Customer Reviews

Yule Struttin': A Blue Note Christmas

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I own about 6 or more Christmas jazz CDs/tapes but this remains my favorite - so much so that we now have to buy it again because we wore our the tape.

For us it is perfect background music for mellow parties, opening presents, dinner, etc. I have wonderful memories of listening to this tape in the car during long drives to the family.

But the CD is NOT elevator music - it's a quality collection, worth listening to with the volume up. Some of my Christmas jazz CDs tend to be un-imaginative saxophone versions of tired Christmas classics. Not this CD - the songs are original and creative.

Lastly, it is "approachable" - the kind of jazz that non-experts (like me) tend to understand and enjoy.

I've had this CD for several years and it is my favorite Holiday collection - lots of fun, jazzy arrangements which are festive, original and sure to cure your holiday blues. Instrumental Talent - not breathy synthesized fru fru music. If you like music live, jazz or blues, this is for you.

This is a jazzy blues yuletide compilation with classic jazz artists such as Chet Baker, Count Basie and Dexter Gordon playing some traditional holiday favorites. In addition, two versions of an original Thelonious Monk composition called "A Merrier Christmas" are also included. Contemporary jazz artists such as John Scofield and Benny Green also perform some compositions and vocal tracks by Lou Rawls and Dianne Reeves further add to the overall diversity of this compilation.

For those who can appreciate a more melancholic blend of yuletide jazz & blues, this is a great addition to the holiday collection.

I bought this CD a couple years ago and enjoyed it somewhat at the time, only to re-discover it this Christmas season and now I find I am playing it constantly! There are a variety of styles here, from quiet piano to small combo to big band to loud, noisy contemporary arrangements. It all fits together very well, surprisingly enough, though I usually skip over the two vocal tracks. The cover and the title are references to a classic bop album of the fifties, Sonny Clark's Cool Struttin'.

I picked this up for my husband because he enjoys jazz and the blues. (I also thought the cover was quite clever!). We've listened to this CD the most over the years at holiday season and have given it for a gift quite a few times. Many surprises and wonderful tunes...including a great one from Thelonious Monk. It's very "jazzy" but can also be background music at parties. People always say "what's this from" when we play it. Buy it, you won't be disappointed!

Get this CD just to listen to Eliane Elias' "Sleigh Ride." The other tracks are also great, but I keep listening to this one over and over.

I own many Christmas CDs. This one ranks in the Top 3. From the first track "Vauncing Chimes" on you are in for a smooth experience. Enjoy it!

This is a great compilation with varied tracks and moods. Highlights include Bobby Watson's reworking of Jingle Bells with the amazing Victor Lewis on drums,Dexter Gordon's classic rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, and a poignant reading of Silent Night by Benny Green. My favorite tracks are the two renditions of Thelonious Monk's tune: "A Merrier Christmas". Benny Green's solo version sounds like he listened very carefully to Monk's privately recorded version; and Dianne Reeves sings the sweet lyrics with warmth and grace. Highly recommended, especally for Monk fans like myself!

It was a pleasure to have this CD during Christmas time!
I have enjoyed driving with these music very much.