Oscar Peterson Xmas

Amazon.com
Oscar Peterson and his six-piece combo are all business on Peterson's 1995 Christmas recording, extolling the virtues of Peterson's intelligent and seductive keyboard work as well as those of his knowing sidemen. The result is a triumphant set of 14 standards showcasing the group's intricate interplay and tasty individual solos. The ensemble's instrument mix--a discreet blend of vibes, flügelhorn, guitar, bass, drums, and piano--adds splashes of color and shading on classics such as "Let It Snow" when you least expect it. Plus, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more knowing pianist. Peterson can be as sentimental as anyone , for example, on "White Christmas," while also slowing a down-tempo melody even more to create an intoxicating vista. With ensemble pieces led by one of jazz's living legends, Oscar's refined holiday record lacks only a yule log and a nice, smooth merlot. --Martin Keller

Tracks:

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
What Child Is This?
Let It Snow
White Christmas
Jingle Bells
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Christmas Waltz
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Silent Night
Winter Wonderland
Away In A Manger
O Christmas Tree

Amazon.com

Oscar Peterson and his six-piece combo are all business on Peterson's 1995 Christmas recording, extolling the virtues of Peterson's intelligent and seductive keyboard work as well as those of his knowing sidemen. The result is a triumphant set of 14 standards showcasing the group's intricate interplay and tasty individual solos. The ensemble's instrument mix--a discreet blend of vibes, flügelhorn, guitar, bass, drums, and piano--adds splashes of color and shading on classics such as "Let It Snow" when you least expect it. Plus, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more knowing pianist. Peterson can be as sentimental as anyone , for example, on "White Christmas," while also slowing a down-tempo melody even more to create an intoxicating vista. With ensemble pieces led by one of jazz's living legends, Oscar's refined holiday record lacks only a yule log and a nice, smooth merlot. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful CD.......2007-03-12

I absolutely love Christmas Jazz music and this is now in my collection!

Great quality and in brand new condition.

:)

Wonderful Christmas Music.. but a bit to sweet........2007-01-31

Of course, this is a very well recorded disc, with great balance and tone, and the choice of tunes is just right.... so.... why only 4 stars. Well... while I'm sure this disc will appeal to even non-jazz folks.... I found the violin intros and fills just a tad smaltzy... and an unnecessary addition to an otherwise excellent recording.

Just my opinion..... and believe me, I will still listen to and enjoy this fine album.... I just would have replaced the violins with either another guitar or possibly a B3.

However..... over all, an excellent addition to ANYBODY's Christmas music collection, and one I will enjoy for years to come.

OSCAR PETERSON CHRISTMAS-Oscar Peterson.......2007-01-09

If I could rate more than 5 stars, I would. Great Chirstmas CD!

Excellent Christmas Album.......2007-01-05

I usually find that Christmas jazz albums don't meet my expectations. However, this one did. A very good Oscar Peterson album and an exceptional Christmas CD.

very jazzy, not overly Christmassy.......2007-01-03

I just got this a week ago, and I suspect I'll listen even when it's not Christmas. The jazzy improvisations meander away from the familiar tunes so it wouldn't be like listening to Bing sing White Christmas in July. Very hip, cool, sophisticated, classic jazz. Smooth, but not like our local "smooth jazz" station plays -- not that obnoxious oily kind. A highball on the rocks with a christmas napkin, not eggnog in a Santa mug with candy cane garnish.

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