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We have a lot of Christmas recordings in my home. We have renaissance groups, a lot of Chip Davis, TSO, and Manhattan Transfer. We have Christmas recordings by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, a recent one from the Count Basie Orchestra, and dozens of others in styles from Placido Domingo to Dolly Parton. No record in that collection has impressed my as much as a new recording from Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, "Wrap This!"
The BPB is known for it's tight, virtuosic performances of exclusively Gordon Goodwin arrangements and original material. Gordon's won lots of awards, including Grammy awards, so I was expecting a great record. But not THIS great. Each and every cut is memorable for unique treatments, for incredible solos, and for flawless performances. And the production values are simply amazing.
It's not surprising that Gregg Field was involved in this production, his sound editing is incredibly tasteful, and virtually unnoticed - and people like me look for the tell-tale signs. Tommy Vicari is renowned for his mixing and reverb work, and Jorge Velasco is a force to be reckoned with on the boards. But the stars are the music and the musicians.
The jazz waltz treatment of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" features the 'bone section led by Andy Martin, and DO THEY SWING! This section alone is worth the purchase of the disc. Andy's solo is masterful, using extended chord harmonics and making them sound melodic and sweet. And there's a fabulous opening featuring the bassist Trey Henry, who grooves throughout the work.
"Carol of the Bells" as funky? Yes, it works, complete with sweet muted trumpets and Sal Lozano's smooooth flute work. and the always remarkable solo of Eric Marienthal on soprano sax.
"Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow," is a nice medium swing, an features Jeff Driskill on tenor, who plays an incredibly involved solo while making it sound simple and sweet. Also, notable on this cut is Bernie Dresel's brush work in the first half of the piece. Wow.
"The Little Drummer Boy" of course features Bernie's stick work, reinforced by Joey De Leon world-class percussion in this samba-like arrangement. But solos by Jay Mason on bari sax and Craig Gosnell on bass 'bone give us a look at the virtuosity of the "lower end" of the band. And it's a great look! A recent addition to the personnel, Andrew Synowiec provides several amazing solos on this CD, and the one here puts him in the class of all-time great jazz guitarists.
"A Christmas Carol" opens with Wayne Bergeron soaring on a swinging high line that's almost a fanfare that mutates into a Latin salsa groove, Wayne shares solo work here with trombonist Francisco Torres. They both play creative, unique, masterful solos. I'm amazed that a cadre of soloists like this can play so well in ensemble, but they do.
I don't get to hear Dan Fornero enough in trumpet solos; when I do, I always get a kick out of them. He plays a great one on "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." The track is a medium swing, and the BPB does medium swing really well, undoubtedly because of the great rhythm section. I guess I should also mention that Gordon takes a tenor solo on this track, and it's really nice, but his head must already be swelling...
"Somewhere in My Memory" is a song from the film "Home Alone" (1990) by John Williams (yeah, the one that did all those Star Wars flims). A light samba feel it highlights the band's amazing sense of ensemble and precise, yet musical interpretation. Each section excels here; it's almost like an exhibition work. Solo by Gordon, again, but this time on soprano. I love his soprano work.
"Santa Baby" is done as a medium shuffle, and opens with a ukulele and jingle bells (no, I wasn't expecting that, either). Brian Scanlon plays tenor with verve and really swings! Then, Willie Murillo, takes a ride on trumpet. His fat tone and creativity are amazing. He should be nick-named "Chops." The final chorus features the bass 'bone (Craig Gosnell) and flutes. (Flute players aren't named, but all the sax players have played them, either here or on earlier releases.)
The final cut is "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," a sweet, moving ensemble piece that is a fitting closing to a great CD. It brings tears.
Gordon has worked with the vocal group "Take Six," before, five or six times, and they are featured again here on "Do You Hear What I Hear." They don't disappoint. This straight ahead, up tempo treatment showcases the vocal group's virtuosity, blend and fabulous jazz instincts. Here, again, is a single track that is worth the purchase of the CD.
Which I highly recommend. Do it now. This CD will be popular for the rest of your life, no matter your age!
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Le recensioni migliori da altri paesi
C. Duane Toole
Highly recommended. Get it now!
Recensito negli Stati Uniti il 21 dicembre 2015
Kenneth J. Morris
If you like modern big-band jazz buy this for next Christmas!
Recensito nel Regno Unito il 20 gennaio 2016
Ed Cameron
The Best Christmas CD Ever!
Recensito negli Stati Uniti il 9 giugno 2019