Music for mistletoe…
Singing and playing piano, John Paul McGee gets into the spirit of things by going from solo to small band in interpreting the Reason for the Season. On solo piano, he sparkles on “Oh Holy Night” and a clever “Manger Medley” while quoting Chick Corea in a small group reading of “Emmanuel”. His trio bops through “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and in a duet with Lori Williams, harken the Harold angels on “Christmas Time Is Hear”. He preaches it when he sings “Go Tell It On The Mountain”, so you better watch out, and better not cry.
Playing piano and harmonium, George Burton brings together a mix of strings and rhythm to support vocalist Nancy Harms on chamber’d reads of the Natal season. Harms prances with violinist Diane Monroe on “Fum Fum Fum” and sounds Norah Jones-ish for “The Holly and the Ivy” while whisping out “Little Altar Boy”. Aryssa Leigh Burrs guests on an operatic “Jesu Pervule” and the team gets into a groove on “Christmas Time Is Here”. Parlor productions.
Pianist Isaiah J. Thompson re-arranges holiday tunes from the Vince Guaraldi catalogue as he mixes and matches with Philip Norris/b, Kyle Poole/dr and a rotating team of guests. John Pizzarelli brings in his 7 string guitar for a hip read of “Charlie Brown Theme” , with Anthony Hervey wah-wahing his trumpet on “O Tannenbaum”. Tyreek McDole brings a lovely voice to “Little Birdie” and Robbie Lee gives a clear toned “The Christmas Song”. The band itself is modern and joyful on “Linus and Lucy” and they dig in deep for “ Christmas Is Coming”. The sleigh is swinging!