Al Jarreau - Christmas (2008)

Artist: Al Jarreau
Title Of Album: Christmas
Year Of Release: October 14, 2008
Label: Rhino
Genre, Style: Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Vocal Jazz
Quality, Bitrate: MP3, 320 kbps, 44.1 Khz, Joint Stereo
Total Time: 54:04
Total Size: 124.09 Мб

Tracklist:
1. Winter Wonderland (4:20)
2. Hark The Herald Angels Sing (3:24)
3. White Christmas (5:50)
4. Interlude: By My Christmas Tree (0:29)
5. Carol Of The Bells (4:22)
6. O Come All Ye Faithful (4:18)
7. The Christmas Song (4:55)
8. I'll Be Home For Christmas (3:43)
9. Gloria In Excelsis (4:35)
10. Christmas Time Is Here (4:27)
11. Have Sourself A Merry Little Christmas (6:01)
12. Some Children See Him (4:10)
13. The Little Christmas Tree (3:00)
14. Up On The Housetop (0:30)

Paresonnel:
Al Jarreau (vocals, background vocals); Chris Walker (vocals, bass instrument, bass guitar, background vocals); Take 6 (vocals); Ross Bolton (guitar); Michael O'Neill (guitars, electric guitar, nylon-string guitar); Michael Thompson (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Ramon Stagnaro (nylon-string guitar); Dan Higgins (flute, wooden flute, pennywhistle, clarinet); Larry Williams (flute, clarinet, tenor saxophone, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, synthesizer, bells, sleigh bell); Phil Ayling (oboe); Joe Turano (tenor saxophone, piano, sleigh bell, background vocals); Jerry Hey (flugelhorn); David Witham (Fender Rhodes piano); Larry Goldings (organ); Dave Carpenter (acoustic bass); Mark Simmons (drums); Lenny Castro (tambourine, percussion); Montina Cooper, Alyncia Mack (background vocals); Larry Turtle.

Audio Mixer: Steve Sykes.
Arrangers: Chris Walker; Clare Fischer; Brent Fisher; Joe Turano; David Witham; Jay Graydon; Jorge Calandrelli; Al Jarreau; Larry Williams.

For the past few decades, Al Jarreau has established himself as a truly modern jazz singer, one for the post-fusion generation--those who grew up with the sounds of the cordial contemporary jazz of George Benson, Spyro Gyra, and Herbie Hancock. CHRISTMAS is Jarreau's first-ever collection of holiday songs on which he wraps his supple, honeyed vocal chords around some traditional Christmas classics. Jazz vocal combo Take 6 lend their voices for "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and the considered, varied arrangements of Jay Graydon and Jarreau himself keep the proceedings interesting.(cduniverse.com)

Al Jarreau's "Christmas" is a delightful surprise for anyone who has followed his music career. On this album Al collaborates with some of the best contemporary arrangers, including Larry Williams and Jorge Calandrelli, to deliver a smooth jazz mix of holiday standards. Listen out for "Winter Wonderland"; "Hark The Herald Angels Sing"; "White Christmas"; and "I'll Be Home For Christmas". "Some Children See Him" (a song penned by Alfred Burt and Wihla Hutson) is fast becoming one of my holiday favourites. I first heard it on the "Christmas With Maureen McGovern" album; and for me it had the instant "ZING" factor. I have since heard the sublimely moving James Taylor/Dave Grusin arrangement; and have now just experienced Al Jarreau's take. It is uniquely his own. Another arrangement that tugs at the heartstrings. "The Little Christmas Tree" is a song I've not heard before - but I like it. I like it a lot!!!! Fans of Al's style will LOVE this album!!!!(Amazon.com)

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[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZMTWnv9Rms[/youtube]