Al Jarreau - Christmas

After signing with Reprise in 1975, Al Jarreau has become a master of both studio and stage. He is one of the most exciting and critically acclaimed performers of our time. He now releases his first holiday collection and first album of newly recorded music since 2006's Givin' It Up. Christmas includes the singer's disctinctive vocal spin on a dozen yuletide classics. Product Description

I'm dreaming of a jazzy Christmas

Been waiting for Al Jarreau to bring out a Christmas CD for a long time. His "White Christmas" cover is one of my favorites. This year, he's listened and gifted us with a CD. And what a generous gift, too. Jarreau's packed a whopping 14 songs and 54 plus minutes into this collection.

"Christmas" is not for non-jazz or non-Jarreau fans. If you like the traditional ballads done the same old way just by different singers, don't buy this CD. If you want a lot of upbeat, some syncopation, and a whole lot of souful jazz, this CD is for you. I'm definitely going to be enjoying this CD for years to come.

Favorites:

Carol of the Bells
White Christmas
Gloria in Excelsis

My only complaint is I wish Jarreau had come up with a new song for us to enjoy this Christmas. I love his work on the tried and true, but I'd like to see him really step out and show us something new.

Rebecca Kyle, November 2008 November 17, 2008

What a gift and just in time!!!!!!!

Go buy it!!!!!!!!
Yes.......... he took a "free" attitude with this CD...but within acceptable limits.
Al is just so good ...He just simply knows what to do with a song...when to do it...and how to do it!!!!!!!!
He is in that elite group...Neil Diamond...Sade...Julia Fordham...James Taylor......and Boz Scaggs!!!!!!!!!
ONE SELECT GROUP........ November 16, 2008

Awesome,outstanding &Superb

Awesome,Outstanding & Superb. Everyone I say go out & buy his new cd as quick as you can. October 28, 2008

AL JARREAU DELIVERS HIS OWN DISTINCT FLAVOUR TO CHRISTMAS STANDARDS

Al Jarreau's "Christmas" is a delightful surprise for anyone who has followed his music career. On this album Al collaborates with some of the best contemporary arrangers, including Larry Williams and Jorge Calandrelli, to deliver a smooth jazz mix of holiday standards. Listen out for "Winter Wonderland"; "Hark The Herald Angels Sing"; "White Christmas"; and "I'll Be Home For Christmas". "Some Children See Him" (a song penned by Alfred Burt and Wihla Hutson) is fast becoming one of my holiday favourites. I first heard it on the "Christmas With Maureen McGovern" album; and for me it had the instant "ZING" factor. I have since heard the sublimely moving James Taylor/Dave Grusin arrangement; and have now just experienced Al Jarreau's take. It is uniquely his own. Another arrangement that tugs at the heartstrings. "The Little Christmas Tree" is a song I've not heard before - but I like it. I like it a lot!!!! Fans of Al's style will LOVE this album!!!! October 27, 2008

Not Christmas

I like Al Jarreau but he took too much artistic liberty with these classics: stretching notes, dissonance and ad libbing; there is too much distortion of lyric and melody here. His distinctive voice,would have sufficed for a great CD. This may be a good jazz album but as a Christmas album, it's a missed opportunity. I gave it away after listening to it. James Taylor and Babyface's Christmas CDS, are highly stylistic and jazzy but still sweet, and have a real Christmas feel.

Mr. Jarreau, states in his notes for this album, that his interpretations of the classics included here are 'free' - not his exact word but having given this CD away, I am not able to quote from it. October 24, 2008

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