Jamey Abersold Jazz
Volume 125: Christmas Carol Classics
www.jazzbooks.com
By George W. Harris

If the thought of improvising over Christmas Carols seems sacrilegious
to you, just remember that Mary and Joseph did a little improvising on
the first Noel while looking for a place to stay. So, you’re in good
company on this Play-A-Long book and disc that successfully mixes jazz
and the Gospel Truth.

The rhythm section of Steve Allee/p (who has a couple great albums of
his own out there), Tyrone Wheeler/b and Jonathan Higgins/dr make “Deck
The Hall” and “O Little Town Of Bethlehem” lay down real nicely for
improvising. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and “We Three Kings” have a
Coltrane-modal feel to it that drives forward nicely, while the boppish
“Jingle Bells” and bossa nova’d “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” will
liven up any Christmas party. Even though I’ve grown up in church, I’d
never heard the swinging “Up On The Housetop” before, but it sure swung
under my sax; it’s one that can be played all year round. A definite
stocking stuffer here.