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The 1990s brought a renewed interest in the swing bands of the first half of the twentieth century. Somewhat in that vein, though unearthed from someplace more deeply buried, the Brothers Figaro have mined Rudy Vallee and early radio to produce a set of Christmas music that pretty nearly captures the style of that musical era. The Brothers succeed admirably at using this oddly stylized method to produce a very listenable set of Christmas songs. I am unfamiliar with these styles and with the nomenclature necessary to classify the musical genres included on the CD. However, most of it I would characterize as early jazz and pop styles prevalent in the twenties and thirties, and all of it music you just don't hear being revived in the same way as some of the other, later jazz styles.

I particularly liked the almost shocking realism of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and the plaintive pathos of O Come O Come Emanuel. Also, there's the title track, Old Time Christmas, an original composition by the Brothers Figaro about a lover lamenting another Christmas alone, elegantly performed in an early big band style.

The orchestrations captured a strong sense of the styles they sought to mimic; nevertheless, it was still possible for me to detect a little of the post-modern irony inherent in the reading. But, I didn't mind this. In fact, it was the sense that I was listening to an impression--not unlike a Nixon impression by Rich Little, or somebody--that gave the music its endearing quality.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2002)

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From the liner notes:

The Brothers Figaro are Bill Bonk, guitars, bass, mandolin, flute, clarinet, accordion, harmonica, percussion, parlaphonic; Phil Parlapiano, vocals, piano, organ, parlaphonic, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, mellophone, autoharp, accordion, mandolin; Kevin Jarvis, drums, percussion.

Brothers Figaro Orchestra

Old Time Christmas

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Track List