The Glenn Crytzer Orchestra: "Underneath The Mistletoe" (2019) CD Review

Glenn Crytzer just released The Songbook Sessions, the first volume in a massive project that began in that strange year of 2020 when the pandemic kept everyone from enjoying live music. That album comes from his quartet. Just before that year, The Glenn Crytzer Orchestra delivered a special holiday album, featuring, unlike most Christmas releases, quite a lot of original material. And as Christmas approaches, it seems the perfect time to dive into that 2019 release. This album is special, not just for including original holiday songs, but the way it was recorded. The entire big band was in the same room, and the album was recorded in one day. That, I'm sure, is part of what led to its delicious classic sound. The band includes Glenn Crytzer on guitar, banjo and vocals; Sam Hoyt on trumpet; Mike Davis on trumpet, cornet and backing vocals; Jason Prover on trumpet; Rob Edwards on trombone; Jim Fryer on trombone; Joe McDonough on trombone and tuba; Jay Ratman on clarinet, alto saxophone and soprano saxophone; Dennis Lichtman on clarinet, alto saxophone and banjo; Dan Block on clarinet, alto saxophone and flute; Matt Koza on clarinet and tenor saxophone; Ricky Alexander on clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, baritone saxophone and backing vocals; Meg Okura on violin; Victoria Paterson on violin; Caroline Drexler on violin; Francisco Salazar on violin; Akiko Hosoi on violin; Benni von Gutzeit on viola; Tom Valdez on cello; Kathryn Andrews on harp; Bryan Reeder on piano and celesta; Ian Hutchison on string bass; Andrew Millar on drums; Hannah Gill on vocals; and Dandy Wellington on vocals. Gabe Terracciano is the concert master.

The album opens with "Over The River And Through The Wood," a traditional number associated with Thanksgiving, not Christmas. But, hey, Thanksgiving is what kicks off this whole end-of-the-year bash, right? And the music here feels like a party, the kind of music to energize us, to give us that cheerful sense that everyone expects of us at this time of year. Dennis Lichtman's work on clarinet is an important part of the whole vibe, as is that delightful lead by Jason Prover on trumpet. This is a wonderful way to kick off the album, and to kick off the holidays. That's followed by the album's title track, "Underneath The Mistletoe," an original piece by Glenn Crytzer, and the first of the album's tracks to feature vocals. "I'm just sitting here and waiting/Underneath the mistletoe/Just anticipating/I ain't got no place to go/I don't want to miss/The chance to taste a kiss/From your sweet lips." That's Hannah Gill, who just released her own holiday album, Spooky Jazz Vol. 3 (in that case, the holiday is Halloween). And though this is an original number, it has a great, old-time sound, both in the music and the vocal performance. I love the playfulness of this song, heard in the delivery of lines like "And I want to be totally certain/This will lead to a fraternization/So I'm counting on this mistletoe to facillitate" and "Gosh it's awfully rude to make me wait/Can't you hurry up, it's getting late." This track is a total delight. With this music playing, our holidays are all but guaranteed to be wonderful.

"I'm Sorry, Santa Claus" is another original number, this one also featuring vocal work, this time by Dandy Wellington. This song swings, and we get a great instrumental introduction before the first verse is sung. The lyrics, as you've likely deduced, are addressed to Santa Claus, and we soon learn the reason for the apology: "It was late last Christmas Eve/I was so tired I fell asleep/'Til I heard your awful shout/Because I forgot to put the fire in the fireplace out." Yes, it's another fun, playful song, just the sort of thing we are in desperate need of in these twisted times. Rob Edwards delivers some really nice work on trombone, and Dandy Wellington gives us a delicious, engaging vocal performance. Then we get "Deck The Halls." Sure, it's more traditional holiday fare, but this band puts its own delightful spin and energy into it. And what makes it even better is that it's an instrumental rendition. That is often the best way to go with those older holiday songs, because the lyrics are rather weak. I love what this band does with this song, and this track features particularly good leads by Mike Davis on trumpet and by Bryan Reeder piano. It certainly makes me want to deck the halls or whatever little space I have.

