for mailing address/details. $14.98 (US) plus $1.60 (US delivery) S/H.
Unique, swinging and romantic arrangements of holiday classics.
Click above for sound samples and details on ordering by credit card
Available in select stores and on the internet at
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www.borders.com
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Distributed by North Country Music and Original Cast Records.
Review from www.christmasreviews.com
"A skilled, schooled, cool jazz, it harks back to the Vince Guaraldi trio with its 60ish sensibilities.... This is the sort of record that would have been described in earlier days as 'classy'... I enjoyed his relaxed vocal style and playful lyrical flourishes... His interpretations are lively and inventive... rich-textured sound with ample guitar harmonies and percussive variety, completely avoiding the oppressive dryness I hear in so many jazz recordings. Indeed, this is a recording that won't disappoint jazz listeners, but what I like most is its accessibility..."
Review from ElectronicLink.com
"Alex Leonard's newest CD, Merry Cool Christmas, says it all in the title. This Piano Master has taken traditional holiday songs like Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy, Away In A Manger, and Auld Lang Syne and infused them with his own special brand of jazz. The result is music with a playful spirit, a clarity of Christmas celebration, and some of the most amazing arrangements you'll ever hear. Each song is a delightful combination of familiarity and soaring heights of ingenuity, making this an album you'll want to play year-round. Just in time for the season, buy one for everybody on your Christmas list. Available in select stores and on the Internet. Cool, definitely cool!"
To Order...
...and Sound Samples
Steve, Alex and Danny
Review from Cadence Magazine
"The most notable track of Leonard's session... is that he contributes a worthy original song ["Under A Blue Christmas Tree"] ...light-hearted, and certainly merits a place among more famous seasonal songs." "...he sings in a light, casual tone with an easy-going, conversational delivery." "...in so many ways it conforms to my expectations of a Jazz Christmas album..."
www.cdbaby.com
Also available at Nat Sherman Cigars at the corner of 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan
Review from All About Jazz
"Merry Cool Christmas is the most fully realized and creative of all of the Holiday offerings I have heard this year." ...is the most intriguing release of the 2002 holiday season." "...encompasses a broad horizon of musical styles and moods."
"As a microcosm of the rest of the record 'Silent Night' illustrates a trio empathy reminiscent of Bill Evan's famous 1961 trio recordings. This empathy permeates the entire recording as this fine rhythm section transports the listener through an engaging set of holiday standards. " "His piano playing is top draw, betraying thoughts of Bill Evans, Erroll Garner, and Hank Jones."
Review from Jazz Now
"...there's so many different approaches and the CD's material is well ordered, the surprises are fresh and they keep coming even when you half expect them." "...much of the CD's arrangements pay sly tribute to Vince Guaraldi's soundtrack of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" -- in fact, if anybody ever redoes that Peanuts chestnut I nominate Alex Leonard to redo the score -- while Leonard's vocal-based performances display ample wit also." "His own composition, "Under a Blue Christmas Tree," shows off his apprenticeship to the masters as well.
Review from Show Business
"It's positively perfect for trimming the tree, addressing holiday cards, and whipping up a batch of eggnog or just soaking in a hot tub after building a snowman. Leonard's distinctive piano style is laid-back and whimsical on traditional carols and songs that he's jazzed up..." "His sparing vocals are reminiscent of Chet Baker and LaSpina's snazzy bass solos are a study in understatement. In the spirit of Vince Guaraldi's classic A Charlie Brown Christmas, this is a great recording that will keep you smiling and tapping your toes throughout the holiday season."
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