Review and More

Our Review

Subtle and unassuming, A Christmas Gift finds a gentle groove in its opening selection, Winter Wonderland, and seldom strays far. Blending elements of smooth jazz, blues, swing, and just plain coffee house acoustic, John Carlini's quintet plays in a sophisticated, unpretentious style informed by the likes of Sinatra, Jim Croce, and B.B. King.

Although most of the heavy lifting is done by Carlini's guitar and Bill Robinson's vocals, the sound is fleshed out by the remaining members of the ensemble: Earl May on bass, Rob Paparozzi on harmonica, and Nick Prout on percussion. I was particularly impressed with Paparozzi's understated (but essential) blues harmonica work on It Came Upon A Midnight Clear. Although it seemed a bit strange to hear blues harmonica on this three-quarter time classic, it made the song work in a way I had never heard before.

Each band member seems to be playing just the number of notes needed to produce their unique sound, and their minimalism yields up a moody intimacy I haven't heard much, lately.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2003)

More

From the liner notes:

Rob Paparozzi, harmonica, has recorded with Judy Collins, Bobby McFerrin, Roberta Flack, among others; his harmonica can be heard during the opening of the current Bill Cosby show.

Earl May, bass, has performed and recorded with Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis.

Bill Robinson, vocalist, began his career as a bass player and went on to become a featured vocalist with the Lionel Hampton Band.

John Carlini was a featured guitarist on the Grammy-nominated Dawg 90 with the David Grisman Quintet and on River Suite for Two Guitars with guitarist Tony Rice.

John Carlini and Bill Robinson

A Christmas Gift

Order from Amazon

Track List