Watching It's A Wonderful Life has become a holiday tradition. As noted in this album's liner notes, the movie was not a hit when it was first released, but it's a really good film and it deserves a song. Glenn Crytzer provides that song here, and provides the vocals on it. "Let us celebrate Christmas together/Friendship is our greatest treasure/In this wonderful life." Indeed. The song is a waltz, which gives it that dreamy bit of magic that is so fitting. "When you feel like hope is lost/And your world is coming to an end/Just remember this piece of advice/No man is a failure who has friends." Another of the holiday traditions is to enjoy, in some form, The Nutcracker, and here The Glenn Crytzer Orchestra gives us a delightful rendition of "Tea (Chinese Dance)," taking us to the swinging nights of the speakeasy and the flapper. What better way to enjoy it? This track features some wonderful work on piano.

"An Old Fashioned Christmas" is an original number, a new song with a classic sound. The vocals come in after about a minute: "Christmas today has lost its meaning/I long for Christmas time of yore/For what would old Granddad say/If he could see the way/We spend all season long just wandering through department stores?" With opening lines like those, you might think this was in danger of becoming a serious song. But never fear, for this song is about getting together for a drink or two or more, its main line being the playful "Oh, I'll take an old fashioned Christmas with an Old Fashioned in my hand." That's the kind of holiday I want. And this track features some nice work by Mike Davis on trumpet, and by Ricky Alexander on alto saxophone. That's followed by "Playing Santa Claus," a fun, original song about handing out gifts on Christmas morning. I like how on this track, and most of them, the music plays for a minute or so before the vocals come in, establishing a vibe. And the wonderful Hannah Gill is on vocals. "'Cause I love giving gifts, checking names off of my list/I love playing Santa Claus." Dennis Lichtman delivers some delightful stuff on clarinet.

Glenn Crytzer is based in New York, and he gives us an original song titled "Christmas In New York," about how great the holiday is in that city. He is on vocals for this one, and he certainly makes New York sound perfect. "I'd hate to choose a favorite, but if you must insist/I'll take you to the little town that tops my Christmas list/This year let's spend Christmas in Manhattan." The Glenn Crytzer Orchestra then offers a magical waltz from Babes In Toyland, "Toyland," an instrumental rendition featuring some nice work by Glenn Crytzer on banjo, as well as a good lead by Mike Davis on trumpet. They take another classic holiday number, "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas," and give it their own special treatment. Everything is feeling right, the horns letting us know things are going to be good. It's approximately halfway through the track when the vocals come in. This time it's Dandy Wellington on vocals, and of course he does an excellent job.

The Glenn Crytzer Orchestra presents a swinging rendition of "I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In," a wonderful instrumental rendition. Joe McDonough and Jason Prover deliver some great, exciting stuff on trombone and trumpet respectively, and toward the end, there is a delightful, though short, lead by Dennis Lichtman on clarinet. This track has a fun ending. It is followed by a sweet rendition of "Silent Night," one of the best of the traditional Christmas numbers. The vocals are provided by Glenn Crytzer, Mike Davis and Ricky Alexander. The music is a dreamlike dance, a magical waltz that captures some of what people claim the holiday is about. A wonderful rendition. The band turns playful again then with its rendition of "Up On The Housetop." It's instrumental rendition, a good choice for this song, for its lyrics are not all that interesting. It isn't long before this track starts swinging, and it features some wonderful leads, including one on violin.

Then we get back to original material with "Hey, Mister Snowflake." There is a really nice joy to the music; it makes you want to go out and dance in the lightly falling snow. Hannah Gill is on vocals. I love the lyrics' play on the idea of no two snowflakes being alike: "You're so individual, there'll never be another like you." This is a totally delightful number. Dandy Wellington joins Glenn Crytzer on vocals for "All I Want For Christmas Is Food," the two of them engaging in a little spoken word section at the beginning, talking about how food is the best part of the holiday. And then Dandy takes lead vocal duties: "Hand me the eggnog, pass me the pie/Give me the stuffing and a turkey thigh/I might even fry the gizzard if I'm in the mood/All I want for Christmas is food." I should have been expecting something fun like this, but when I first glanced at the track list, I imagined this song might be about homeless people who are hungry. Then we are treated to "The Krampus," an original number about the darker aspect of the holiday. It's a playful number, with some totally delicious vocal work by Glenn Crytzer, Mike Davis and Ricky Alexander. The song might seem to combine Halloween and Christmas themes, but really this is a traditional Christmas thing, just one that folks generally ignore, especially in this country. "Something evil's lurking/Come to take your little soul/Watch out for the Krampus/He's an evil man/He comes on Saint Nick's day/To take away the naughty children/Better mind your manners/Better not talk back/Don't make a peep, or when you sleep/He'll stuff you in his sack." This is one of my personal favorite tracks. Everything about this is just perfect.

