Customer Reviews

Jingle Bell Swing

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Let's face it: Most holiday compilations fall into one of two cataogories: 1) The same old hit warhorses in the same old versions, trotted out yet again, mixed with a bunch of junk chosen to fill out the CD and save the label on royalties; 2) Unmemorable interpretations by unknowns marketed at a budget price.

This collection is neither of those. Instead, what you get is a collection of interpretations by some of the biggest names in the history of jazz and swing. Few of these would be called definitive, but most of these are excellent in their own right. And since you probably already have enough copies of ol' Bing singing "White Christmas", this is a nice collection to add into rotation for flavor. At the price, it's a no brainer.

This is a fun, bouncey, swingin' Christmas CD that you'll not get tired of.

Fun tracks ("Winter Weather, "What Will Santa Claus Say?", "Shake Hands With Santa Claus"), mix freely with jazzy/loungey versions of classic standards. Russell Malone's "O Christmas Tree" has a suitable "Charlie Brown's Christmas" kind of feel. Duke Ellington, Chick Corea, Miles Davis, Louis Prima, Carmen McRae, and Tex Beneke are filling the stockings. Even Tony Bennett stops by, and his "Winter Wonderland" goes down as smooth and as warm as eggnog.

There is enough variety here to keep you swingin' right through a stormy Christmas Eve. Whether you're just pulling the sleigh like all the other reindeer, or makin' like Rudolph with a shiny nose, depends only on how many martinis you've had.

More scattin' and swingin' can be found in this holiday gem, on which cool Yule music doesn't get any hotter. The Duke n "Jingle Bells." Benny and Peggy on "Winter Weather." Louie Prima on "What Will Santa Say When Finds Everybody Swinging?" Miles on "Blue Xmas." The surprise gem --- and it works, what a jewel 'tis --- Art Carney (yes, that Art Carney) on "'Twas the Night before Christmas." Ooooh Santa baby!

Jingle Bell Swing is a Sony CD release of various artists performing different tunes associated with either Christmas or at least the winter season.

Leasding off is Duke Ellington and his Orchestra in a swinging version of "Jingle Bells" recorded in 1962. Duke and the band are also represented by "Sugar Plum Cherry," a version of "Sugar Plum Fairy" recorded in 1960. Louis Prima is also present on this CD with "What Will Santa Claus Say When He Finds Everybody Swinging?" from 1936 as well as "Shake Hands with Santa Claus" from 1951.

Also among the 14 holiday tunes on this CD are Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea doing "Deck the Halls" from 1969, Tony Bennett doing "Winter Wonderland" from 1968 and The Glenn Miller Orchestra directed by Tex Benecke playing Claude Thornhill's "Snowfall" recorded in 1965.

Also included is a recording of Benny Goodman and his Orchestra with Peggy Lee
doing "Winter Weather" in 1941. Other highlights are Russell Malone's "O Christmas Tree" and Art Carney's jumping 1954 version of "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Included too is Pony Poindexter doing "Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer," along with Lambert, Hendriks and Ross swinging out with Walt Kelly's "Deck Us All With Boston Charlie" and Miles Davis's 1962 "Blue Xmas" followed by Carmen McRae"s 1962 recording of "The Christmas Song."

I rate this unusually fine holiday CD five stars just because of its good overall musical quality and a couple of really unusual and rare recordings that are included.

This is a great twist on holiday music. New, fun versions of the classics. A must-have for dinner music or holiday listening enjoyment. I love it more each time I listen to it.

This is, without question, one of the best collections of jazz-oriented Christmas music available. Everything from Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee to Duke Ellington, from Miles Davis to Art Carney's hip-talking jazz rap on "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

To top it off, this CD is now offered for a price ($4.99) that makes it one of the best values out there.

If you're a fan of jazz and Christmas music, you'll want this outstanding compilation!

Very lovely collection of Christmas tunes. Great for use during dinner parties. I like that there are various artists performing on it. There is also a reading of THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Art Carney from the Jackie Gleason Show.

For those tried of the same songs sung that same way over and over again this is an album for you. Some great swing jazz Christmas tunes on this album. 'Tis the Night before Christmas is one of the stand out gems on this album, which has become one of my favorites over the years. If you are looking for something a little different give this album a try. You will not be disappointed.

This is a wonderful collection of jazzy Christmas songs. From the Big Band sounds of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, to vocals from Tony Bennett and Peggy Lee to name a couple, plus a great track by Miles Davis, this is a must have for all jazz lovers at Christmas time. Plus there is a fun reading of "Twas the Night before Christmas" by Art Carney. There is an excellent mix on this cd, that is sure to please most people.