Our Review
Other writers have commented on Margaret Carlson's stunning, star-quality voice, her beautiful intonation, and her vocal range. I agree completely with these sentiments and hasten to add my own two cents before all of the superlatives are taken. On her Christmas offering,This Christmas… My Favorite Things, I was impressed by the striking arrangements, some unusual inclusions, and the wide array of musical styles Margaret Carlson is at home in.
In addition to rounding up the usual suspects, Ms. Carlson features several unusual holiday selections, including My Favorite Things, Toyland, and (by far my favorite song on the CD) Sweet Little Jesus Boy, which was rendered with a fervent tenderness and striking emotional appeal.
Elsewhere, Ms. Carlson confidently shows off a wide-ranging jazz vocabulary, capturing the essential elements of several popular styles. Although seemingly best acquainted with swing, she also adapts easily to latin, pop, and contemporary smooth jazz arrangements.
Give credit to a versatile ensemble of jazz players, including especially Frank Mantooth, piano, Gerald Spaits, bass, Kim Park, saxophone, and Todd Strait, drums. The musicianship shined throughout, but nowhere to greater effect than the series of instrumental breaks on Let it Snow. All in all, Ms. Carlson and the band achieve a memorable sound on one of the best jazz recordings I expect to hear this year.
--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2001)
No More
Margaret Carlson
This Christmas... My Favorite Things
Artist link
Label: Blue Moon
Length: 51 minutes
Genre: Jazz
Release: 1999
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| My Favorite Things |
| God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen |
| Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas |
| Let It Snow |
| Toyland |
| Jesus Loves Me|Silent Night |
| What Child Is This? |
| Sweet Little Jesus Boy |
| Winter Wonderland |
| Deck The Halls |
| Away In A Manger |
| The Friendly Beasts |
| I Saw Three Ships |
| This Christmas |
| White Christmas |