CD Reviews: Dreaming of a Jazz Christmas

Seven jazz CDs to bring some jingle to your bells

ErikFreed

Posted: Dec 1, 06 5:43pm

The orderly emergence of Christmas albums near the end of the year is as hallowed a season tradition as high suicide rates. The subtle humor of giving a jazz musician the job of extolling traditional Xmas virtues is not lost on me, at least. However as always you can count on these superstar underdogs of American culture to produce astounding beauty in even the starkest spiritual wasteland. Like clockwork, absolutely gorgeous music is delivered on queue just in time for it to become seasonally appropriate background music in the most sophisticated restaurants, family gatherings, and office parties. In an effort to bring this noble sine qua non effort into the foreground here are my selections for a wonderful jazz holiday.

A Brazilian Christmas
Various (Astor Place Records)

Thank God someone put out a Brazilian Christmas music compilation. I would hate to leave these soulful inventive jazzers out of any musical gathering of mine. This is in my estimation the most intriguing and fresh listening experience of all the selections on this list. Once again, jazz is blessed by the great diversity of influences it embraces. Though it may not be obvious to an America audience, this album is filled with top notch Brazilian talent. Be sure to pay attention to the great pianist and arranger Gilson Peranzzetta whose subtle chord voicings on "What Child Is This?" create a haunting homage to both Bill Evans and Rio. This is exactly what I want in my stocking.

Christmas Songs with Ray Brown
Ray Brown

For me there is nothing more joyous than spending a little quality CD time with one of my favorite bassists, Mr. Brown. Along with a magnificent and quite varied roster of swinging and singing elves, this Santa and his bedrock bass serve up a delicious album of unadulterated jazz cheer. The oh-so-fabulous Diana Krall, the not-well-enough-known Kevin Mahogany, and of course the needs no introduction Etta Jones are just a few of the gifts this wise man brings. A must listen for anyone who thinks they don't like jazz or Christmas.

Jazz Christmas Jingle Bell Jam
Various

This album is a cornucopia of musical gifts for anyone you can imagine, spilling out all over the floor in front of the tree. From the gold standard bebop of "White Christmas" brought to you by Charlie Parker and his All-Stars, to the way under represented gospel soul-jazz of "Deck the Halls" as played by Bobbie Timmons, this is truly a gift that keeps on giving. This is what you put on to recover from an angst-filled shopping expedition painfully scored by the ubiquitous department store elevator music that Christmas inflicts on all of us. If Duke Ellington playing "Jingle Bells" doesn't do it for you then you may just be terminal.

Latin Jazz Christmas
Various

This collection of Latin stars saying feliz navidad was a veritable Christmas morning for me. I had no idea what was in this present until I unwrapped it, but it was just what I wanted. Though the contributions from more mainstream artists like Poncho Sanchez and Arturo Sandoval are what make it special, even the odd Betty Boop inspired "Santa Baby" sung by Sheila Escovedo (who became Sheila E. when she played drums for Prince) was something to be treasured. Since we apparently are not allowed to write truly new songs for the Christmas repertoire, it is certainly nice to hear someone make them sound that way.

The Spirit of Christmas
Ray Charles

Ray Charles is one of those artists who became so wildly successful that his standing as a jazz musician was often eclipsed. That is just not fair and this year in the spirit of Christmas I am giving him his due as a commanding jazz arranger, piano player, and vocalist. Don't miss the perennial favorite "Baby It's Cold Out There," recorded as a duet with one of the greatest jazz vocalists of all time, Betty Carter. This is a top-notch collection of carols from the inimitable Kris Kringle of Soul.

Yule Struttin'
Various

Nothing brings out religious reverence in me like music from the church of Blue Note records. This album represents not only the chance to bring old friends like trumpet maestro Chet Baker, big band mogul Count Basie, and tenor titan Dexter Gordon into your home, but they bring with them some younger and certainly less traditional friends such as two of my favorite guests, pianist Elaine Elias and guitarist John Scofield. This is not the most even compilation I have ever heard, but in its risk taking, it also achieves some of its most musical moments. Alto player Bobby Watson, who I first heard as musical director for drummer Art Blakey's band, has a particularly nice ensemble arrangement of "Jingle Bells," a song that - even though it is a bit shop-worn - seems to inspire rather handily.

Christmas Collection
Louis Armstrong

If I had a working fireplace with a big enough chimney, I would not be too dismayed to see this jolly old jazz musician coming down the chimney carrying a big bag of gifts. Louis and his friends are always welcome, and this album is intoxicating egg nog spiked to the gills with his warmth and charm. Even an old scrooge like me can't listen to Louis singing "White Christmas" and not believe that perhaps Christmas for all of its crass excess, is a miracle after all.