Hollywood Christmas
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
A very diverse holiday album, the multi-instrumentalist Richard Williams brings rock, big band swing, and orchestral ideas to a dozen Christmas classics that have never sounded quite like this.
“It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” opens the listen with Alex Stiles’ smooth pipes guiding the warm brass and Bernie Dresel’s fluid drumming, and it’s not long until “White Christmas” emits much beauty from Rebecca Lopez, as Trey Henry’s plucked bass complements the soulful horns.
Further along, the frisky “Winter Wonderland” showcases Kate Plewe’s glowing voice amid a booming presence, while “(There’s No Place Like) Home For The Holidays” places Chelsea Brooke Olson on vocals for the orchestral meets jazz energy of the classic.
The finals tracks belong to Julie Seechuck’s intimate pipes, where “Somewhere In My Memory” and “Someway, Somehow” is full of stirring, cinematic song craft that benefits much from sweeping strings.
Williams puts a fresh coat of paint on some already great tunes, and his addition of vocal-less tracks for those who just the music portion only is a nice addition to this exceptional debut album from the veteran artist
Travels well with: Jim Witzel Trio & Quartet- Feelin’ It; Doug MacDonald- I’ll See You In My Dreams