A Retro Cool Bossa Nova Christmas with Vinnie Zummo

Vinnie Zummo | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 12, 2001)
• Original Release Date: September 12, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vaz Music
• ASIN: B00005RSX4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #137,360 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The CD consists of traditional Christmas songs played over a silky, smooth, retro bossa nova groove featuring Vinnie’s uniquely phrased, guitar playing. This is not your average Christmas CD. Aside from being a unique Holiday CD, it also stands as a jazz/bossa nova album on it’s own with plenty of solos for guitar fans. The zany lounge vibe is augmented by chromatic harmonica and accordion solos as well as the nylon and electric guitar solos. If you know of Vinnie's playing from his 7 year stint with Joe Jackson, you know his concept of jazz guitar soloing is a little skewered. If forced to describe it one might say that this is the kind of record Dean Martin would have thrown on the turntable while mixing martinis for Frank & the boys on a balmy December day in Hollywood circa 1963. I'd like to think that upon hearing it Frank would say; " Hey Klyde, that's a groovy sound! The guitar player sounds real kooky." A great alternative for the holidays and a unique way to have a 'Cool Yule'.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome album!!!, November 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Retro Cool Bossa Nova Christmas with Vinnie Zummo (Audio CD)

This has instantly become my favorite Christmas album ever. It's one of those rare CDs that you love instantly from beginning to end; every song is truly a pleasure to hear. The whole album is beautiful, relaxing, and nostalgic (some songs really remind me of the Charlie Brown Christmas album). But it's even something that you'll listen to all year round since it's as much bossa nova as it is Christmas. Enjoy it in March and July and October and...

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The VERY Best Christmas CD You Will Ever Own!, November 19, 2004

By 

Kevin J. Wruck - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Retro Cool Bossa Nova Christmas with Vinnie Zummo (Audio CD)

This CD is just so wonderful! I listened to it once, and realized I had to buy a copy for everyone on my shopping list! Vinnie Zummo is one of the greatest guitarists alive! His interpretations of the classics, as well as his two original scores, will send you for the "repeat" button as soon as it's done spinning! The arrangements are perfect for Holiday Dinners, Office Parties, quiet evenings in front of the fireplace with your sweetie, or any other Christmas scenario you can imagine. Contrary to some opinions, this is not monochromatic, it is vitally alive. Your children will love it, your in-laws will love it and everyone who hears it playing in your home will ask: "Who is THIS?!! Where can I get a copy?!" And when Janice Zummo lends her AWESOME voice to a few of the tracks, you will understand why this is the perfect Christmas CD to add to your collection. Don't hesitate, buy it and enjoy your Christmas!!!! (If you'd like to get your Christmas shopping done so you can enjoy the Holidays, just buy one for everyone on your list - they WILL thank you!)

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Is bossa nova really this monochromatic?, December 19, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Retro Cool Bossa Nova Christmas with Vinnie Zummo (Audio CD)

There's no variety on this CD--every song sounds pretty much like every other song on it. It's audio wallpaper--practically elevator wallpaper. Learn from my mistake: don't buy a CD that's listed with no sample tracks and no independent reviews.