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Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra: Big Band Holidays
ByThe album opens on a high note with the first of its three instrumentals, Ernie Wilkins' Basie-centered arrangement of "Jingle Bells" (Frank Foster-like tenor solo courtesy of Walter Blanding). "White Christmas," neatly arranged by saxophonist Victor Goines, and "We Three Kings" are the other non-vocal numbers. "Kings" is the least palatable of the three, as Nash's dissonant backdrop is unnecessary and disconcerting. McLorin Salvant, this year's DownBeat poll winner as best female vocalist, unfurls her talents on "What Child Is This?," "It's Easy to Blame the Weather," "Good Morning Blues" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Those who recall "Merry Little Christmas" from the 1944 holiday classic Meet Me in St. Louis are in for a bit of a shock here, as McLorin Salvant has for reasons unknown chosen to sing an earlier Ralph Blane / Hugh Martin lyric that was cast aside by Roger Edens and the brass at MGM because it was considered too depressing. And as usual, they were right. Well, at least she sings the verse, which wasn't heard in the film.
It could be argued that "Blame the Weather" and "Good Morning Blues" are not, strictly speaking, holiday themes, but here they are, and McLorin Salvant is suitably charming on each one. As for 'What Child Is This?," it suffers from Wycliffe Gordon's overwrought arrangement. Rene Marie is engaging on her two numbers, "'Zat You, Santa Claus?" (based, it seems, on "Love Me or Leave Me") and "I'll Be Home for Christmas," while Porter gently caresses "A Cradle in Bethlehem" and summons the shade of Jimmy Rushing to help vanquish the bluesy "Merry Christmas Baby." As noted, Big Band Holidays is rather a mixed bag whose high spots serve to neutralize its shortcomings. The JALC is first-class throughout, as are its guests. A splendid holiday album? Impressive in many respects, yes, but a half-step short of exemplary.
Track Listing
Jingle Bells; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas; White Christmas; Zat You, Santa Claus?; A Cradle in Bethlehem; We Three Kings; What Child Is This?; Merry Christmas Baby; It’s Easy to Blame the Weather; I’ll Be Home for Christmas; Good Morning Blues; Band Introductions.
Personnel
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
band / ensemble / orchestraWynton Marsalis
trumpetWynton Marsalis: music director, trumpet; Ryan Kisor: trumpet; Kenny Rampton: trumpet; Marcus Printup: trumpet; Sherman Irby: alto, soprano sax, flute, piccolo, clarinet; Ted Nash: alto, tenor sax, flute, alto flute, piccolo, clarinet; Victor Goines: tenor sax, clarinet; Walter Blanding: tenor, soprano sax, clarinet, oboe; Joe Temperley: baritone sax, bass clarinet; Paul Nedzela: baritone sax, bass clarinet; Vincent Gardner: trombone; Chris Crenshaw: trombone; Elliot Mason: trombone; James Chirillo: guitar; Dan Nimmer: piano; Carlos Henriquez: bass; Ali Jackson: drums. Cecile McLorin Salvant: vocals (2, 7, 9, 11); Rene Marie: vocals (4, 10); Gregory Porter: vocals (5, 8).
Album information
Title: Big Band Holidays | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Blue Engine Records
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About Wynton Marsalis
Instrument: Trumpet
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