Let’s Share Christmas
Amazon.com
The seasoned jazz singer and exceptional seven-string guitar player John Pizzarelli reprises a bit of the Sinatra/big-band/swing-band era holiday record with orchestral arrangements that zing and pop or slowly burn like the last log on the fire. Pizzarelli’s fluid vocal and instrumental manner readily lends itself to the diverse settings throughout, whether it’s the string-laden pop romance of the title track or the pure-jazz setup with the John Pizzarelli Trio on a fleet, swinging “Sleigh Ride” (dig Piz’s dazzling guitar work and that of his pianist, Ray Kennedy). The arrangements and charts are first rate, as producer Ron Fair gives his band members plenty of room to showcase without dominating the mix. Classy, warm, and bright, here’s one holiday album that’s deliciously paced for a black tie party or an intimate, silk-pajama tête-à- tête. –Martin Keller
5 Responses
This disc, too long out of print, is spectacular. Pizzarelli’s personality comes through and the music is festive, fun, and SO WELL DONE.
Rating: 4 / 5
“Christmas songs are like old friends. They give you warm and fuzzy feeling.” ~ John Pizzarelli ~
With this CD “Let’s Share Christmas” by John Pizzarelli, every Christmas celebration will be more special and memorable. This is just the perfect listen this Yuletide Season for your family reunions, get-togethers and parties. Or if you want solitude after a hectic day of Christmas shopping, take a few moments to relax and listen to it while soaking in a warm bath with candlelights and aromatic unguents to revive your holiday spirit.
John Pizzarelli is not only a gifted guitarist and a great singer but also a very creative composer in his own right. The title track, “Let’s Share Christmas” is one of his many remarkable original compositions. His charming music not only encompasses the Great American Songbook, but also traditional and contemporary Christmas songs. In this remarkable Christmas CD, he has the backing of some of the most brilliant names in orchestration and arranging: Johnny Mandel, Don Sebesky, Michel Legrand, Dick Lieb, Ralph Burns, Clare Fischer, Patrick Williams, John Clayton and Torrie Zito. And not to mention Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and his long-time partners Ray Kennedy and Martin Pizzarelli.
All the songs are positively charming and delightful from the opener “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” to the perfect ender, “Silent Night.” “Santa Claus Is Near” is an original composition by John Pizzarelli. It was written for his then four year old son and arranged by Clare Fischer.
His beguiling interpretations of some of my favorites in this CD have completely pleased my ears and won my heart! And these songs include “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “White Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” and a beautiful interpretation of a remarkable song by composer/lyricist Frank Loesser “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” Johnny Mandel utilized a full orchestra here and his orchestration is, as always, magnificent, par excellence and simply oozing with charms!
With my heartfelt recommendation.
Rating: 5 / 5
I was getting a little bored with my Christmas CD’s so I decided to find something new. I ran across this CD and I was just so impressed! I had never heard of John Pizzarelli before and since I already loved Harry Connick Jr., this was a perfect addition to my collection. I would highly recommend this album to anyone who loves jazzy holiday music, or even jazz in general. Every song is wonderful…even the songs I never heard before. The special draw was his version of Snowfall, which is a song you don’t hear too often but it is so beautiful.
Rating: 5 / 5
I wish I could describe what I like about Pizarelli’s voice, but can’t find the words. He doesn’t have a powerful voice, or a rich voice, or in any other way a very distinctive voice; but it’s very pleasant to listen to, and he does some good things with the Christmas tunes on this CD.
(And don’t forget his instrumental guitar work; I’ve always loved the Leroy Anderson tune “Sleigh Ride” and have numerous recordings. The arrangement on this CD really swings).
Rating: 4 / 5
This is my most favorite Christmas album of all! John’s voice is strong and steady with just the right amount of sweetness. The Christmas songs are joyful, swinging, and jazzy. He takes the songs out for a ride but doesn’t venture too far away from the original versions; in other words, you won’t feel that you’re missing that true holiday spirit. Some of the tunes have a big band flavor, while others have a more traditional jazz sound; they still melt into each other in perfect procession. Christmas Time is Here is so beautifully scored and gently sung, just Charlie Brown-y enough, but much more sophisticated.
Rating: 5 / 5