The veteran pianist and his post-fusion band stretch their legs on this impressively varied set of seasonal favorites. Their respect for the melodies remains paramount, but not at the expense of great solos—check out the warm, Pat Metheny-like electric guitar feature on "The Christmas Song." Latin syncopations garland their arrangement of “We Three Kings,” while a funky backbeat drives “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” And the strings on “What Child Is This” bring extra depth to an already profound song.
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- Eric Reed
- Brian Culbertson
- Hilary James & Bob James
- Various Artists