3D Jazz Trio: Christmas in 3D

Still riding high on the release of I Love To See You Smile (Diva Jazz, 2020), the 3D Jazz Trio drops in again to ring in the holiday season. And while it's true that 2020 hasn't left us with much to celebrate, a chance to sit back and reflect while basking in the glow of some joyful jazz is one thing worth raising a glass of eggnog to.

Leaning on familiar favorites with personalized twists, 3D immediately demonstrates a multi-dimensional approach to music making. The program kicks off with a swinging "Winter Wonderland" that sets the scene with shuffling glee. Then the trio shifts gears with a calypso-infused take on "Up on the Housetop," buoyed by Sherrie Maricle's tom-tastic contributions; an Oscar Peterson-inspired "Greensleeves," highlighting pianist Jackie Warren's chops, bassist Amy Shook's tuneful tidings and Maricle's conversational brush work; some salsa for the soul, in the form of a bright and sunny "O Christmas Tree"; and a hoedown-to-bluestown arc, with Shook adding some convincing country fiddle work, on "Please, Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)."

The aforementioned material, making up the first half of the album, provides plenty of sustenance. But, as with any holiday feast, it's de rigueur to dive in for more. And so we have an energized "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman," the Brazilian-inspired "I Wonder As I Wander," a jaunty "White Christmas" (complete with a sleigh bells sign-in), and a church-y "Silent Night." Then, just as they came in, these three go out with positive vibes and some swing on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." A feel-good set from beginning to end, Christmas in 3D helps to make the season bright.