Dashing: More Sounds Of The Season
Navona, 2021
8/10
Listen to Dashing: More Sounds Of The Season
A very diverse offering of classical and jazz sounds that are inspired by the holiday season, Dashing: More Sounds Of The Season brings us traditionals and new works that are both sparse and busy in their well thought out executions.
“Christmas Wayfarer” opens the listen with the Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra blending their strings, winds and drums with much grace and warmth in its soaring climate, and “Good King Wenceslas” follows with jumpy keys from Kristina Marinova populating the infectious energy.
Further on, David W. Solomon’s “Sleigh Ride” showcases The Budapest Scoring Orchestra’s elegant strings and playful percussion, while “Three Ships & Three Kings” highlights Elizabeth J. Start’s sublime cello playing. “Carol Of The Bells”, one of the album’s best, then places Alan Rinehart’s intricate guitar front and center.
The final track, “Jauchzet, Frohlocket! (Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 I)”, then enlists brass, organ, and timpani for a glorious big band feel that embraces all the hallmarks of timeless jazz that we can’t help but enjoy.
A listen that’s got something for everyone, this compilation puts a fun twist on some classics and certainly isn’t short on unfamiliar songs that you won’t soon forget, too.
Travels well with: Various Artists- Polarities Vol. 2; Various Artists- Sustain Vol. 2