Christmas Stories (Mack Avenue)
Christian Sands
Released October 6, 2023
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l7xJ1MHn1mnX_v0yQwLPdrB2Bp1hMisao
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/2wMYTG2NDzVnYjQvBJpYDT?si=K9-X9apNThedWRwp1oihlw
About:
Christmas Stories is Sands’ fourth release as a leader for Mack Avenue, following Reach (2017), Facing Dragons (2018), and the Grammy-nominated Be Water (2020).The celebratory album is a spirited mix of cherished memories and new inspirations, blending timeworn traditions with unexpected surprises. The way that Sands weaves together strands from the past into a vibrant new tapestry is evident from the outset on Christmas Stories. The album begins with one of the holiday’s most well-worn chestnuts – “Jingle Bells” – transformed into a raucous blues built on the regifted swing of Miles Davis’ “All Blues.” Jimmy Greene’s fireplace-warm tenor tone is a perfect fit for the classic “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
“For me, Christmas really is all about family,” Sands says. “Especially as an artist that travels a lot, Christmas is a time when I get to see people that I might not have seen for the entire year – not just my immediate family but friends and loved ones. It’s a time of mixed emotions and a rare opportunity to sit still and reflect about the new realities that the new year might bring.”
Track Listing:
1. Jingle Bells 05:52
2. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 04:39
3. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 04:49
4. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 05:46
5. Snow Dayz 05:24
6. Shoveling 05:12
7. Silent Night 07:33
8. A Christmas Hymn 02:37
9. The Gift 07:55
10. Last Christmas 05:09
Personnel:
Christian Sands: piano, keyboards, Musser Ampli-Celeste (track 9),
sleigh bells (track 9)
Yasushi Nakamura: acoustic bass
Ryan Sands: drums
Marvin Sewell: guitar
Max Light: guitar
Stefon Harris: vibes
Jimmy Greene: sax
Review:
The gifted pianist is joined here by his working quartet with guitarist Marvin Sewell, bassist Yasushi Nakamura and Christian’s brother Ryan Sands on drums, plus special guests saxophonist Jimmy Greene, vibraphonist Stefon Harris, percussionist Keita Ogawa and guitarist Max Light. The music is breezy instrumental magic and includes a fine set of holiday chestnuts including a swinging “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” with a Latin twist and an extended jam on “Silent Night.” The final tune, “Last Christmas,” also features a lovely string arrangement by rising star Steven Pheifke. (by Frank Alkyer)
Frank-John Hadley (DownBeat)
