Jessy J California Christmas
Jessy J is getting us in the Christmas spirit with her special Christmas album. California Christmas will be released on October 28, but we were fortunate enough to get a sneak peek.
The album is full of classics, but we especially like Feliz Navidad/Home for The Holidays, an uptempo song that will surely warm you up on those cold winter nights.
Silent Night has a little pep in its step with a blues feel. I thought is was a straight instrumental track, but the vocals came in at 1:40, and that was a pleasant surprise.
The First Noel has been done literally hundreds of times, but I have to say that this is right at the top of the best versions I have heard.
Joy To The World is a uptempo version of the classic Christmas song. This is a track that can be enjoyed year round…..It is THAT good.
For the saxophonist, one of the great joys of indie music making is the opportunity to step outside the confines of the urban jazz genre and spread the seasonal cheer in a multitude of styles from track to track with different lineups of her favorite musicians. Five of the nine tracks were mixed by Jessy’s longtime collaborator, producer and mentor Paul Brown, who also plays one of his blistering trademark electric guitar solos on “Silent Night.” Also helping Jessy make the season grooving and bright are contemporary jazz greats, keyboardist Jeff Lorber and guitarist Steve Oliver; vocalist Maurice Smith; guitarists Michael Thompson, Michael Nomad Ripoll and Michael Angel; keyboardist Norman Jackson; pianists Jay Rowe and Ruslan Sirota; bassists Oskar Cartaya and Frank Abraham; percussionists Ronnie Gutierrez and Richie Gajate Garcia; drummers Dave Hooper, Trever Somerville, Iajhi Hampden and Gary Novak.
“Christmas songs bring us to a place of nostalgia, where we think of being a kid opening presents, having dinner with our families and creating wonderful memories,” says Jessy. “I grew up loving all the songs I recorded for California Christmas, and I’m proud of the work we did to create a unique album that my fans can enjoy year after year. All of the arrangements are original, offering a fresh perspective on songs we have known in other ways for so many years.”
“For me, California Christmas is a special album for many reasons,” says Jessy. “It will give listeners the feeling of being in a warmer, sunnier climate during the holiday season. But most importantly, as an artist I get to share the holidays musically with all my fans for the first time. Christmas is my favorite time of year and I am so grateful for all of my blessings. Feliz Navidad!
Overall, this is a solid effort for the saxophonist, and we will keep you updated on the availability of Jessy J California Christmas.
Jessy’s “California Christmas” is an awesome CD. Well put together with assistance from such fantastic Musicians. I highly recommend this CD to anyone that is a fan of Jessy J.