Customer Reviews

Let's Share Christmas

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

 

 

I'll admit that I'm biased since I'm a huge JP fan to begin with. This album is a pleasant mix of swingin' big band, high-powered brass arrangements and lovely, melodic string orchestrations. It doesn't hurt that he collaborates with an all-star lineup of arrangers such as Johnny Mandel, Michel Legrand, Don Sebesky, and others. My personal highlights of the album are an upbeat, scatting version of 'White Christmas'; JP's original composition, 'Let's Share Christmas'(beautifully expressive); and a high-spirited, bebop rendition of 'Sleigh Ride' performed in the trio setting. This CD goes to the very top of my holiday collection under the category of "must play each year and often". Great stuff!!!

Just heard John Pizzarelli on the Boston POPS Holiday Special aired on A&E November 26, 1998. John and his trio played half of the selections on this CD and they really swing. Some old standards and a few new songs that I'm sure will become seasonal regulars (e.g. Santa is near). Very enjoyable!

...this time to set your Christmas heart aflame. Everyone is in good spirits. People want good holiday music. I got tired of Boyz-to-men after a while. I've always enjoyed the peaceful crooning of John Pizzarelli, but this just usurps the cool breeze express. It's like a breath of fresh air. It keeps it simple and puts you in good spirits. Makes me wanna pick up my guitar and play for me lady! Makes me really wich I could play piano, lol. Wonderful holiday music and a breath of something new.

Others have said it before, but I'll repeat it here: there's nothing particularly special about John Pizzarelli's voice. It's not terribly rich, and it's a little bit nasal. Still, there's something quintessentially New Yorkish (for lack of a better word) about him, and it's awfully appealing. On "Let's Share Christmas," he uses his signature big band sound to create a soundtrack for the holidays that will draw in anyone who ever loved a good martini, a black satin dress, or the glory days of Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington.

Pizzarelli does justice to all the classic tunes here, from a quietly soaring "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" to a boppy, swingin' "White Christmas" and beyond. Arranged and conducted by such class acts as Johnny Mandel, Don Sebesky, and Patrick Williams, these are all a treat. A special kick comes from the purely instrumental "Sleigh Ride" as performed here by the John Pizzarelli Trio. While a mellow electric guitar performs most of the work, the piano sparkles in the background and the song is off and running, leaving behind a wake of freshly fallen snow. It's a winner, as are all the songs here. Treat yourself to this for Christmas, have some close friends over, and enjoy a cocktail while decorating the tree--you can't miss with this as your holiday soundtrack!

I wish I could describe what I like about Pizarelli's voice, but can't find the words. He doesn't have a powerful voice, or a rich voice, or in any other way a very distinctive voice; but it's very pleasant to listen to, and he does some good things with the Christmas tunes on this CD.
(And don't forget his instrumental guitar work; I've always loved the Leroy Anderson tune "Sleigh Ride" and have numerous recordings. The arrangement on this CD really swings).

Normally, holiday recordings with one or two requisite offbeat or little known tracks are a turn off for me. But I felt this disc worth the risk after hearing Pizzarelli's deft handling of "What are You Doing New Year's Eve" on a Holiday at Pops Christmas concert two years ago.

Turns out it was my one of my favorite purchases last holiday season. Aside from his terrific covers of old favorites, Pizzarelli demonstrates his talent for range with a beautiful version of "Snowfall" and a loads-of-fun recording of "Santa Claus is Near."

If you're still lamenting the passing of Old Blue Eyes and fear the old-time-charm of Holiday recordings from the 40s and 50s is long gone, give yourself a great gift by buying this album.

John's superb musicianship is in attendance as usual. Having an equally excellent orchestra is always the best setting for fine music, but the special bonus is the cast of top arrangers, one for each selection. I can think of two other occassions when more than one scoremeister was used: Warren Vache's "Don't Look Back" and the Lawrence Welk/Johnny Hodges album. I hope others will follow, and I also hope that "Let's Share Christmas" gets the attention it deserves.

This is my most favorite Christmas album of all! John's voice is strong and steady with just the right amount of sweetness. The Christmas songs are joyful, swinging, and jazzy. He takes the songs out for a ride but doesn't venture too far away from the original versions; in other words, you won't feel that you're missing that true holiday spirit. Some of the tunes have a big band flavor, while others have a more traditional jazz sound; they still melt into each other in perfect procession. Christmas Time is Here is so beautifully scored and gently sung, just Charlie Brown-y enough, but much more sophisticated.

This disc, too long out of print, is spectacular. Pizzarelli's personality comes through and the music is festive, fun, and SO WELL DONE.

"Christmas songs are like old friends. They give you warm and fuzzy feeling." ~ John Pizzarelli ~

With this CD "Let's Share Christmas" by John Pizzarelli, every Christmas celebration will be more special and memorable. This is just the perfect listen this Yuletide Season for your family reunions, get-togethers and parties. Or if you want solitude after a hectic day of Christmas shopping, take a few moments to relax and listen to it while soaking in a warm bath with candlelights and aromatic unguents to revive your holiday spirit.

John Pizzarelli is not only a gifted guitarist and a great singer but also a very creative composer in his own right. The title track, "Let's Share Christmas" is one of his many remarkable original compositions. His charming music not only encompasses the Great American Songbook, but also traditional and contemporary Christmas songs. In this remarkable Christmas CD, he has the backing of some of the most brilliant names in orchestration and arranging: Johnny Mandel, Don Sebesky, Michel Legrand, Dick Lieb, Ralph Burns, Clare Fischer, Patrick Williams, John Clayton and Torrie Zito. And not to mention Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and his long-time partners Ray Kennedy and Martin Pizzarelli.

All the songs are positively charming and delightful from the opener "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" to the perfect ender, "Silent Night." "Santa Claus Is Near" is an original composition by John Pizzarelli. It was written for his then four year old son and arranged by Clare Fischer.

His beguiling interpretations of some of my favorites in this CD have completely pleased my ears! And these songs include "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "White Christmas," "The Christmas Song," and a beautiful interpretation of a remarkable song by composer/lyricist Frank Loesser "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" Johnny Mandel utilized a full orchestra here and his orchestration is, as always, magnificent, par excellence and simply oozing with charms!

With my heartfelt recommendation.