Christmas with George Shearing Quintet
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George Shearing’s quintet work is instantly recognizable. His use of guitar (Reg Schwager) and vibes (Don Thompson) closely following the gently swinging lead of his piano work has become a signature. On Christmas, the Shearing Quintet (here rounded out by the bass of Neil Swainson and the drums of Dennis Mackrel) slip effortlessly over the likes of “White Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Let It Snow” with a breezy, light touch. With tasteful solos that extend off the main melody and into more heady waters, Christmas is an entirely enjoyable release and perfect party music. For serious listening, this disc also boasts a fantastic recording. –S. Duda… More >>
$7.16
Christmas with George Shearing Quintet
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It seems off key in many places. Not what one wants in Christmas
music. Not one of Shearing’s better recordings in my opinion.
Rating: 2 / 5
Those of us who admire Shearing enjoy this unpretentious collection of holiday greats. The ‘take five’ merry gentlemen is a delight. Take the pressure and commercialism off for just a bit and enjoy some highly musical moments.
Rating: 4 / 5
One of my favorite jazz Christmas tracks this year has been “Ding Dong Merrily on High” from this album. I haven’t been able to listen to it just once without playing it again! I would agree with the previous reviewer in that the album is “not uniformly great,” but definitely worth owning. Personally, I prefer Oscar Peterson Christmas to this one.
Rating: 4 / 5
I particularly enjoyed the Latin rhythms in “Ding Dong Merrily on High”, the 5/4 “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” (although I’m very surprised Shearing’s liner notes don’t acknowledge the debt to Brubeck’s “Take Five”), the reflective “Away in a Manger”, and the casually swinging “Winter Wonderland”. It’s just good, solid jazz — despite the seasonal tunes, it’s worth listening to year round.
Rating: 4 / 5
This holiday CD showcases Shearing’s light touch. These songs definitely put you in a nice, mellow holiday mood. I really enjoyed the first track, ” . . . Merrily on High,” as well as “Donkey Carol” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” (which smoothly incorporates Brubeck’s famous “Take Five” intro). “Noel Nouvelet” is a serene, but melancholy tune, a la Guaraldi’s take on “Greensleeves.” If you like holiday music and nice jazz, you’ll get both from this LP.
Rating: 4 / 5