Big Band Holidays II
Blue Engine, 2019
8/10
Listen to Big Band Holidays II
An album that was recorded live with Wynton Marsalis at the helm as well as an esteemed list of contributors, the ensemble deliver new and traditional arrangements of holiday staples on this accomplished effort.
“It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” starts the listen off with lively horns and a bouncing, festive spirit in the traditional, and “Cool Yule”, with Catherine Russell, follows with her smooth vocals guiding the jazz flavored fun.
Elsewhere, “O Tannenbaum” brings in Aretha Franklin for a piano friendly, soulful delivery of timeless beauty that’s specific to this release, while “(Everybody’s Waitin’ For) The Man With The Bag” puts an ultra playful spin on the classic, as Veronica Swift offers her pretty vocals.
Near the end, “Silver Bells” has Russell back again with an elegant display alongside flutes and trombones, and “Silent Night” ends the listen with a more guitar focused track as Denzal Sinclaire add his deep vocals.
A very diverse listen that recruits plenty of solos while also finding swinging fun alongside gospel influences, some of these interpretations might just be the best you’ve heard yet.
Travels well with: Wynton Marsalis- Black Codes (From The Underground); Wayne Shorter- The Soothsayer