Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Bill Cunliffe: That Time of Year

141

Bill Cunliffe: That Time of Year

By

Sign in to view read count
Bill Cunliffe: That Time of Year
Pianist Bill Cunliffe harkens back to his youth in That Time of Year, recording solos on Christmas songs that he says he fondly remembers. This talented, versatile performer is also an esteemed composer-arranger, having been nominated for Grammy awards three times, winning in 2010 for Best Instrumental Arrangement. A Southern Californian, he currently teaches at California State University, Fullerton, playing local gigs and recording extensively.

The 14 songs range from the pious simplicity of "Angels from the Realms of Glory" and "Silent Night" and a partying, funky version of "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," to his nostalgic, reflective take on "'Tis the Season."

Cunliffe's talent as an improvisor is apparent "We Three Kings," painting an impressionistic picture, while "O Christmas Tree" contrasts in its bold stride style. Recent Christmas records seem to avoid the cheerful caroler version of "Jingle Bells," but Cunliffe's version remains buoyant and decidedly hip. Here the sleigh starts slowly out the gate, only gradually picking up speed into a swinging gallop. "O Christmas Tree" also begins tentatively, but then adjusts to light lilting.

Along with his other activities, Cunliffe is currently composer-in-residence at Pasadena, California's All Saints Episcopal Church. From this background, he brings the seldom heard 16th Century "Coventry Carol," delivering a sensitive meditation on the religious meaning of the holiday, a five-minute-plus example of solo piano artistry. On the final selection, vocalist Denise Donatelli contributes a tender "I'll Be Home for Christmas," the popular favorite going back to World War II.

A frequent comment regarding a jazz Christmas album is to forget about the holiday and appreciate it for just being a good jazz album. That Time of Year proves that cliché.

Track Listing

Angels From The Realms Of Glory; God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen; On Christmas Day; Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy; Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming; O Little Town Of Bethlehem; O Christmas Tree; We Three Kings; 'Tis The Season; Coventry Carol; Jingle Bells; Silent Night; Carol Of The Bells; I'll Be Home For Christmas.

Personnel

Bill Culiffe: piano; Denise Donatelli: vocals (14).

Album information

Title: That Time of Year | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Self Produced

Comments

Tags

Concerts

Apr 26 Fri
Apr 27 Sat

For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.