Customer Reviews

Martinis & Mistletoe - Cool Tunes For Your Christmas Cocktail Party

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Most of the cuts on this release have the basics of what's needed for a good, laid-back lounge sound - the vibraphone, organ, "jazzy" guitar, sax, etc. If you need to round-out your Chistmas music to include this genre - this is a great place to start. It's smooth, not "over-the-top" and has a great vibe. The opening cut and "Cool Yule" are standouts. Even "Santa Baby" succeeds because the vocals are delevered with a softer edge - not sexy like Ertha Kitt or Madonna's versions. Some tunes are more jazzed-up than I prefer ("Silent Night"), but the musicianship is superb. And, you cannot go wrong at this price....

I was so, so pleased with the overall feel of this album. It has a strong Christmas charm with a jazz club feel. The mere fact that this group could cover "Cool Yule" in a fun and respectable fashion says a lot about the quality and the well done arrangements. More fun than a lot of Christmas albums from better known bands and singers.

This selection of Christmas songs done with a twist of jazz is fun and adds a nice backdrop to any Christmas season.

Amazon doesn't seem to have a track listing... so here it is for your pleasure. Please note many of the songs have vocals but some of the tracks are instrumentals only.

1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas*
2. Santa Baby
3. Merry Christmas, Baby
4. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
5. Silent Night*
6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
7. Cool Yule
8. Away in a Manger*
9. The First Noel
10. O Little Town of Bethlehem*

*indicates instrumental only.

This has got to be the coolest Christmas album that I've picked up in years. It's true, ol' Dino would be proud. These new recordings give these favorite holiday tunes a great twist. "Santa Baby", is IT in my book...and the artwork is just the swankiest!

This album is a great addition to anyone's Chistmas collection. It offers a fresh, new sound to old favorite Christmas tunes. I also enjoyed "The Gift" and "Holiday Dinner", two more albums by these same artists. The production company should be commended on such a great, new sound!

...but it has to be said: While 'Martinis and Misteloe' is a swinging concept, it doesn't translate to a quality Christmas party-spirited cd -- in this case. From the first notes, and then the vocals, sadly it just never improves. However, negative reviews really should be accompanied by an alternative suggestion; here's mine: 'Ultra-Lounge: Christmas Cocktails, Part One'.

I bought this not quite being sure of what to expect. Wow, it's now one of my favorites! Like other reviewers have said, it's got a very jazzy/loungey type feel to it. It's a nice change from the usual Christmas classics (which I enjoy as well). Put this CD in and have a Cool Yule!!

Let me start with my bias. If you share it, then this review will be helpful, otherwise skip it and read the others.

I like swing music from the 40's and 50's. I prefer that old style of playing and recording; for me new swing records typically lack a sense of soul and character. I think the reason for this is because back in those previous decades swing was still new, people were innovating. Nowadays, most (not all) swing stuff is merely preserving the genre, so it lacks a certain edge to my ears.

Martinis and Mistletoe is a relatively new recording (2002). The songs are played very well, the recording is everything you would expect from something recorded with all the new technology: well balanced, clear and full. The band is solid and clearly does a good job with all of the numbers performed. The singers are pretty good, depending on the song. It is not a bad album by any standard.

All that said, I don't really like this CD and will not be keeping it in my Christmas album rotation. Again, that's because I have a bias for older recordings. If you are of the same mindset, keep looking for other recordings.

An alternate I suggest is Swingin' Christmas Party. This one has the exact feel that I look for...

Cheers,

G

The instrumental portion of the CD is very good. Just what you would expect from a "Lounge Music" genre. But where did they find those female singers? Yikes, makes the hair on the back of my head stand on end. Would be a great CD without the vocals.

If you're looking for some swinging, jazzy, or cool Christmas music, I'd recommend you keep shopping. Though similar in style to the great ones, this doesn't measure up in any comparison. Stick to the singers, arrangers and bands you know will deliver on Christmas Eve! If you don't have them yet, get the "Christmas Cocktails" releases from the Ultra Lounge series, and you'll still have some dough to pay the rent. (Thanks, Pearl) Merry Christmas!