Customer Reviews

Six String Santa

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just to clarify things for fans of fondly remembered jazz guitarist Joe Pass: he recorded a Christmas album, "Six-String Santa" (1992), for - unlikely as it seems - budget label LaserLight Records, a division of Delta Entertainment. Delta reissued the CD in 2001 as "Christmas Guitar Dreams" but they didn't change the catalog number or the barcode, so Amazon shoppers will find both listed in the Marketplace. You'll have to contact your seller to figure out which is which - if you care, that is. The music is the same; I have uploaded images of both CD's.

In 2003, Delta also issued a version for the Spanish language market with a different cover and all the song titles translated into espanol. Entitled "Sueno Navideno Con Guitarra," it is listed separately on Amazon.

Overall, most listeners will enjoy this album tremendously - soothing without lapsing into smooth. Not the equal, perhaps, of similar albums by Kenny Burrell or Charlie Byrd, but just fine, nonetheless.

I'm not sure how I came across this CD. It might have been a recommendation from a friend, or just surfing. Regardless of how I found it, I am so glad I added this Joe Pass CD to my Christmas music collection.

I have bought discs in the past looking for Christmas music that is relaxing and non-obtrusive. This in not an easy thing to do. Christmas Guitar Dreams fits that bill like none I have bought in the past.

This Joe Pass CD is good for background music in an office environment, at Christmas parties or even to listen to while your family enjoys Christmas Dinner.

I am giving this 5 stars because it is such a wonderful Christmas CD. My only complaint is that it could not be twice as long simply to extend the simple pleasure of good music.

The ambience is laid back, with an easy-going small group here.

Every December, I play this album more often than any other album except Vince Guaraldi's.

At the price, it's a steal.

Backed by John Pisano on rhythm guitar, Jim Hughart on acoustic bass, and Colin Bailey on drums, Joe Pass gives us a swingin' collection of jazzy Christmas standards like only he can play 'em.

Many Christmas albums are both uninspired, and uninspiring. Not this one. It provides pleasing background for any holiday gathering. Or you can pour a glass of wine, and just sit back to enjoy Joe Pass's mellow sound. Guitar jazz at its best.

Whether you get it as Joe Pass: Six-String Santa or as Joe Pass: Christmas Guitar Dreams, this one is a real winner.

Eric Alan Isaacson

Six String Santa is a wonderful collection of traditional holiday songs, (e.g., Let it Snow, I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas, etc.). Each song is all instrumental and has been given a jazz twist, which makes for easy and enjoyable listening. The jazz guitar solos are beautiful, and everything else blends together to make this a very nice CD.

Review by Scott Yanow(AMG)...................
This is one of guitarist Joe Pass's more obscure late-period records. Pass and his regular working quartet of the early '90s (rhythm guitarist John Pisano, bassist Jim Hughart and drummer Colin Bailey) perform a variety of famous Christmas-related songs, plus his own "Happy Holiday Blues." The tasteful renditions swing and include quartet pieces, some two-guitar duets and a few unaccompanied solos from the great Pass, resulting in one of the better Christmas albums around.
Review by John Herrmann ................... the copies of the CD here, at least the ones I have received, are original 1963 issues titled differently but contain the same track listing: "JAZZ GUITAR: Joe Pass ( CHRISTMAS GUITAR DREAMS ) "

I love this album. It's beautiful and well played and recorded, but not just for Xmas...It is playable year-round. It's one of my favorite CD's.

This is a really fine Christmas CD with excellent guitar work by the late Joe Pass. I couldn't believe it was only $4.99. A very listenable album. Great background music for the holidays or sit quietly and take in the work of a true guitar virtuoso. Either way, you cannot go wrong.

I had been a fun of Joe Pass, and have almost all recordings of him. However, my wife, who has not much experience in Jazz, nor Jazz guitars, dance with this record only, with hummings !

Joe Pass is an outstanding jazz guitarist who is at the top of his rich, mellow game on this Christmas CD. Jazz fans and non-jazz fans will equally be drawn to these rich renditions of Christmas favorites.