VARIOUS ARTISTS
Jazz Yule Love (Mack Avenue Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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A perfect union. Jazz Yule Love combines classic Christmas songs with exquisite jazz interpretations to produce music that belongs on everyone's stereo this holiday season. At the end of tape sessions in 2001 and 2002, Mack Avenue Records asked several artists to record their favorite holiday songs. The results are both swinging and sublime.

"We Three Kings" and "Joy To The World" features Cedar Walton on piano, Ralph Moore on tenor sax, Tony Dumas on bass, and Ralph Penland on drums. "White Christmas" has Terry Gibbs on vibes, Larry Koonse on guitar, Dave Carpenter on bass, and Paul Kreibich on drums. Winter "Wonderland" highlights Conte Condoli on trumpet, Pete Christileb on tenor sax, Pete Jolly on piano, Jim Dejulio on bass, and Lawrwnce on drums. "Sleigh Ride" offers George Shearing on piano, Reg Schwager on guitar, Neil Swainson on bass, and Stix Hooper on drums. "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year" and "O Tannenbaum" feature Pete Jolly on piano, Chuck Berghoffer on bass, and Nick Martinis on drums. "Christmas Heart," the one original, has Les McCann on piano and vocals, Del Atkins on bass, and Stix Hooper on drums. "Silent Night" is a solo effort by Teddy Edwards on tenor sax, as is "O Come All Ye Faithful" by Eugene Maslov on piano. "A Child Is Born" highlights Kenny Burrell on guitar, Gerald Wiggens on piano, Jim DeJulio on bass, and Paul Kreibich on drums. Finally, "Angels We Have Heard On High" includes Eugene Maslov on piano, Boris Kazlov on bass, and Jo LeBarbera on drums.

Jazz Yule Love features great songs and great musicians in a memorable recording. The versions of these beloved Christmas songs are so eloquent and tasteful, you'll find yourself playing this cd year round, regardless of the season. Get it now, and get in the holiday spirit.

© 2003 - Ron Saranich