But "My Gift of Thanks" elegantly pairs Feinstein's yearning melody with Schermerhorn's heartfelt lyric. One of the best works comes from the Feinstein-Schermerhorn partnership, a bit of a surprise considering that Feinstein remains best known as an interpreter and champion of other people's songs. This means that Callaway, a superb jazz vocalist, performs tunes Schermerhorn penned with various composers, including Michael Feinstein and Callaway herself. In one of the brainier jazz projects of the holiday season, Callaway sings unfamiliar music linked by a common thread: all the lyrics are by William Schermerhorn. Thanks to Jazz at Lincoln Center's new Blue Engine Records label, there should be more welcome archival material coming our way in the New Year.Īnn Hampton Callaway: "The Hope of Christmas" (Manchester Craftsmen's Guild).
Specifically, the ensemble conjures muscular swing rhythm in Ernie Wilkins and Jonathan Lawrence's arrangement of "Jingle Bells," shimmering instrumental textures in Victor Goines' version of "White Christmas" and evocative orchestral detail in Ted Nash's scoring of "We Three Kings." Then, too, JALC has summoned three leading jazz singers - Cecile McLorin Salvant, Gregory Porter and Rene Marie - to provide distinctive accounts of familiar tunes. Culled from a series of live performances spanning 2012 to 2014, "Big Band Holidays" achieves unstoppable rhythmic drive in some numbers and glistening orchestral color in others. JALC's corporate virtuosity, plush ensemble sound and exalted level of solo playing are apparent throughout and, in essence, elevate the material at hand. That the band, led by trumpeter Marsalis, manages this feat in holiday repertoire says a great deal about its long-standing, hard-won achievements.
None tops "Big Band Holidays," in which the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra reaffirms its position as America's pre-eminent large jazz ensemble. Big-band fans have a great deal to celebrate this year, with several organizations releasing holiday albums. Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: "Big Band Holidays" (Blue Engine Records).
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