Details

Field of Interest

Jazz

Composer

Traditional, Leroy Anderson, 1908-1975, Irving Berlin, 1888-1989, Felix Bernard, Ralph Blane, 1914-1995, Sammy Cahn, 1913-1993, Kim Gannon, 1900-1974, Haven Gillespie, Walter Kent, 1911-1992, Vince Guaraldi, 1928-1976, Frank Loesser, 1910-1969, Lee Mendelson, 1933-, Mitchell Parish, Buck Ram, 1907-1991, Jule Styne, 1905-1994, Mel Tormé, 1925-1999, Robert Wells, 1922-1988, Hugh Martin, 1914-2011, J. Fred Coots, 1897-

Conductor

Johnny Mandel, 1925-

Content Type

Music recording

Duration

45 mins

Ensemble

The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

Format

Audio

Sub Genre

Holiday

Label

Verve Records

Performer

Diana Krall, 1964-, Rick Baptist, George Bohanon, 1937-, Alan Broadbent, 1947-, Gilbert Castellanos, 1972-, Gerald Clayton, 1984-, Jeff Clayton, 1954-, John Clayton, 1952-, Sal Cracchiolo, Anthony Wilson, 1968-, Ben Wolfe, Rickey Woodard, 1950-, Joe Porcaro, 1930-, Russell Malone, 1963-, Clay Jenkins, 1964-, Jeff Hamilton, 1953-, Ira Nepus, Randy Waldman, 1955-, Stefon Harris

UPC (Physical)

00602498821213

Release Date

2005-11-01

Review

On her first full-length Christmas album, pianist/vocalist Diana Krall delivers a smoky, sophisticated, and slightly melancholy album perfectly suited to accompany egg nog cocktails and romantic afterglow holiday affairs. Although there isn't anything unexpected on Christmas Songs -- Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" is as close to obscure as it gets -- Krall coos life into such standards as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." It also doesn't hurt that she gains top-notch support from the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, whose urbane arrangements help bring to mind similar works by such iconic vocalists as Nat King Cole, June Christy, and Frank Sinatra. But it's not all deep sighs and bedroom eyes; on the contrary, Krall keeps things swinging with such uptempo numbers as the joyous "Jingle Bells," "Winter Wonderland," and the Blossom Dearie-inflected "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." If you like your holiday albums cool and classy, Christmas Songs is a stocking stuffer that's sure to please. ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide

Subject

Jazz, Music & Performing Arts