Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Saxophonist, Sonic Explorer Casey Benjamin Dies at 45
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
Christmas With You by Norah Jones and Laufey is one of numerous new holiday-themed releases to emerge in celebration of the season.
(Photo: Eli Ritter/Blue Note Records)Holiday-themed recordings by jazz and blues artists continue to roll in as we enter the heart of the season. The following new releases are sure to raise listeners’ spirits as celebrations heat up and the weather outside becomes ever-so frightful.
Norah Jones/Laufey Christmas With You (Blue Note)
Norah Jones and Laufey have collaborated on a cozy pair of new holiday songs with their two-track single Christmas With You. Two artists who blend jazz and pop sensibilities, Jones and Laufey combine their distinctive sounds on two vocal duets: a delightful version of the holiday standard “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and their playful new co-written original “Better Than Snow.” The songs were recorded with Jones on piano and Laufey on guitar and cello. Christmas With You is currently available digitally, with a 7-inch vinyl version to follow on Dec. 15 — including a red color variant that is available exclusively via official artist stores and the Blue Note Store.
Isaiah J. Thompson A Guaraldi Holiday (Outside in Music/Jazz Bird Records)
Pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson offers jazz lovers a spirit-lifting gift this holiday season, A Guaraldi Holiday. A tribute to the eclectic music of pianist and composer Vince Guaraldi (1928–’76), who provided a childhood soundtrack for generations of music lovers via his work on the classic Peanuts television programs, the invigorating set was co-produced by Thompson with John Pizzarelli and features 12 fresh tracks, each one an exercise in nostalgic expressionism. Filled with adventurous and spirited full-band performances, the album is led by Thompson’s crisp piano and warmed by a contemporary creative fire while harkening back to the iconic holiday TV specials of mid-century America.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Big Band Holidays III (Blue Engine Records)
In celebration of the most wonderful time of the year, Blue Engine Records (Jazz at Lincoln Center’s in-house record label) presents the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis’ new collection of holiday music: Big Band Holidays III. Produced and arranged by acclaimed JLCO member, trumpeter and composer Marcus Printup, the eight-song album features music recorded over the past decade during Jazz at Lincoln Center’s titular holiday series and spotlights an intergenerational roster of guest vocalists, including Catherine Russell, Denzal Sinclaire and Vuyo Sotashe. Released in two bundles — the first four songs are out now, and the second drops on Dec. 15 — the album includes holiday classics reimagined for America’s premier big band, including “This Christmas,” “Caroling, Caroling” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”
Ordering info: jazz.org
Joe Bonamassa Merry Christmas, Baby (Independent Release)
Blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa extends a special holiday musical offering to his fans worldwide by making his digital Christmas compilation album Merry Christmas, Baby, available for a limited time as a free download. This compilation is a unique blend of holiday classics like “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “O Holy Night” reimagined through Bonamassa’s blues lens, along with original tracks that resonate with his signature style. This year’s edition is particularly special, as it includes three new tracks, adding fresh vibrancy to this yuletide collection. Download Merry Christmas, Baby by clicking HERE, or stream the entire album by clicking HERE.
More info: jbonamassa.com
Various Artists In The Key Of Chiaroscuro–Holiday Jazz Mix (Chiaroscuro Records/32 Bar Blues)
Jazz Foundation of America, 32 Bar Blues and Chiaroscuro Records have teamed up to produce In The Key Of Chiaroscuro, a collection of holiday tunes compiled from the Chiaroscuro archives along with special recordings made for WVIA-FM’s annual broadcast “Christmas Music: The Jazz Feeling.” The CD features 18 rare cuts from a host of legendary players like Junior Mance, Nat Adderley, Gene Bertoncini, Lillette Jenkins, Jay McShann, Steve Allen, Frank Wess, Dorothy Donegan, 32BB Voice of the Art Bill Charlap and others. (To listen to a preview of saxophonist Frank Foster’s version of “The Christmas Song,” click HERE.) In The Key Of Chiaroscuro spans a half-century of vibrant label activity led by Hank O’Neal as well as Andrew Sordoni, whose radio show in Pennsylvania was the impetus for nearly all of the recordings. Many of the singles, one-offs and live performances that served as source material for the project haven’t been heard in decades. Proceeds from the album will benefit musicians in need via the nonprofit Jazz Foundation of America’s Musicians’ Emergency Fund. DB
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