There are just SO many anonymous sounding Christmas releases that come out this time of year, and yet you want SOMETHING that’s fresh sounding, somewhere in between the gazillionth version of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” and barking dogs, quacking ducks covering “Jingle Bells.” Here are two of the best you’re going to run across:
Mint tea toned vocalist Susie Arioli teams up again with Jordan Officer/g , Michael Jerome Browne/g and Bill Gossage/b for a lovely intimate collection of carols and hymns. The calmness of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and back porch coziness of “ Blue Christmas” is irresistible. The team can also deliver a bit of Django-esque swing without overplaying their hands on “Christmas Dreaming” and “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm.” A bluegrassy “Call Collect On Christmas” and an electric bluesy “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” keep the color tones varied, while Arioli’s voice is as cozy as a night in front of the fireplace with some roasted chestnuts. A real joy!
I’ve never heard of the pop singer/percussionist Vinx before, but this disc, which was originally released a decade ago, makes me want to do some digging. He’s got a rich peanut buttery baritone voice which is flexible enough to go from semi hip hop (on “Ave Maria” of all things!) to a reggae-infused “Winter Wonderland.” Already interested, aren’t ya! An Afro-Cuban “We Three Kings” with percussion and guitar well frames his warm voice, while some latin percussion rumbles under a gospeliah “Away In A Manger.” A South African choir of voices delivers a rich “O Christmas Tree” and the hand drums and shakers produce a warm and inviting “Christmas Song.” His own “Christmas in Paradise” closes the set with percussion and steel drums that celebrate a real Joy to the World. Merry Christmas, Mon!
Jazzheads Records
Dreamsicle Arts & Entertainment
www.vinx.com