Winter Wonderland
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
A collection of Yuletide jazz from New York City luminaries in the area of swing, the bandleader George Gee steers plenty of brass through these 10 songs we’re all familiar with already.
The lively “Winter Wonderland Mambo” begins the listen with Freddie Hendrix’s animated trumpet and Anthony Nelson Jr.’s expressive alto saxophone in the big bang climate, and “What Child Is This?” follows with trombone from David Gibson and Steve Einerson’s glowing keys giving the listen plenty of energy.
Halfway through, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is populated by John Dokes’ baritone voice guiding the melodic jazz delivery, while “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” has Hilary Gardner joining Dokes for the cozy duet that’s plenty adventurous, too.
Further along, “What Are You Doing New Years’s Eve?” is an intimate moment of beauty and grace that welcomes Patience Higgins’s gorgeous baritone saxophone, and “Jingle Bells” allows Chris Latona’s frisky drums to complement the many brass instruments of the rich, timeless finish.
Gee has fronted his swing band since 1980, and this body of work, despite being holiday focused, can be enjoyed all year, especially for those with an ear for Big Band sounds.
Travels well with: Todd Mosby- Land Of Enchantment; Madre Vaca- Knights Of The Round Table