On Christmas Day as gifts are unwrapped, champagne
sipped and sprouts prepared it would be a splendid idea to listen to On
Christmas Day. The new album by Paul Edis and a stocking full of talented
friends is a seasonal delight but shouldn't be consigned to the 'once a year'
section of your CD collection, on the contrary, pianist, composer and arranger
Edis' album isn't just for Christmas, it's for any and every day of the year!
The majority of the album's thirteen tracks are
bona fide classic numbers, two are of more recent pop chart vintage and there
is an original penned by bandleader Edis with lyrics by Kate Edis. The
eleven-strong ensemble does Edis proud; flawless performances from all ranging
from established names Jo Harrop, Matt Anderson, Graham Hardy, Jason Holcomb,
Emma Fisk, Edis' regular trio partners Andy Champion and Russ Morgan to rising
stars Faye Thompson, Megan Robinson and Francis Tulip.
Recorded over two days in August, Edis' masterful
arrangements bring out the best in the ensemble. From the opening Let
it Snow (S. Cahn/J. Styne) with its New Orleans' shuffle feel (solos
from Matt Anderson, soprano sax and Andy Champion, bass) to a sublime Paul
Edis-Jo Harrop duo rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (R.
Blane/H. Martin) to The Christmas Song (M. Tormé/R. Wells) to
the closing number, Frank Loesser's What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, On
Christmas Day is a sparkling offering decked in holly, tinsel and
musical angels.
Santa Baby (J.
Javits/P. Springer) is pure Basie and pure Edis in its arrangement with Jo
Harrop's reading of Philip Stringer's lyrics arguably as good as any since
Eartha Kitt. Edis' Merry Christmas on Christmas Day features
the composer's vocals supported by a sensitive, supportive ensemble cast. The
final track, some sixty minutes in, is a fine ensemble piece - What Are
You Doing New Year's Eve? - a real late night, indeed, end of year
affair.
On Christmas Day by Paul Edis & Friends is an album that should be in the collection of
every jazz fan. Come to think of it, anyone who appreciates the craft of
arranging, writing and performing should acquire a copy, it's that good!
The album was recorded, engineered and mastered by
the redoubtable Adam Sinclair. It was produced by Paul Edis and Adam
Sinclair. On Christmas Day on the Edis
Music label is available from: www.pauledis.co.uk and
at gigs. The good news is, just in time for Christmas, you have no fewer than
four opportunities to hear Paul Edis and Friends in concert reprising
last year's sell out show A Jazzy Christmas (and buy a copy of
the CD!) at Middlesbrough Town Hall (Dec 15, 2:00pm), Ushaw College (Dec 20,
7:30pm) and two performances at Sage Gateshead (Dec 21, 2:00pm &
8:00pm).
Russell
Paul Edis (MD, piano, vocals); Jo Harrop (vocals); Matt Anderson (tenor sax, soprano sax); Graham Hardy (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jason Holcomb (trombone); Emma Fisk (violin); Faye Thompson (alto sax, clarinet); Megan Robinson (flute, piccolo); Francis Tulip (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); Russ Morgan (drums)
Paul Edis (MD, piano, vocals); Jo Harrop (vocals); Matt Anderson (tenor sax, soprano sax); Graham Hardy (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jason Holcomb (trombone); Emma Fisk (violin); Faye Thompson (alto sax, clarinet); Megan Robinson (flute, piccolo); Francis Tulip (guitar); Andy Champion (double bass); Russ Morgan (drums)
1 comment :
Listened to this On Christmas Day, as instructed. Excellent accompaniment to th festivities.
Congratulations to Paul Edis and Friends on an excellent album.
And continuing festive greetings to all on BSH. All the best for good vision in 2020!
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