Matt Wilson's Christmas Tree-o - Jeff Lederer/Paul Sikivie/Matt Wilson (Palmetto) - Recorded in May (undoubtedly a time "when treetops glisten and children listen" in the area near Maggie's Farm Studio), this is drummer Wilson's gift to the world of music. "
Winter Wonderland" goes from a New Orleans shuffle to a walking blues, led by Lederer's blowsy, bluesy, tenor sax aided and abetted by Sikivie's fat bass tones and the leader's solid drumming. The soprano sax is the main voice on "
The Chipmunk Song" (what? No Alvin?) - Lederer contributes a rollicking solo, the bass and drums get a noisy interlude and the piece ends in humorous disarray. There is an intriguing medley of Albert Ayler's "
Angels" paired with "
Angels We Have Heard On High" where the traditional tune is given the "free" treatment.
Other highlights include a soulful take on John & Yoko's "
Happy Xmas (War is Over)" and a jaunty romp through the Bing Crosby classic "
Mele Kalikimaki". "
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is taken as a march while the "
Hallelujah Chorus" flies a wee bit off the Handel (love the drums role as the chorus.) "
Little Drummer Boy" has the feel of a Sonny Rollins hit (Lederer on soprano instead of tenor.)
Even if Holiday music is not your "bag", this CD is the one gift that keeps on giving. Indulge yourself and then give your friends this most joyous treat. For more information, go to
www.palmetto-jazz.com.
Now, for a little treat - here's the title track from the new CD by
Henry Threadgill Zooid (courtesy of IODA Promonet and Pi Recordings.) Enjoy!
This Brings Us To (mp3)
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