"The Little Tree," or at least its title, makes me think of the Charlie Brown Christmas television special's tree. It's a song that looks back to that first holiday in a relationship when a couple was too poor to purchase gifts to put beneath the tree. Glenn Crytzer is on vocals for this rather sweet number. That's followed by an instrumental rendition of "The Dreidel Song." Honestly, I think I first became aware of this song when watching South Park. Anyway, as with the other holiday songs, this band makes this song swing, putting their own sort of magic to it, creating a lively celebration. I especially love the clarinet. The album concludes with an original number, "Keep A Little Christmas In Your Heart," a slower, pretty song featuring a gorgeous vocal performance by Hannah Gill. The song is about extending the holiday feeling throughout the year. "If you want the world to be/A place that lives in harmony/For more than just December/Here's what you must remember/If you keep a little Christmas in your heart all year/You'll find that your worries all will disappear." A hopeful number to wrap things up beautifully.

CD Track List

1. Over The River And Through The Wood
2. Underneath The Mistletoe
3. I'm Sorry, Santa Claus
4. Deck The Halls
5. It's A Wonderful Life
6. Tea (Chinese Dance)
7. An Old Fashioned Christmas
8. Playing Santa Claus
9. Christmas In New York
10. Toyland
11. Jolly Old Saint Nicholas
12. I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In
13. Silent Night
14. Up On The Housetop
15. Hey, Mister Snowflake
16. All I Want For Christmas Is Food
17. The Krampus
18. The Little Tree
19. The Dreidel Song
20. Keep A Little Christmas In Your Heart

Underneath The Mistletoe was released on December 6, 2019.

The Doohickeys: "Merry Happy Whatever" (2025) CD Review

It's that time of year again, friends. You can feel it in the air, even in Los Angeles, where the weather is suddenly getting cold (and by cold, for those of you who have never been to southern California, I mean temperatures in the fifties). We are approaching that holiday that has somehow made itself king of all holidays, Christmas. I'm not sure just how festive folks in this country are going to feel this year, but there is certainly holiday music to suit your needs, whatever mood you find yourself in. The Doohickeys' new EP has a title that I love, Merry Happy Whatever. It's a title you can take two ways: the "whatever" could be in place of "Christmas" or "Hanukkah" or "holidays," or the "whatever" could be the third in the line of adjectives after "merry" and "happy." Some folks are adamant that we say "Merry Christmas" rather than "Happy Christmas." Those folks are, of course, insane. Merry, happy, whatever. The Doohickeys are a country band led by the duo of Haley Spence Brown and Jack Hackett, a group with a playful spirit. The musicians backing them on this disc include Adam Arcos on bass; Jacob Brown on guitar and backing vocals; Kevin Brown on drums, vibraphone, bells and percussion; and Jordan Bush on pedal steel, clarinet, saxophone, banjo and harmonica. There are also some guests on various tracks. The EP features original material, and was produced by Eric Corne.

Merry Happy Whatever gets off to a delightful start with "Santa Needs A Beer," a fun country number about the impressive project Santa undertakes every year, and what he deserves as a result. "Since I know that it ain't easy doing this year after year/I don't put out milk and cookies, I pour that man a beer." Both Jack and Haley take turns on lead vocals. "It's a lot of hard work to bring Christmas cheer," they tell us. Indeed. That goes for all of us who attempt to be cheerful. And so, hey, this song is for all of us. We all need a beer. Though not the ones they mention by name toward the end of the song. Bud? Miller? Good lord, no. Sam Adams and Guinness for me, thanks. Then we get the EP's title track, which has a delicious, classic vibe, featuring some nice work on saxophone. This song is about making the mistake of assuming which holidays people celebrate, and it offers a solution. "I never knew what to say/So now I use this phrase/Merry happy whatever to you." I love this! There are moments that had me laughing out loud, such as these lines: "Some folks got a god, some don't believe/Some folks meditate, some go to church/And some poor folks can't get the day off work." And the backing vocals echoing "Or Jew, or Jew, or Jew" and "Hindu, Hindu, Hindu." This one also finds both Haley and Jack taking turns on lead vocals. Ethan Edenberg, Eric Jackowitz, Tom McGovern, Jacob Brown, Ben Masters and David Todman all provide backing vocals on this track.

