Let's Share Christmas

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The seasoned jazz singer and exceptional seven-string guitar player John Pizzarelli reprises a bit of the Sinatra/big-band/swing-band era holiday record with orchestral arrangements that zing and pop or slowly burn like the last log on the fire. Pizzarelli's fluid vocal and instrumental manner readily lends itself to the diverse settings throughout, whether it's the string-laden pop romance of the title track or the pure-jazz setup with the John Pizzarelli Trio on a fleet, swinging "Sleigh Ride" (dig Piz's dazzling guitar work and that of his pianist, Ray Kennedy). The arrangements and charts are first rate, as producer Ron Fair gives his band members plenty of room to showcase without dominating the mix. Classy, warm, and bright, here's one holiday album that's deliciously paced for a black tie party or an intimate, silk-pajama tête-à- tête. --Martin Keller

Tracks:

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
Let's Share Christmas
White Christmas
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
Sleigh Ride
Christmas Time Is Here
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Santa Claus Is Near
The Christmas Song
Snowfall
Silent Night

Amazon.com

The seasoned jazz singer and exceptional seven-string guitar player John Pizzarelli reprises a bit of the Sinatra/big-band/swing-band era holiday record with orchestral arrangements that zing and pop or slowly burn like the last log on the fire. Pizzarelli's fluid vocal and instrumental manner readily lends itself to the diverse settings throughout, whether it's the string-laden pop romance of the title track or the pure-jazz setup with the John Pizzarelli Trio on a fleet, swinging "Sleigh Ride" (dig Piz's dazzling guitar work and that of his pianist, Ray Kennedy). The arrangements and charts are first rate, as producer Ron Fair gives his band members plenty of room to showcase without dominating the mix. Classy, warm, and bright, here's one holiday album that's deliciously paced for a black tie party or an intimate, silk-pajama tête-à- tête. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Another jazz explosion of cool lounge..........2004-12-19

...this time to set your Christmas heart aflame. Everyone is in good spirits. People want good holiday music. I got tired of Boyz-to-men after a while. I've always enjoyed the peaceful crooning of John Pizzarelli, but this just usurps the cool breeze express. It's like a breath of fresh air. It keeps it simple and puts you in good spirits. Makes me wanna pick up my guitar and play for me lady! Makes me really wich I could play piano, lol. Wonderful holiday music and a breath of something new.

A Christmas CD that really grows on you.......2002-11-19

Others have said it before, but I'll repeat it here: there's nothing particularly special about John Pizzarelli's voice. It's not terribly rich, and it's a little bit nasal. Still, there's something quintessentially New Yorkish (for lack of a better word) about him, and it's awfully appealing. On "Let's Share Christmas," he uses his signature big band sound to create a soundtrack for the holidays that will draw in anyone who ever loved a good martini, a black satin dress, or the glory days of Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington.

Pizzarelli does justice to all the classic tunes here, from a quietly soaring "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" to a boppy, swingin' "White Christmas" and beyond. Arranged and conducted by such class acts as Johnny Mandel, Don Sebesky, and Patrick Williams, these are all a treat. A special kick comes from the purely instrumental "Sleigh Ride" as performed here by the John Pizzarelli Trio. While a mellow electric guitar performs most of the work, the piano sparkles in the background and the song is off and running, leaving behind a wake of freshly fallen snow. It's a winner, as are all the songs here. Treat yourself to this for Christmas, have some close friends over, and enjoy a cocktail while decorating the tree--you can't miss with this as your holiday soundtrack!

Pop in the CD and decorate the tree........2002-04-27

I wish I could describe what I like about Pizarelli's voice, but can't find the words. He doesn't have a powerful voice, or a rich voice, or in any other way a very distinctive voice; but it's very pleasant to listen to, and he does some good things with the Christmas tunes on this CD.
(And don't forget his instrumental guitar work; I've always loved the Leroy Anderson tune "Sleigh Ride" and have numerous recordings. The arrangement on this CD really swings).

A Wonderful Find!.......2001-11-29

I was getting a little bored with my Christmas CD's so I decided to find something new. I ran across this CD and I was just so impressed! I had never heard of John Pizzarelli before and since I already loved Harry Connick Jr., this was a perfect addition to my collection. I would highly recommend this album to anyone who loves jazzy holiday music, or even jazz in general. Every song is wonderful...even the songs I never heard before. The special draw was his version of Snowfall, which is a song you don't hear too often but it is so beautiful.

A surprise hit.......2001-07-01

Normally, holiday recordings with one or two requisite offbeat or little known tracks are a turn off for me. But I felt this disc worth the risk after hearing Pizzarelli's deft handling of "What are You Doing New Year's Eve" on a Holiday at Pops Christmas concert two years ago.

Turns out it was my one of my favorite purchases last holiday season. Aside from his terrific covers of old favorites, Pizzarelli demonstrates his talent for range with a beautiful version of "Snowfall" and a loads-of-fun recording of "Santa Claus is Near."

Music:

Music

Music