Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - John Pizzarelli, Cahn, Sammy
Let's Share Christmas - John Pizzarelli, Kennedy, Ray
White Christmas - John Pizzarelli, Berlin, Irving
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - John Pizzarelli, Blane, Ralph
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? - John Pizzarelli, Loesser, Frank
Sleigh Ride - John Pizzarelli, Anderson, Leroy
Chirstmas Time Is Here - John Pizzarelli, Guaraldi, Vince
I'll Be Home for Christmas - John Pizzarelli, Gannon, Kim
Santa Claus Is Near - John Pizzarelli, Pizzarelli, John
The Christmas Song - John Pizzarelli, Torme, Mel
Snowfall - John Pizzarelli, Thornhill, Claude
Silent Night - John Pizzarelli, Gruber, Franz
The seasoned jazz singer and exceptional seven-string guitar player John Pizzarelli reprises a bit of the Sinatra/big-band/swing-band era holiday record with orchestral arrangements that zing and pop or slowly burn like th... more »e last log on the fire. Pizzarelli's fluid vocal and instrumental manner readily lends itself to the diverse settings throughout, whether it's the string-laden pop romance of the title track or the pure-jazz setup with the John Pizzarelli Trio on a fleet, swinging "Sleigh Ride" (dig Piz's dazzling guitar work and that of his pianist, Ray Kennedy). The arrangements and charts are first rate, as producer Ron Fair gives his band members plenty of room to showcase without dominating the mix. Classy, warm, and bright, here's one holiday album that's deliciously paced for a black tie party or an intimate, silk-pajama tête-à- tête. --Martin Keller« less
The seasoned jazz singer and exceptional seven-string guitar player John Pizzarelli reprises a bit of the Sinatra/big-band/swing-band era holiday record with orchestral arrangements that zing and pop or slowly burn like the last log on the fire. Pizzarelli's fluid vocal and instrumental manner readily lends itself to the diverse settings throughout, whether it's the string-laden pop romance of the title track or the pure-jazz setup with the John Pizzarelli Trio on a fleet, swinging "Sleigh Ride" (dig Piz's dazzling guitar work and that of his pianist, Ray Kennedy). The arrangements and charts are first rate, as producer Ron Fair gives his band members plenty of room to showcase without dominating the mix. Classy, warm, and bright, here's one holiday album that's deliciously paced for a black tie party or an intimate, silk-pajama tête-à- tête. --Martin Keller
"I'll admit that I'm biased since I'm a huge JP fan to begin with. This album is a pleasant mix of swingin' big band, high-powered brass arrangements and lovely, melodic string orchestrations. It doesn't hurt that he collaborates with an all-star lineup of arrangers such as Johnny Mandel, Michel Legrand, Don Sebesky, and others. My personal highlights of the album are an upbeat, scatting version of 'White Christmas'; JP's original composition, 'Let's Share Christmas'(beautifully expressive); and a high-spirited, bebop rendition of 'Sleigh Ride' performed in the trio setting. This CD goes to the very top of my holiday collection under the category of "must play each year and often". Great stuff!!!"
John P. great guitar, some new Holiday tunes
11/27/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just heard John Pizzarelli on the Boston POPS Holiday Special aired on A&E November 26, 1998. John and his trio played half of the selections on this CD and they really swing. Some old standards and a few new songs that I'm sure will become seasonal regulars (e.g. Santa is near). Very enjoyable!"
Another jazz explosion of cool lounge...
eventual stardom | Shelbyville, TN USA | 12/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...this time to set your Christmas heart aflame. Everyone is in good spirits. People want good holiday music. I got tired of Boyz-to-men after a while. I've always enjoyed the peaceful crooning of John Pizzarelli, but this just usurps the cool breeze express. It's like a breath of fresh air. It keeps it simple and puts you in good spirits. Makes me wanna pick up my guitar and play for me lady! Makes me really wich I could play piano, lol. Wonderful holiday music and a breath of something new."
A Christmas CD that really grows on you
Catherine S. Vodrey | East Liverpool, Ohio United States | 11/19/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Others have said it before, but I'll repeat it here: there's nothing particularly special about John Pizzarelli's voice. It's not terribly rich, and it's a little bit nasal. Still, there's something quintessentially New Yorkish (for lack of a better word) about him, and it's awfully appealing. On "Let's Share Christmas," he uses his signature big band sound to create a soundtrack for the holidays that will draw in anyone who ever loved a good martini, a black satin dress, or the glory days of Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington.Pizzarelli does justice to all the classic tunes here, from a quietly soaring "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" to a boppy, swingin' "White Christmas" and beyond. Arranged and conducted by such class acts as Johnny Mandel, Don Sebesky, and Patrick Williams, these are all a treat. A special kick comes from the purely instrumental "Sleigh Ride" as performed here by the John Pizzarelli Trio. While a mellow electric guitar performs most of the work, the piano sparkles in the background and the song is off and running, leaving behind a wake of freshly fallen snow. It's a winner, as are all the songs here. Treat yourself to this for Christmas, have some close friends over, and enjoy a cocktail while decorating the tree--you can't miss with this as your holiday soundtrack!"
Pop in the CD and decorate the tree.
Catherine S. Vodrey | 04/27/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I wish I could describe what I like about Pizarelli's voice, but can't find the words. He doesn't have a powerful voice, or a rich voice, or in any other way a very distinctive voice; but it's very pleasant to listen to, and he does some good things with the Christmas tunes on this CD.
(And don't forget his instrumental guitar work; I've always loved the Leroy Anderson tune "Sleigh Ride" and have numerous recordings. The arrangement on this CD really swings)."