Search - Various Artists :: Jazz Noel

Mixing old and new pop jazzers, A Jazz Noel features a dozen mostly instrumental cuts and a couple vocal tracks. R&B legend Etta James gives "Please Come Home for Christmas" a gritty workout that sounds like an arctic gust, blowing through tunes by comfy mainstream players such as Spyro Gyra, Tom Scott (with singer Maysa), the Braxton Brothers, Hiroshima, Special EFX, Earl Klugh, and others. Vocalist Michael Franks--all but off the radar recently--reprises "Island Christmas" in his singular style while virtuoso Minneapolis sideman, producer, and songwriter Ricky Peterson pens a natty little original with his siblings and friends called "In the City." Radio friendly and taking no risks, this set of standards and catchy, creative, new tunes is rich in polish, professionalism, and predictability, perfect for the person with mainstream tastes. --Martin Keller