A Gospejazzical Christmas
Jazz Urbane, 2023
8/10
Listen to A Gospejazzical Christmas
The esteemed pianist and singer John Paul McGee blends gospel, jazz and classical ideas into these 11 original and traditional pieces that welcome some excellent players.
“Emmanuel” opens the listen with McGee’s graceful keys that take help from Larry Wilson’s frisky drumming, and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” follows with Joel Powell’s warm bass suiting McGee’s soulful pipes.
Halfway through, “What Child Is This” spotlights Patrick Arthur’s dreamy guitar via the intimate climate, while “Jesus What A Wonderful Child” benefits much from Wendy Henderson-Wyatt’s soaring vocals, as the fluid keys add even more beauty to the affair.
Close to the end, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” allows the rhythm section of Powell and Wilson to make for a harmonic place for McGee’s meticulous keys, and “Go Tell It On The Mountain” exits with just McGee’s powerful singing and dynamic piano drawing us in.
A record that can be enjoyed all year, McGee and company make for solo, duo, trio and quartet settings that are diverse and easily enjoyable.
Travels well with: Todd Mosby- Land Of Enchantment; Gregory Lewis- Organ Monk Going Home