I love the way "Put It On Credit" opens. The first phrase "It's that time of the year" is a typical Christmas song line, and so our brains automatically begin to fill in the rest of the line with various possibilities that we've heard. But The Doohickeys take it in an unexpected direction, concluding that first line with this: "when bank accounts are low." And right then everyone can relate. "When you start to worry about the gifts you gotta buy/Christmas won't be ruined if you just take our advice." And then the song kicks in to become a fun number, as they advise us to "Put it on credit." "No need to thank Santa, thank American Express." Ah, I think many folks do just that. This track features some nice work on banjo and fiddle (that's special guest Eleanor Whitmore on fiddle). "Want a boat, put it on credit/A new fur coat, put it on credit." I must remember to play this song for my girlfriend. This is a total delight of a song.

The band creates a relaxed, cool island atmosphere for "Sunny & 72." "Living in L.A. makes me miss the snow," Jack sings at the start. Sure, we all like the way a landscape looks covered with snow. But driving in it? Forget it. While it might not feel like Christmas here in Los Angeles when it's sunny and warm, I'll take it. Special guest Hayley Orrantia joins the group on vocals for this one. "I'd feel a little better if this was sweater weather." This is the perfect song for those of us who have chosen to make a warm place home, but I think anyone can enjoy the song. It contains some great stuff on guitar. "Seasonal depression kind of sounds insane/When you're living in a city that never rains." The EP then concludes with "Santa Is A Stoner." I love that this disc began with Santa needing a beer and ends with him getting high. Hey, who doesn't get through the holidays without medicinal aid? This one has a good bluesy sound. Here are the song's wonderful opening lines: "'Twas the night before Christmas, I was sprawled on the couch/A big fat joint hanging out of my mouth/The tree was lit up, and so was I/That plate full of cookies sure caught my eye." Haley is on lead vocals for this one, tearing into the blues. And, yes, this song also contains some cool work on harmonica. It is a blues number, after all. And Sasha Smith delivers some nice work on organ. You know, it makes total sense that Santa Claus would get high, because he'd have to stretch time out in order to get to all those houses in one night. This track is a fun way to wrap up this wonderful holiday treat.

CD Track List

1. Santa Needs A Beer
2. Merry Happy Whatever
3. Put It On Credit
4. Sunny & 72
5. Santa Is A Stoner

Merry Happy Whatever is scheduled to be released on December 5, 2025.

Rich Willey: “Boptism Christmas” (2024) CD Review

Rich Willey is a trumpet player, band leader and composer who has written some cool big band tunes (you can hear them on Down & Dirty), dipped into funk (on Conspiracy), and played with a wide range of other artists. And now he turns to some traditional holiday fare on Boptism Christmas, putting his own great spin on these well-known numbers, taking some standard Christmas songs and making them jump and dance and move in ways you might not expect. All the arrangements on this album are by Rich Willey. Joining him on this release are Dylan Hannan on alto saxophone, Ashley Pritchard on tenor saxophone, Bill Reichenbach on trombone and bass trumpet, Alex Taub on piano and organ, Andy Page on guitar, Zack Page on upright bass and electric bass, and Justin Watt on drums, with guest Russ Wilson joining them on a couple of tracks.

The album gets off to a very cool start with “Merry Gentlemen Kings,” a medley of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “We Three Kings Of Orient Are.” This track begins like the Honk! fest version of Christmas music (for those folks in Boston), with horns and drums dominating the sound. It’s like a second line of Santas and dancing elves (for those in New Orleans) making their way down Christmas Tree Lane (for those in Los Angeles). I absolutely love this. Now if we could convince all department stores and restaurants to play this music, everyone could enjoy the holidays so much more. This track features a delightful guitar lead and then a drum solo because these guys are determined to make the holiday fun. That’s followed by a cheerful rendition of “White Christmas,” the brass section clearing a path through the snow for us to make our way merrily home. There is a wonderful section with guitar, bass and trumpet, coming as a surprise. The track continues to offer more delights after that section, different instruments leading the proceedings, taking turns, everyone in a festive and warm spirit.

Rich Willey gives “Silver Bells” a reggae rhythm, and it works surprisingly well. Maybe you don’t normally think of listening to Christmas music when you’re high, but maybe you should. Certainly now you can. Have a nice, relaxing holiday. Let the season’s stress roll away. This track features some great stuff on trumpet, as well as a cool lead on organ. This is a totally enjoyable arrangement of “Silver Bells.” Things turn warm and mellow with a cool late-night rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” It’s an instrumental rendition, but you get the feeling that were the vocals present, the original lyrics would be employed. No “shining star upon the highest bough” nonsense here. This is beautiful, and it makes me think we’ll manage to muddle through somehow. That guitar work seems to promise it, and the brass section helps lift us up, each instrument taking a turn, feeling like they are all part of some family yearning to be together. It’s a wonderful rendition.

