David Ian: Vintage Christmas Trio
While vocals factored into the earlier Vintage Christmas concoctions, the recipe is down to just three instrumental ingredients here—Ian, bassist Jon Estes, and drummer Josh Hunt. Nothing more is needed, as a lighthearted and affable attitude wins out with these trio tracks. Hunt's brushes gently coat the snare, melodious sounds calmly comes forth, and Ian and Estes take playful turns on a "Deck The Halls" opener. Later, suggestions of hope and yearning carry "White Christmas" from the threshold to a warmer and lighter space; "Up On The Housetop" moves from gentle environs toward a jolly atmosphere, taking that turn for the cheery with the entrance of Estes and Hunt; and "O Come, All Ye Faithful" closes the album with the sound of true belief.
Christmas albums often try to sell themselves with novelty value, athleticism, and/or pizzazz, but Ian won't have any of that. His music is straightforward. And while it certainly falls under the jazz heading, don't look for lengthy solos, wild trips afield, bluesy bluster, or radical redesigns. There's a spare elegance to Ian's vision of Christmas that's in keeping with the meaning of the holiday and the feeling of the season.
Track Listing
Deck The Halls; It Came Upon A Midnight Clear; Joy To The World; White Christmas; Good King Wenceslas; I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day; We Three Kings; Up On The Housetop; Silver Bells; O Come, All Ye Faithful.
Personnel
David Ian
pianoDavid Ian: piano; Jon Estes: bass; Josh Hunt: drums, percussion.
Album information
Title: Vintage Christmas Trio | Year Released: 2017 | Record Label: Prescott Records
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