Matthew Ford - Vocals
James Pearson - Piano
Jeremy Brown - Bass
Mike Smith - Drums
Robert Fowler - Tenor Sax/Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
Colin Skinner - Alto Sax, Clarinet, Flute, Bassoon
Mike Lovatt - Trumpet/Flugelhorn
Pete North - Trombone
Originally produced as a special corporate project, we decided to release this as a Christmas album to bring some extra special Christmas cheer...
Consider this to be a slightly tongue-in-cheek festive album; still highly musical, but most of all, fun! Each song is a unique, treasured gift; the cool West Coast* style of The Holly And The Ivy, the old Ellingtonian Silent Night, the hint of gospel throughout O Holy Night, the horizontally-relaxed Away In A Manger, and so on. There are great solos from Robert Fowler (tenor sax) and James Pearson (piano) and a swinging band.
The interpretations presented here of these well-known carols have each received a different treatment, both in terms of the style of their arrangement and their sonic approach. James Pearson’s arrangements ably display his ample musicality and wit, and the celebrated Matthew Ford is in fine voice throughout. James is the resident pianist at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, and as an arranger, composer and pianist has worked with a stellar collection of singers and musicians in the jazz, pop and classical worlds.
Whilst the traditional words for the carols have been adhered to in most cases, there is the occasional grant of a poetic license in the performance...
The album was recorded using a live setup at The Bulls Head, Barnes.
Special mention must be made of the new work recorded here, Memories Of Christmas, created during a long night of inspiration - a substantial plate of cheese perhaps being a contributory influence.
So, we hope you settle back with a large mug of mulled wine, enjoy our seasonal offering, and above all, have a very Happy Christmas.
* Los Angeles, as opposed to Aberystwyth
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