The only song on the album to include vocals is “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Of all the possibilities, this is the one they chose to sing? Crazy. For this song has the worst set of lyrics of all the holiday songs. For those who don’t know, it’s about a bunch of cruel reindeer who feign affection for the weirdo of the group only when their overlord Santa shows him some favor. Bunch of sycophants led by a moron who couldn’t figure out how to rig up some sort of light to his flying sled. Anyway, that being said, Russ Wilson has a strong voice. And he does play around a bit with the lyrics at the beginning, adding some different names to the reindeer starting lineup: “Vito and Guido and Knuckles and Louie/Tommy and Dickie and Harry and Freddy.” This addition actually works quite well, since it is quickly established that the reindeer are not kind, upstanding citizens. Let’s face it, they’re little assholes. The band makes the song move, pumping some fresh life into it. That’s followed by “Little Drummer Boyz,” Russ Wilson now on drums. “Little Drummer Boy” has always been one of my personal favorites among the traditional holiday songs. Its subject gives the song plenty of opportunities for some fun playing. This rendition is particularly delicious. It features some really nice work on bass, in addition to some cool percussion. And, yes there is a drum solo, itself feeling like a cool conversation. This is one of my favorite tracks, definitely one to add to your holiday play list.

Rich Willey gives “The Christmas Song” a Latin vibe, and that rhythm is a large part of what gives this rendition such a good feeling about it. You know, I believe we’ll all be able to enjoy the holidays with this music playing. That’s followed by “What Child Is This?” and again, an instrumental version of “What Child Is This?” is simply “Greensleeves.” Anyway, this version kind of swings and has a cool bluesy big band thing happening. Part of its charm comes from the bass line, the rhythm. But there is also a great back and forth within the brass section, a conversation that feels like a dance. This track also includes a nice lead on piano. The album concludes with “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” another of the disc’s highlights. The bass plays a strong role in making this group’s rendition so damn good, but all the musicians have moments to shine here. I am especially fond of the lead on piano. It’s a great way to wrap up an excellent holiday album.

CD Track List

1. Merry Gentlemen Kings
2. White Christmas
3. Silver Bells
4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
5. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer
6. Little Drummer Boyz
7. The Christmas Song
8. What Child Is This?
9. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Boptism Christmas was released on November 8, 2024.

George Gee Swing Orchestra: “Winter Wonderland” (2023) CD Review

The holidays can bring on different moods, and there is music to fit each of those moods. If you’re looking for some fun, energetic Christmas music, music to dance to, you’re going to want to check out George Gee Swing Orchestra’s Winter Wonderland, which was released last year. This is big band Christmas music, featuring a strong rhythm section as well as an exciting brass section. Half of the tracks are instrumentals, and the other half feature the vocal work of John Dokes. And if you need a breather, there are a couple of mellower numbers here for you. George Gee’s band is made up of David Gibson on trombone, Freddie Hendrix on trumpet, Andy Gravish on trumpet and flugelhorn, Michael Hashim on tenor saxophone, Anthony Nelson Jr. on alto saxophone, Patience Higgins on baritone saxophone, Steve Einerson on piano, Malik McLaurine on bass, and Chris Latona on drums.

Set your Christmas party in motion with this group’s energetic rendition of “Winter Wonderland,” the disc’s opening track, here titled “Winter Wonderland Mambo,” to give you a good idea of its vibe. Particularly exciting and enjoyable is that work by Freddie Hendrix on trumpet. Holy moly! This track also features some excellent drumming. Make sure there is room in your home for a dance floor before turning up on the volume on this one. That’s followed by a swinging rendition of “What Child Is This?” which really is a swinging rendition of “Greensleeves.” I don’t often hear this sort of approach taken with this song, but these guys make it work brilliantly. Of course the tone is quite a bit different from what we’re used to with regards to “Greensleeves,” and will likely give you a fresh appreciation of the song, of what it can be. This track also features some vibrant work on trumpet, and there is a cool sax lead. I also love the bass line. Really, the whole band shines here. Seriously. Check out that delicious piano lead toward the end.

