Customer Reviews

Heaven & Nature Swing

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

 

 

This is an excellent CD! Phil captures the spirit of Christmas and swing in a very tight and creative musical package. Phil's voice adds character to the traditional Christmas songs everyone loves. And, of-course his trumpet work is phenominal. This is a must have for any fan of swing music or anyone who is tired of the modern day reengineered and synthesized renditions of the classic Christmas fare.

What a great Christmas CD! If you like Jazz and want a CD that will put you in a mellow mood while you wrap the gifts, deck the halls, trim the tree or relax in front of the fire, this is the one. It came out in 1993 and nothing that has come out since has knocked it from the No. 1 spot on my Christmas listening list. I recommended it friends who loved it so they decided to play it at their wedding reception that was three days before Christmas. It will put you in the Christmas spirit, I promise.

I am continually amazed at the fact that this Christmas album is still a well kept secret. Phil Driscoll hit a homerun with Heaven and Nature Swing and more people should know about it. Driscoll masterfully updated several classics and carols in a swing/big band style. He also submitted three compositions of his own, of which "Over in Bethlemen" is particularly good (I find myself humming it in August). The mood of album slides coherently through a gentle "Greatest Love Story" to a fun, twinkle-toed "Joy to the World" to a tender "Silent Night" to the swingingest "...Merry Gentlemen" around. Driscoll's Armstrongesque, gruff baritone leads powerfully and humbly across these tunes while his clean, elegant trumpet alternatingly pulses and glides through the instrumental sections. Stuff those stockings with this one; it is definitely a great gift to give or to get

I enjoy Phil Driscoll's music a lot, however, this album was a big departure from his signature sound (blue eyed soul). Yet it is probably my favorite of all his work, and really shows his range as a trumpet player. The big band/swing sound always puts me in the Christmas spirit. His rendition of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is one of my favorite renditions of that song. This is may be my third favorite Christmas album tha I own, behind Nat King Cole's Christmas Song(best ever in my opinion) and Israel and New Breed's A Timeless Christmas.

The album was all I expected and more. It was a refreshing treatment of traditional material with wonderful creative new twists. And the original material is memorable and highly enjoyable.

I bought this as a nostaligic gift for my dad- I remember him playing Phil Driscoll. I enjoyed listening to him play the trumpet and sing. My dad enjoyed his gift; he did receive it promptly.

I had the honor of playing bass for Phil once and was amazed at his talent. He sings better than Michael Bolton in his prime, plays trumpet like Doc Severinsen wishes he could and also plays keyboards - frequently all at the same time. A friend of mine who was doing some production work for Phil mailed me this CD with a note that said "This will blow your mind" - and it did! My mouth was hanging open 30 seconds into the first track. This is Phil and some monster session players ripping it up like you have never heard Christmas songs played before. I've been wearing it out every year since it came out. Phil; if you ever read this brother - where can I get the charts?!

Gods Love,

Rich

Heaven & Nature Swing

Are you are tired of the same old Christmas music? Gritty vocals and a horn that would make Doc Severenson proud make this a must have CD. This guy is the best kept secret out there. Buy this and play it for all your holiday guests.

I heard "Joy to the World" off this album while listening to the radio years ago. It was one of those "OK, where do I go to get this CD" moments, right on the spot. Unfortunately, the CD was out of print, so I wrote to Phil Driscoll, and he sold me one through the mail. There is alot of fabulous music on this album. Phil's singing reminds me of David Clayton Thomas. Here is my only non-5-star comment: As for his trumpet playing, my personal taste in jazz is more bop-oriented, whereas Phil is more of your Maynard Ferguson/Doc Severensen style of player whose improvisation relies more on his ability to sustain upper register playing, as opposed to modal or chord-based innovation. The arranging is top notch--great big exciting big band sound. I gave this album 5 stars. I have two favorite Christmas albums that I've listened to every year for many years. This is one of them, and has earned a permanent spot.

While Phil Driscoll may not be a household name, this is one CD that should be in EVERY house!

The CD is a tad heavy on the vocals for my taste, but Phil's voice/style makes the wait for the trumpet solos enjoyable.

For anyone who enjoys GREAT Christmas music and/or for someone who seeks a sample of Phil Driscoll's talent without buying a "religious" CD.. this is it!

Track after track of traditional Christmas songs sung and played by Phil in a Big Band format.