Women bringing in the Christmas spirit…
This reissue of Diana Ross’ 1994 Christmas album is a rich and textured affair, with wondrous orchestra and strings for “Winter Wonderland,” oboe on “ What the World Needs Now” and rich textures for “Go Tell It On the Mountain.” Some nice harp and oboe give a Broadway feel to “Ave Maria” and “It’s Christmas Time,” with the most festive moments on the opening “Wonderful Christmastime.” No Motown moods, but still a treasure under the tree.
Lynne Fiddmont delivers an album filled with Christmas cheer, teaming with luminaries such as Kevin Whalum/ts, Johsn Nelson/p, Russell Ferrante/key, Keith Fiddmont/ts and others. Robert Greenidge brings a Carribean feel with his steel drums on “Winter Wonderland” with some peppy work by Ferrante on Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime.” Whalum does a cozy duet with Fiddmont on “Baby It’s Cold Outside” while Everette Harp gives some R&B to “This Christmas.” A closing a cappella “A King Is Born Today” was made for a heavenly host!
Bassist/vocalist Kristin Korb creates an intriguing album with the use of Mathias Heise’s harmonica along with Snorre Kirk/dr and Magnus Hjorth/p. The mix of voice and harp blend well on the soulful “Christmas Will Really Be Christmas” and a bluesy “UpON The Housetop/Here Comes Santa Claus.” Dreamy moods are created on “Silent Night” and “We Three Kings” but the most intriguing read is the duet between Korb and Hjorth on a serene “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.” Sublime swing.
www.universalmusicenterprises.com