Search - Various Artists :: Jingle Bell Jam: Jazz Christmas Classics

Something a little different for Christmas.

bluemamma | San Luis Obispo, CA USA | 11/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nat King Cole is terrific, but sometime around the middle of December, after IÕve heard his version of The Christmas Song for the 5 billionth time, I start to feel like I never want to hear another traditional carol crooned again, and thatÕs usually when I get out this album, and go straight to Carmen McRaeÕs sultry, bluesy version of the same song Ñ and suddenly that old chestnut (roasting on an open fire) sounds great again.Not every song on this album is that great, by any means. The standouts, for me, besides McRaeÕs track, are Duke EllingtonÕs amazingly inventive Jingle Bells, Ella FitzgeraldÕs earthy Good Morning Blues, and the Modern Jazz QuartetÕs lovely EnglandÕs Carol #1. Charlie ParkerÕs White Christmas is also breathtaking, probably the best thing on the album, although unfortunately the sound quality is poor. Besides those, there are a half-dozen more excellent tracks that break through the usually dull holiday music. The rest are so-so Ñ listenable, but nothing to get excited about.But I like the album a lot better than that last sentence might lead you to expect, because it has such a fine mix of styles. ThereÕs swing, modern jazz, blues, and even a little r&b. This is one of the few Christmas albums I own (and, honestly, IÕm a Christmas music addict) that I can listen to straight through without feeling like IÕm hearing the same song over and over again. ItÕs not perfect, but this is one classy and enjoyable Christmas CD."

Best Holiday CD EVER!

airzinnn | NC | 11/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got this as a gift from my fiance and it instantly became my favorite cd! I love jazz and this one is just perfect. It pus me in the best holiday mood! I buy jazz Christmas cds every year, and I always end up putting this one in time and again. I love it and highly reccommend it to anyone who loves Christmas music and/or jazz."

Great mix of jazz styles

gwalker88 | Rochester, NY United States | 12/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great CD. Some may not like the mix of styles - but those are likely jazz snobs who believe nobody should be allowed to blow a sax but Charlie Parker. (Parker is on this CD with a great version of White Christmas)Duke Pearson's Sleigh Bells is worth the purchase alone. If you want some excellent music - and a change from the usual Christmas schlok, then this is your disc."