Liz Kicks off the Holidays with some Jazz
Okay, now that Thanksgiving is over and we’re looking toward Christmas, it’s time for me to once again feature my favorite holiday CDs for the Sunday Music Blog. Today’s is one we’ve loved for years, Wynton Marsalis’s “Crescent City Christmas Card.” It is SO much fun. Whether you love jazz or not, this is a collection that will make you smile.
It kicks off with a brassy rendition of “Carol of the Bells,” which has been one of my top five favorite carols since I was a little kid. Who knew horns could replace bells so effectively? Then Marsalis’s ensemble is joined by phenomenal soprano Kathleen Battle for a haunting version of “Silent Night.” After that comes one jazzy version of traditional carol after another: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “We Three Kings,” “O Tannenbaum”...
The list goes on and on. And in true jazz tradition, there are terrific bursts of impromptu music throughout. Horns proliferate, of course, all kissed with the verve of New Orleans jazz that’s not like any other music out there. But there’s some beautiful piano work, too, especially on “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” My favorite song on the CD, though, is also my favorite version of “Sleigh Bells” ever recorded, with singer Jon Hendricks providing robust and delightful vocalization.
But the absolute best track on this CD is the last one. Along with some truly wonderful jazz accompaniment, Wynton Marsalis himself reads “The Night Before Christmas.” Now, if you’ve never heard Wynton Marsalis talk, you are in for SUCH a treat. The guy has a fabulous, pure New Orleans accent, and I just melt whenever I hear him talk. He’s clearly enjoying himself as he reads the poem, and he injects it with a Southern feel that will warm any winter’s night.
Cheers, everyone! Welcome to the Holiday Season!