The first vocal track of the album is “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and though its opening moments announce it as a lively rendition, it does settle down for the vocals as you might expect, for this is a sadder song. And while it is a sadder song, the cheerier line “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough” is used in this version (rather than the original “Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow”), and that’s okay here. It’s what you would expect on a swing album. It’s good to hear someone tell us, “From now on, our troubles will be miles away.” It sounds like a promise, doesn’t it? I am hopeful. The vocal delivery contains warmth and perhaps a sense of certainty. The sadness of the song is all but gone. The Fates seem to have promised to allow us all to be together. Then as the musicians settle into “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” it quickly takes on a cool vibe. Comfort and joy, indeed! I want all my holidays to sound like this. What wonderful work on sax! There is an excitement to the delivery of this song, especially in certain sections. This is one of the best versions of this song I’ve heard.

It is interesting to me that a band delivering joyous, high-energy music would choose two of the saddest Christmas songs to cover. In addition to “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” they do “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” As on “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” John Dokes joins the group on vocals, and also like the group’s rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” all inherent melancholy is drained – or shaken – from this song. This is a bright, lively version that moves at a fast clip (I’m digging that bass work). We get the feeling that he is just as thrilled to be home only in his dreams as he would be to be there in person. It’s all good, right? For here everything seems right, especially during that piano lead. John Dokes and Hilary Gardner then provide the vocals on the group’s rendition of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” The group here delivers a fairly traditional version, which is fine, and chooses to open it the way Ray Charles did. It’s the vocalists who drive the song, and the two do a delightful job, completely embracing the spirit of the thing, the playfulness of it, the fun of it (just listen to the way John delivers the line “It’s up to your knees out there”). There are some different musicians performing on this track, including Ed Pazant on alto saxophone, Tony Lustig on baritone saxophone, Marcus McLaurine on bass, and Willard Dyson on drums.

Vocalist John Dokes also joins the band on “The Christmas Song,” turning in a warm, beautiful performance. This track too is largely in line with what we normally expect from this song, the band choosing to not take many liberties with it, so it’s mellower than most of this album’s tracks. In addition to that wonderful vocal performance, it contains some nice work on saxophone. That’s followed by “O Tannenbaum,” this one featuring some great stuff on trombone. The band adds its own special touches to this song. I particularly like the drumming here, which kind of sets the tone, the direction of the track. This is another of the disc’s highlights. “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” is the final of the album’s vocal tracks, featuring another strong vocal performance from John Dokes. This track also features a wonderful sax lead. The band wraps up the album with a fun, hopping rendition of “Jingle Bells,” with something of a New Orleans vibe, particularly in the rhythm. “Jingle Bells” has never been one of my favorite Christmas songs, but these guys really deliver an excellent, totally enjoyable rendition. They give the thing fresh life, and more spirit and pizzazz than it probably deserves. Enjoy!

CD Track List

1. Winter Wonderland Mambo
2. What Child Is This?
3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
4. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
5. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
6. Baby, It’s Cold Outside
7. The Christmas Song
8. O Tannenbaum
9. What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
10. Jingle Bells

Winter Wonderland was released on November 1, 2023.

Margaret Slovak & Chris Maresh: “A Star’s Light Does Fall” (2024) CD Review

Each year, fourteen million new Christmas albums are unleashed upon the world, and while most of them are tired and unimaginative, there are a few excellent discs that make their way to us. Often it is the albums of instrumental renditions that really shine, for the obvious reason that many Christmas songs have terrible lyrics (looking at you, “Rudolph” and “Frosty” and “Jingle Bells” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”). Guitarist Margaret Slovak and bass player Chris Maresh deliver a beautiful album of classic holiday numbers, some lesser known holiday tunes, a non-Christmas jazz tune, and one decidedly non-Christmas song with a seemingly spiritual title, all as instrumentals. The album’s title is a slight variation of a line from “I Wonder As I Wander,” one of the songs the duo performs here.

