That Time Of Year (Storyville)

Kristin Korb

Released in 2018

DownBeat Four-Star Review

YouTube:

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kgFak5So_ZIRjSBNSaVclc_MMJu9CTiYQ

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/album/0AgP6b4ksezw6RvWFuz17d?si=Ojn6YBBFSWmAOlQhrdzKaA

Review:

Known for her exuberant spirit and contagious optimism, it is only fitting that bassist and vocalist Kristin Korb has recorded a Christmas project to celebrate her 10th CD and first with Storyville Records.

“I wanted to assemble a program that creates a feeling of “hygge” and joy without being overly sweet or boring. I carefully selected songs from my childhood, songs reflecting long-standing friendships, and songs that are just fun and wintery. This is a soundtrack for tree trimming, lighting candles, and hanging out with those you love.”

On board for this project are Korb’s long-standing trio mates Magnus Hjorth, piano, and Snorre Kirk, drums. As a holiday bonus, the trio is joined by Mathias Heise on harmonica. The sound of Heise’s harmonica fits the voice beautifully and adds and extra sparkle to the entire project.

In contrast to Korb’s recent projects, she has included two instrumentals to feature Mathias on the harmonica and the band as a whole. On “We Three Kings”, the bass, harmonica, and piano all take turns at the melody on the journey. “Angels We Have Heard on High” gets a Brazilian makeover, full of festive energy. Korb captures that feeling of “hygge” with enough playful twists to freshen up last year’s playlist. That Time of Year will be a welcome addition to your treasured holiday collection.

Track Listing:

1. Christmas Will Really Be Christmas (James W. Alexander / Ben Raleigh) 04:55

2. I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (Irving Berlin) 04:23

3. That’s What I Want for Christmas (Earl E. Lawrence) 05:00

4. Winter Wonderland (Felix Bernard / Dick Smith) 05:39

5. Up On the Housetop / Here Comes Santa Claus (Gene Autry / Oakley Haldeman / Benjamin Russell Hanby) 03:16

6. Santa Baby (Joan Javits / Philip Springer / Tony Springer) 04:58

7. Snowbound (Dave Frishberg) 05:31

8. Angels We Have Heard on High (Traditional) 05:45

9. Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi / Lee Mendelson) 04:07

10. Christmas Is (Percy Faith / Spence Maxwell) 04:43

11. Silent Night (Gruber-Mohr) 04:52

12. We Three Kings (John Henry Hopkins, Jr.) 06:37

13. Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep (Irving Berlin) 05:11

Personnel:

Kristin Korb: bass & vocals

Magnus Hjorth: piano

Snorre Kirke: drums

Mathias Heise: harmonica

Recorded February 19 – 20, 2018, at Sund Sound Recording Studio, Fredensborg, DK and The Village, Copenhagen, DK

Produced by Kristin Korb, Morten Stove and Mikkel Nymand

Enginnering, Mixing and Mastering: Mikkel Nymand

Executive Producer: Morten Stove

Photography: Ulrik Jantzen

Art Direction: Anders Layburn

Review:

Denmark-based Kristin Korb’s That Time Of Year pulls off the trick of sounding simultaneously new and traditional. A skilled bassist and a more than capable singer, she imparts warmth to her interpretations of 13 holiday songs. Highlights include her renditions of the Lou Rawls-identified “Christmas Will Really Be Christmas” and Dave Frishberg’s “Snowbound.”

Frank-John Hadley (DownBeat)