeper jazz fans as much as to easy-listening and fusion aficionados. Botti and his various ensembles deliver 13 tracks of comfort and joy, plus a taste of fleeting, seasonal melancholy that recalls Chet Baker. The more somber moods are brightened, however, by such merry fare as the Brazilian arrangement of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and the swinging "Winter Wonderland." You probably won't hear a more romantic (or ironic) version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and when was the last time a Leonard Cohen tune ("Hallelujah") appeared on any Christmas disc? December is tasty throughout and highly recommended. --Martin Keller (This text refers to a previous edition of this disc.)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There are times, January 3, 2005

By 

S. F. Tye (winter springs, florida United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: December (Audio CD)

I love Christmas music. My wife complains about storing all my CDs for 11 1/2 months out of the year [yes I wait until well after Thanksgiving]. There are times during this season, often in the late evening, when I want to listen to Christmas jazz that doesn't try too hard to prove it's really jazz [and not just Christmas schmaltz] but which is still different enough to give me a break from the Christmas music that I am playing almost non-stop [as I start late, I feel it's perfectly justifiable to listen in excess]. That's when this album really comes into its own. Christmas with a dash of bluesy melancholy [and who doesn't have the occasional melancholy moment sometime during the season?].
Dave Koz and Kenny G have a wonderful Christmas sound that doesn't try too hard; great with a glass of wine. When I want a bit more jazz and a wee bit less Christmas, I go with this album. Mix a bit of melancholy with some wonderful Christmas tunes and a very talented trumpeter - presto!; you have the perfect album to have with a second glass of wine. Should the Christmas spirit convince you that a third glass is in order, you can always follow with Chet Baker!

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be prepared for a relaxing and blissful Christmas, October 29, 2006

By 

333 - See all my reviews

This review is from: December (Rpkg) (Audio CD)

Chris Botti's sound is nothing short of amazing. His pure and warm tone produces a delectably soothing feeling. Yes, I know that this cd is basically just a remake of his last Christmas album but they have added two fantastic pieces of music to this album. They are Schubert's "Ave Maria" and "I Really Don't Want Much for Christmas (featuring Eric Benét)".

First, "Ave Maria" is performed with a wonderful arrangement. You know how during Christmas you go into cathedrals or traditional churches and you hear the choir singing beautiful hymns, which are so touching and heartfelt? Well, this is what this arrangement is like. Chris Botti is backed up by a wonderful choir (St. Jon's Choir) and the London Session Orchestra. Truly, the feeling is transcendent as the choir sings warmly in the background and the trumpet voice just soars in the graceful melodic lines (by soar, I mean a beautiful melody coming out, not blasting high notes). This performance is simply gorgeous.

"I Really Don't Want Much for Christmas" is another beautiful tune. The vocals are a nice addition and Chris just seems to be able to play so well with another musician. This is a very gentle song and draws out the feelings in my heart. I believe that this song will truly touch the hearts of listeners because the song is expressing our desire to be with our loved ones. This song allows us to slow down in the midst of our busy year and really reflect and realize that we should cherish being with our loved ones.

All the other tracks are amazing and Chris Botti produces a splendid and lush atmosphere with his moving playing. There is variety in the style as there are faster, lighthearted arrangements alongside slow, lush arrangements. Personally, I am a classical lover and I love the glory that brass instruments attain during Christmas with playing in the brilliant high register. Amazingly, Chris Botti still moves me without having to play such brilliant, high notes. His beautiful tone is already more than enough.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Warm, complex, refreshing - a seminal work., October 31, 2002

By 

J. Frazee "GR8 88's" (South Salem, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: December (Audio CD)

Without a doubt, this will be one of the most played Christmas offerings this year and probably for years to come. I'll leave it to those who feel they must to make comparisons of Mr. Botti to the likes of Marsalis, Davis, even Clark Terry and others; this CD stands alone in originality and artistry. The "Silent Night" track alone is worth the purchase but every track offers sensitivity, creativity and achievements in the art of ensemble only envied by most groups. Frankly, I'd give it six stars and thank Chris Botti for his gift to us all.