Flying High For the Holidays HOLIDAY CLASSICS REVISITED BY THE VOICES OF TODAY
FLYING HIGH FOR THE HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAY CLASSICS REVISITED BY THE VOICES OF TODAY
Songbook Inc.
This album is a twist on the memorable holiday songs we know and love that were made famous by jazz ladies and gentlemen of the past. It features a new generation of jazz vocalists and musicians who have reinvented these songs with arrangements celebrating jazz vocalists of the past.
The track list opens with Champian Fulton singing and playing piano on “Dreamers Holiday.” A song made famous back in 1949 by crooner Perry Como. Champian is also the Musical Director of this album project.
The album features two separate rhythm sections, both with Champian as the pianist. One of her long-time trio members is bassist Neal Minor and drummer Fukushi Tainaka. The other trio features the legendary Buster Williams on bass and drummer Charles Ruggiero.
You will hear familiar seasonal tunes like “Winter Wonderland” that features singer Emily Brader. Also, another lady with great range and power is Nicole Zuraitis who delivers “Silver Bells.”
A voice you may recognize from her awesome work with the Count Basie Band is Carmen Bradford who takes to the spotlight singing and swinging “The Man with the Bag.” It features the walking bass of Neal Minor and is propelled by drummer Fukushi Tainaka.
The saxophone of Klaus Undquist enhances the arrangement of “Warm in December” sung by Molly Ryan. This is a tune that Julie London recorded back in 1956. Buster Williams makes a memorable statement on bass during this arrangement, playing solo beneath the vocals of Molly Ryan for several bars after the sax solo. I enjoyed that arrangement.
Every tune on this project celebrates the season with wonderful arrangements and diversified jazz vocals. Some songs are familiar, while others are pleasant discoveries. All in all, this Is a Baker’s Dozen of holiday songs you will enjoy from beginning to end.
THE BAND: Champian Fulton, piano/vocals/musical director; Buster Williams & Neal Minor, Bass; Fukushi Tainaka & Charles Ruggiero, drums; VOCALISTS: Champian Fulton, Emily Brader, Nicole Zuraitis, Carmen Bradford, Molly Ryan, & Olivia Chindamo. SPECIAL GUEST: Klas Lindquist, saxophone.
Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil
