Christmas Stories
Mack Avenue, 2023
9/10
The pianist and composer Christian Sands put a very unique spin on some memorable holiday music, where Yasushi Nakamura, Ryan Sands, Max Light, Marvin Sewell, Jimmy Greene and Stefon Harris are in attendance for the festivities.
The bluesy spirit of “Jingle Bells” opens with fluid guitar licks and Ryan Sands’ agile drumming making for a very distinct version of the classic, and “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” follows with Sands’ meticulous keys complementing the elegant sax from Greene.
Further along, the rockin’ “Snow Dayz” spotlights Light’s flowing guitar playing amid many melodies, while “Silent Night” allows for Sewell’s radiant guitar tone in a very dreamy and cinematic landscape.
Arriving close to the end, “The Gift” benefits much from Harris’ well timed vibes that illuminates much intimacy, and “Last Christmas” exits with the graceful keys and strings thanks to Eli Weinberger and Andrew Joslyn for an extra helping of beauty.
A very atypical but easily embraceable holiday album that you can play all year long, Sands again impresses us with his finger acrobatics and timeless vision.
Travels well with: Christian Sands- Embracing Dawn; Emmet Cohen- Vibe Provider