Christmas: Live At The Jazz Room
Glorious Feeling, 2022
8/10
Listen to Christmas: Live At The Jazz Room
The Canadian jazz vocalist brings us a live off the floor album of tracks that are reimagined in her timeless vision that pays tribute to songs she grew up with, and are still a part of many people’s holiday season.
“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm/It’s The Holiday Season” starts the listen with Steve James’ frisky drums complementing Pazzano’s smooth and expressive pipes, and “The Christmas Song” follows with Mark Eisenman’s elegant piano alongside the intimate singing that’s quite absorbing.
Further along, Joni Mitchell’s river is reborn here with soft piano melodies and poetic singing, while “Manhattan In December” is an upbeat and very charming display of playful bass plucking from Pat Collins, not to mention Pazzano’s impressive range.
Nearing the end, “Let It Snow! Let It Snow!/Snow” is as infectious as we all remember and highlights Pazzano’s very inviting voice amid the bouncy rhythm section and Jason Hunter’s soulful sax, and “O Holy Night” exits the listen with powerful, emotive singing that soars high next to the pretty, mature musicianship.
A very energetic set that’s vocally flawless and musically diverse, Pazzano puts an inimitable and enjoyable spin on songs that we can revisit all year, not just Christmas.
Travels well with: Kate Hamann- Momentary Beauty; Marilyn Scott- The Landscape