Customer Reviews

Jazzy Wonderland

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

 

 

I bought this gem on a whim years ago, and whip it out the first weekend of every December. I'm a big fan of seasonal music, and this is among the first Christmas albums I listen to each year... up until track 9. Then the kitsch sets in, and you'll want to skip a track or two. But those first eight, oh my - nothing revolutionary, but quite enjoyable and, hey, if you wanted something more jazzy you wouldn't want a seasonal album, and if you wanted something more seasonal you probably don't want jazz. If you're happy for some fantastic background music around the house, here 'tis.

I have loved and owned this CD since its debut in 1990. I am happy to see that it is available again and on CD. I too cannot wait until the Christmas season to listen to it over and over agian. My FAVORITE track is "Jingle Bells"--mellow and a heartwarming voice by Mr. Richard Tee. "Silent Night" is anything but quiet. It is a powerful performance by Kimiko Itoh and Nancy Wilson.

Like one of the other reviewers, I love Christmas music - all types from Glen Miller to Dylan but this is my favorite collection. I lost one copy of it and immediately ordered another. The songs go from standard arrangements such as This Christmas and White Christmas to amazingly creative version of The Little Drummer Boy (first time on the CD - track 5). That might be my only complaint - that Little Drummer Boy appears twice on the CD, but I really enjoy both versions. And the vocals on Silent Night alone are worth the cost of this CD.

This jazz com"YULE"ation from under the Columbia Christmas tree unfolds to the listener better than most other brightly colored packages to reveal it's wonders. Imagine the jewel case and the colorful illustation as the package and each track as part of a surprise holiday cookie assortment found within. With each ear chomp,a different flavor to be discovered and a new American variation on the standard recipe to rediscover.Most tasty Richard Tee's "Jingle Bells" an orginal concoction of seasonal standards most would deem incompatible but truely incomparable, while the liberal liberation of lyrics by a gospel choir in Kirk Whalum's serving of "Go Tell It on the Mountain" leaves the listener a pleasant aftertaste. ....