Carolyn Lee Jones Christmas Time Is Here Review
Carolyn Lee Jones is a songwriter, jazz-pop vocalist, and bandleader who burst onto the jazz scene in 2008. Jones is at home singing classic jazz to vintage pop and makes standards sound fresh. She performs with her groups; Fresh Vintage Jazz, The Satin Dolls Band, and In Full Swing, featuring 8 pc to big band. Jones has sought opportunities to sing in NYC and abroad while flourishing successfully in her first profession. “I knew that one day I’d be a full-time classic jazz- vintage pop vocalist so, it was just a matter of when! Retailing was another type of show business!” She has released four nationally reviewed CDs on the independent Catn’round Sound label and 4 singles. With The New Collection a cappella jazz group, a separate album was released led by vocal jazz arranger and Professor Emeritus Paris Rutherford of the University of North Texas Vocal Jazz Department.
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About the Album
Jones has brought her classic jazz style to twelve Christmas tunes for us to enjoy this Holiday season called Christmas Time Is Here. She has a number of players on the various tracks to further expand the styles and sonic colors the album offers. Pianist Brad Williams is a constant sound throughout the project. The arrangements are well-constructed and feature plenty of room for both singing and improvising by the talented performers.
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Our Favorite Tracks
“You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To” is known as a year-round jazz standard but has lately become a holiday go-to. Here
Jones’ nimble singing of the melody is a delight as she captures both the classic allure of the theme and the holiday spirit with sophistication and style. Keith Jordan adds an inspiring fluegelhorn solo, as does Williams on the piano. The vocal and instrumental unisons show Jones’ technical skills and capability to flow like a horn. Also, this section is a nice change of pace on this classic Cole Porter gem.
“The Christmas Song” is given a fresh approach with a classic bossa nova feel and Jones’ warm voice captivates the spirit of the song. The relaxed bossa allows Jones to play with the melody in a very charming and creative manner. Tom Burchill takes a festive guitar solo, as does Williams. Jones’ final time through the theme is a real treat as she plays with the phrasing in the most artistic way.
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In Conclusion
Christmas Time Is Here tackles the well-known holiday classics with fresh arrangements and sprinkles in fun tunes like “Jingles the Cat” and an original “Red Christmas.” Each track stands alone with classic performances, a worthy addition to your holiday playlist.
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