The great thing about Christmas, is that, like the Savior Himself, it is appealing and adaptable to all types and people. It’s just up to our accepting the joy.
One of my goals is to hear guitarist Jonathan Butler lead worship at his local church in So Cal. Until then, I get to be blessed by upbeat albums like this one that has him in a variety of settings, but always in an attitude of Joy to the World. You get some R&B gospel in “Winter Wonderland,” a New Orleans stomp with guest Kirk Whalum on soprano sax during “Jingle Bells” and a richly passionate “Mary Did You Know?” as well as a dramatic “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel enhanced by Adrienne Woods’ cello. A reason for the season!
Indie-voiced Martina DaSilva teams up with bassist Dan Chmielinski and a handful of rotating guests on this bohemian sounding collection of Natal tunes. Hip bass and vibes make for a nice “My Favorite Things” and Lucas Piono’s tenor bops to “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Chmielinski’s bass carries most of the weight, with DaSilvma cozy on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and teaming up for a harrowing “The Christmas Song.” A starless night for these wise men.
Pianist and keyboardist Jeff Collins teams with orchestrator Cody McVey for some lush and warm by the fireplace Christmas renditions. His B3 hums on a gospel toned “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and the rhythm team snaps to the fun “The Man With The Bag.” The strings are rich and wide opened for a Christmas Medley” and Collins is coy on “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve”, with the range of moods making a Whitman’s musical sampler.