They open the album with a rendition of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” that is pretty and soothing. This is exactly the vibe that many of us associate with the holiday, with what the holiday could, or should, be. That image of the world at peace on Christmas Eve, loved ones together on a quiet night, cuddling near the tree, glasses of wine on a nearby table, a fire in the fireplace. I’m not sure how many of us actually experience that anymore, but this music conjures that very image, and has that feel. It’s what we yearn for. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is followed by “I Wonder As I Wander,” a meditative piece written by John Jacob Niles. A couple of minutes in, I get the image of walking along a snowy path in the woods, alone, no one else in sight, feeling relaxed, even joyful. The guitar helps guide the way, picking the spots where the sun shines brightest through the trees, and the bass then feels like the forest itself, responding to our presence. And we become engaged in a conversation of sorts with nature. The line in this song that gives the album its title is “But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall.” “What Child Is This?” follows, though an instrumental rendition of “What Child Is This?” is actually “Greensleeves,” so not a holiday song, but still a perfect choice for this sort of approach. And Margaret Slovak and Chris Maresh deliver a beautiful rendition that soothes us while also giving us a place for our minds to journey to, a place and time apart from the madness of the world, before returning to that familiar theme.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is far and away the best holiday television program that ever aired, and a great part of its appeal is Vince Guaraldi’s music. As children, we didn’t know we had become jazz fans, but of course that’s precisely what happened because of that program. Margaret Slovak and Chris Maresh deliver a sweet rendition of “Christmas Time Is Here,” one of that special’s main songs. I like how the bass has the opportunity to lead fairly early on. These guys add their own personal touch, as they do on each of the songs chosen here. They then turn to a composition by Wayne Shorter, “Infant Eyes,” which is not a Christmas number. This one too has a soothing effect, at least for the body, while letting the mind be free to move forward as well as into memory, looking at things with curiosity, but not fear. Inquisitive, but not anxious. There is a calm center. That is followed by one of the classic Christmas songs, “Away In A Manger.” There is something wonderfully light about this rendition, like we could walk, even dance, upon the snow without sinking in, without breaking the surface, and without feeling the cold. This track feels a bit like a dream. It has a fairy tale vibe, which works perfectly.

“Christmas Dinner” was written by Noel Stooky, the Paul of Peter, Paul & Mary. It was included on the Peter, Paul And Mommy album, released in 1969. This instrumental rendition by Margaret Slovak and Chris Maresh feels welcoming. There is also something about it that feels like a memory that we are experiencing again, some of the rough edges worn away by fondness and time. There is a strong bass lead. Margaret Slovak and Chris Maresh then deliver two pieces written by Alfred Burt and Wihla Hutson. These are songs I don’t hear as often as some of the others. The first is “Some Children See Him,” which Amber Weekes covered on her 2020 album The Gathering. There is an element of play here, as well as something loving in its delivery, like it is watching over us. We can feel safe within this song. The second is “The Star Carol,” a tender and pretty piece. There are moments when it feels like a lullaby, as we drift into sleep and stardust.

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” begins almost delicately, then soon gathers a warmth. Though there is of course a beautiful sadness to this piece, as certain lines might be recalled: “Someday soon we all will be together/If the fates allow/Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow.” We must hope for the best. And this music will help us get there. This rendition features some excellent guitar work. That playing carries with it a warm optimism. This album concludes with Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” a song that I love, but which of course has nothing whatsoever to do with Christmas. It comes from Various Positions, one of my two favorite albums (the other is American Beauty, if you’re curious). It’s interesting to do an instrumental rendition of a Leonard Cohen song because he was such a skilled creator of lyrics. But this rendition provides a chance to appreciate the beauty of the song apart from the lyrics. It’s a pretty short rendition, approximately three and a half minutes, but of course an instrumental version doesn’t have to pick and choose among the many verses that Leonard Cohen sang over the years. It fades out at the end, leaving the impression that the song continues beyond what we can hear.

CD Track List

1. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
2. I Wonder As I Wander
3. What Child Is This?
4. Christmas Time Is Here
5. Infant Eyes
6. Away In A Manger
7. Christmas Dinner
8. Some Children See Him
9. The Star Carol
10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
11. Hallelujah

A Star’s Light Does Fall was released on November 1, 2024.

Romero Lubambo & Pamela Driggs: “Christmastime In Rio” (2024) CD Review

It’s that time of year again when artists are compelled to release holiday albums, many of them focusing on the same dozen or so songs. But each year, among the multitude of Christmas releases, there are a few special, unexpected gems. One of those gems this year is Christmastime In Rio, a beautiful album of warmth and compassion and joy, none of it forced or anything less than genuine. And while several of the songs chosen by guitarist Romero Lubambo and vocalist Pamela Driggs are ones you likely know and love, there are some lesser known tunes as well, and there is one original composition. Joining them on this album are Itaiguara Brandão on bass, Rafael Barata on drums, and Luisa Lubambo on backing vocals, along with guests on certain tracks.

