Product Description

After signing with Reprise in 1975, Al Jarreau has become a master of both studio and stage. He is one of the most exciting and critically acclaimed performers of our time. He now releases his first holiday collection and first album of newly recorded music since 2006's Givin' It Up. Christmas includes the singer's disctinctive vocal spin on a dozen yuletide classics.

Track Listing

1. Winter Wonderland
2. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
3. White Christmas
4. Interlude: By My Christmas Tree
5. Carol of the Bells
6. O Come All Ye Faithful
7. Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)
8. I'll Be Home for Christmas - Al Jarreau, , Take 6
9. Gloria in Excelsis
10. Christmas Time Is Here
11. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
12. Some Children See Him
13. Little Christmas Tree

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #54032 in Music
• Released on: 2008-10-14
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

I'm dreaming of a jazzy Christmas
Been waiting for Al Jarreau to bring out a Christmas CD for a long time. His "White Christmas" cover is one of my favorites. This year, he's listened and gifted us with a CD. And what a generous gift, too. Jarreau's packed a whopping 14 songs and 54 plus minutes into this collection.

"Christmas" is not for non-jazz or non-Jarreau fans. If you like the traditional ballads done the same old way just by different singers, don't buy this CD. If you want a lot of upbeat, some syncopation, and a whole lot of souful jazz, this CD is for you. I'm definitely going to be enjoying this CD for years to come.

Favorites:

Carol of the Bells
White Christmas
Gloria in Excelsis

My only complaint is I wish Jarreau had come up with a new song for us to enjoy this Christmas. I love his work on the tried and true, but I'd like to see him really step out and show us something new.

Rebecca Kyle, November 2008

AL JARREAU DELIVERS HIS OWN DISTINCT FLAVOUR TO CHRISTMAS STANDARDS
Al Jarreau's "Christmas" is a delightful surprise for anyone who has followed his music career. On this album Al collaborates with some of the best contemporary arrangers, including Larry Williams and Jorge Calandrelli, to deliver a smooth jazz mix of holiday standards. Listen out for "Winter Wonderland"; "Hark The Herald Angels Sing"; "White Christmas"; and "I'll Be Home For Christmas". "Some Children See Him" (a song penned by Alfred Burt and Wihla Hutson) is fast becoming one of my holiday favourites. I first heard it on the "Christmas With Maureen McGovern" album; and for me it had the instant "ZING" factor. I have since heard the sublimely moving James Taylor/Dave Grusin arrangement; and have now just experienced Al Jarreau's take. It is uniquely his own. Another arrangement that tugs at the heartstrings. "The Little Christmas Tree" is a song I've not heard before - but I like it. I like it a lot!!!! Fans of Al's style will LOVE this album!!!!

An amazing Christmas album
As expected from one of the most renown vocal artists in the world today; an album of ultra high integrity and quality. The album treats the listener to a variety of Christmas songs and carrols, performed with all the finesse and bravura this gentleman is all about, with brilliant musical accompaniment. Even the recording leaves little to be desired, on any level of sound system, a Hi-Fi tidbit. Enjoy!