VARIOUS ARTISTS
Playboy: Latin Jazz Christmas - A
Not So Silent Night (Concord Jazz)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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The Latin contingent of the Concord Jazz stable gets together for a Christmas party, and while it may not replace Bing entirely, it's a nice change of pace and an excuse to kick up your heels and shake it around a bit. With congas slapping and horns honking, Poncho Sanchez, Arturo Sandoval, Ed Calle, Sheila E, Pete Escovedo and the Caribbean Jazz Project shake Latin spices all over such chestnuts as "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night," "What Child Is This" and even "White Christmas." Did you feel that tremor? It was Bing spinning in his grave, but that's his problem. You might like the sort of new jazz treatment Ed Calle gives it. For me, it'll do, but the rest has a more authentic feel that I find as intoxicating as eggnog done right. And speaking on behalf of male pigdogs everywhere, the cover is easy on the eyes, too.

© 2001 - DJ Johnson