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Making Spirits Bright: A Smooth Jazz Christmas
Our Price: $11.98 Prices subject to change.
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0731454983921
Label: Grp Records
Manufacturer: Grp Records
MPN: 549839
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Grp Records
Release Date: October 02, 2001
Studio: Grp Records
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Editorial Review:
The first six tracks of this release could've been subtitled "A Twist of Christmas," for they bear the indelible stamp of guitarist-producer Lee Ritenour and his A Twist of Marley. In fact, his Brazilian take on "Silent Night," with singer Al Jarreau, sounds like an arrangement worked straight out of Ritenour's A Twist of Jobim sessions. Even with guitarists Joyce Cooling and Marc Antoine, his presence is noticeable.
The other half of the album finds most of the artists doing their own thing, the best of which is the funky groove saxophonist Richard Elliot and keyboardist and co-arranger Jeff Lorber lay over "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Like a few of the other tunes however, the production suffers from the frightening trend of producers and/or record companies fading tracks prematurely in an obvious effort to appease smooth-jazz radio. It should be noted that the Diana Krall track was previously released on a holiday EP three years ago. --Mark Ruffin
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - Jazzy Christmas
Enjoyed this CD because it's a bit different than the standard Christmas music. Easy listening.
Rating: - Jazz for Christmas
This is only my 2nd jazz Christmas CD as I'm slowly developing a taste for jazz music in general. I love almost all Christmas music and this CD is very good. It is a nice mix of artists and there various styles of music on this compilation cd which exceded my expectations. I'm looking forward to listening to this more when the holidays come around. Enjoy!
Rating:  - Christmas Jazz
We have always enjoyed the GRP Christmas recordings and were equally pleased with this work. The contemporary artists featured are able to combined the essence of the music style with the traditional quality of the holiday season.
Rating:  - It Certainly is Pleasant Enough
I agree with the editorial that a few of the tracks of this release indeed should be subtitled "A Twist of Christmas," because they are straight out of the Lee Ritenour and his "A Twist of" Series mold. In fact, the cuts "Silent Night," with Al Jarreau, and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" featuring Will Downing (who manages to sound bored out of his mind here) are just a couple of tunes that sound like outtakes from the aforementioned sessions.
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Rating: - Wonderful addition to your music collection!
I was unaware of this disc until I read about it in the December issue of Ebony magazine. It is so soothing and relaxing and a great way to experience the talents of artists such as: Lee Rittenour, Al Jarreau, Wil Downing and Joe Sample. Great music to bake and trim the tree by.
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