Holiday Spirits
Self-Released, 2025
9/10
The Canadian ensemble, Little Brown Jug Brass, treat us to a festive effort, where some excellent guests are present for the timeless and diverse 8 tracks.
“Christmas In New Orleans” starts with Pat Belliveau’s warm voice alongside rich brass and cozy winds that enlists playful drumming, and “Blue Christmas” follows with an indeed bluesy spirit thanks to the emotive singing and scrappy drumming.
Halfway through, “My North Star Home” recruits Ashley Ghostkeeper’s intimate pipes that suit the soft horns, while “The Holly & They Ivy” comes with a dance floor energy that’s melodic and dynamic in its warm spirit where Richard Scholz and Belliveau sing fluidly.
“The Gift” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You” exit the the listen. The former bounces with a lively atmosphere that’s infectious, and the latter finishes with a really infectious and heartwarming take on the classic with the many horns working together via much precision.
Little Brown Jug Brass breed a New Era Brass formula, where classical, jazz and country ideas are part of the formula, and they sure do flesh out an enjoyable holiday record that can be enjoyed all year round.
Travels well with: Caracol- Symbolism; Wave 21- Brace Yourself