The album opens with a holiday song I am not all that familiar with, “Emmanuel,” written by Norman Hutchins. The arrangement here is by John Paul McGee and Larry Wilson. The tune has a bright feel, somehow both relaxed and lively. There is a light and warm touch on the piano, and when John Paul McGee starts to let loose on the keys this track really shines. That wonderful lead is followed by a strong lead on guitar, easing in and soon taking off just as John Paul McGee did on piano. The first vocal performance of the album is by John Paul McGee himself, who offers a warm, friendly and soulful delivery of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” There is a delicious late-night vibe to this song, which I love. It makes me think of cuddling up in front of a fire with a loved one. John Paul McGee chooses the “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough” line instead of the far superior original line, “Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow,” but I still love this rendition. His is a vocal performance you want to wrap yourself up in like a blanket.
Of the traditional Christmas songs, “Little Drummer Boy” is one of my favorites, and on this album John Paul McGee offers a cool rendition. As it begins, it feels like a nod to Vince Guaraldi’s Peanuts work. Then when the drums come in, there is something of a funky element. This arrangement is by John Paul McGee and Larry Wilson. The track moves and pops at times, and also has smoother and soothing sections. During John Paul McGee’s lead, it begins to feel like a party. And then we do get one of Vince Guaraldi’s gems, “Christmas Time Is Here.” On this track, John Paul McGee is joined by Lori Williams on vocals. No other musicians play on this one. None is needed. These two deliver a sweet and beautiful rendition. The piano solo is magical. That’s followed by “What Child Is This,” delivered as a beautiful instrumental piece. Of course, as an instrumental it is “Greensleeves.” John Paul McGee and the other musicians create a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere, and the piano work seems to push away all worries and offer warmth and kindness in their place. This track also features some excellent work on guitar.
This album contains a few solo piano pieces. The first of these is titled “The Manger Medley,” and here again he offers warmth. The track begins with “O Little Town Of Bethlehem,” and also includes “Away In A Manger.” This track feels like that moment when the children are in bed, the presents are wrapped, and there is that quiet time before Christmas morning, when parents have a sip of eggnog or wine and feel that everything is right, everything is perfect. That feeling comes partly because he includes “Silent Night” in this medley. That song often creates that vibe. That’s followed by “Jesus What A Wonderful Child.” Wendi Henderson-Wyatt joins John Paul McGee on vocals for this one. It’s another that I’m not as familiar with, but it features some impressive and passionate vocal work. The second of the solo piano tracks is “Oh Holy Night.” This one begins gently, simply, almost tentatively, and grows from there, while maintaining a soft touch for the most part, until the power and passion increases in the second half. This is an excellent rendition, with some beautiful playing throughout.
The album’s final piano solo is “Mary Did You Know,” a song that I don’t care for, one that for some reason continues to be covered. However, as an instrumental piece it can work, and perhaps its best possible presentation is as a piano solo, as here. John Paul McGee’s passion and talent help make it work. That’s followed by “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” which begins at a fast pace, with some delicious work on drums. It soon settles down, and is an interesting rendition. About halfway through, it really starts to come alive, with some exciting, hopping piano work, a cool bass line and great work on drums. Fantastic stuff. There is also a really good lead on bass. John Paul McGee wraps things up with “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” on which he provides the vocals as well as plays piano, with no other musicians joining him. This is a seriously cool rendition. He seems to be having a great time here.
CD Track List
- Emmanuel
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
- Little Drummer Boy
- Christmas Time Is Here
- What Child Is This
- The Manger Medley
- Jesus What A Wonderful Child
- Oh Holy Night
- Mary Did You Know
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
- Go Tell It On The Mountain
A Gospejazzical Christmas was released on November 16, 2023.
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