They open the album with a sweet rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” that features some beautiful work on guitar. “Let your heart be light/From now on our troubles will be out of sight,” Pamela sings, and I am inclined to believe her. I was a little disappointed to find these guys chose the “Hang a shining star upon the highest bough” line instead of the infinitely better “Until then, we’ll have to muddle through somehow,” but it is still a wonderful rendition. Vitor Gonçalves joins them on accordion, his work a large part of this track’s great appeal. Peter Martin joins them on piano for “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” delivering some really nice work. Pamela’s vocal work has that feeling of home, and playing this track can help you make a home of whatever place you end up spending your holiday. “I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.” It all feels like a dream, doesn’t it? “I’ll be home, home with you,” she adds at the end.

“Holiday Of Love” was written by Bill Driggs, a somewhat distant relative of Pamela Driggs. It was recorded by The King Sisters (also distant relations), who put out their rendition in the late 1950s. This rendition by Romero Lubambo and Pamela Driggs has a gentle vibe as it begins, and then grows from there to become a rather spirited number, a livelier rendition than that by The King Sisters. “The music swells, and candles glow/And folks will greet the friends they know/And sing a song of long ago/The holiday of love.” Vitor Gonçalves joins them on accordion for this song, and there is more excellent work on guitar. This is one of the tracks that make this a special holiday album. It’s followed by “Christmas Love Song,” which was written by Johnny Mandel, Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman (and is often listed as “A Christmas Love Song”). It has been recorded by many artists over the years, including Johnny Mathis and Rebecca Parris. Tony Bennett recorded this song too, but under the title “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Romero Lubambo and Pamela Driggs deliver a pretty rendition, with Pamela’s approach warm and loving. Peter Martin joins them on piano. “You’ll just look at me and know Christmas is here.”

Another of this album’s highlights is a striking rendition of “Silent Night,” captivating from those opening moments before they even begin to sing the lyrics. Luisa Lubambo joins Pamela on vocals. This is one of my favorites of the traditional Christmas songs, and these guys do an absolutely wonderful job with it. It’s gorgeous. And when you think it might be reaching its conclusion, it is actually only approximately the halfway mark, and they take the song in an unexpected, and wonderful, direction before returning to its main theme. That’s followed by “Presente De Natal,” a song written by Nelcy Noronha, and recorded by João Gilberto in the early 1960s. This track has a gentle, soothing feel, which I’m guessing a lot of people are going to appreciate in these days of anxiety and tension. Joe Locke joins them on vibraphone for this one, and delivers a good lead in the middle. Joe Locke also plays vibraphone on “Winter Reverie,” helping to set the tone at the beginning. This is the album’s original composition, written by Romero Lubambo and Pamela Driggs, and it has a wonderfully light vibe, feeling almost like a fairy tale, which works so well with a line like “The falling snow, a magic night.” It tells of a time of love, of friendship, of music. “Love fills the air with song/Old harmonies/There’s laughter everywhere/Wrap the gifts and tie the bows.”

Romero Lubambo and Pamela Driggs then deliver some of the season’s most well-known songs, starting with Mel Torme’s “The Christmas Song.” This is a special rendition, just vocals and guitar, giving it an intimate and warm vibe. There is an excellent guitar solo in the second half. Then Vitor Gonçalves joins them on accordion again for “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.” The music they come up with for this song is so much better than what its lyrics deserve. Seriously, I’d love to hear a better set of lyrics sung to this music. That’s followed by a pretty rendition of “White Christmas.” At the beginning, like their rendition of “The Christmas Song,” this track is just vocals and guitar, including some really nice backing vocal work. And then halfway through, Romero Lubambo adds some percussion. Their version of “Jingle Bells” begins with some wonderful solo guitar work, and features Peter Martin on piano. They then wrap up the album with “Toyland,” a somewhat playful song written by Victor Herbert and Glen MacDonough, this version featuring accordion work by Vitor Gonçalves, as well as some excellent stuff on guitar. Ah, the years pass so quickly, don’t they? “Once you pass its borders/You can ne’er return again.”

CD Track List

1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
2. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
3. Holiday Of Love
4. Christmas Love Song
5. Silent Night
6. Presente De Natal
7. Winter Reverie
8. The Christmas Song
9. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
10. White Christmas
11. Jingle Bells
12. Toyland

Christmastime In Rio was released on November 8, 2024.