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Our Review

No doubt about it--Chris Bennett is an incredible talent. She has the husky-but-angelic voice that could pump a dynamic heart into any song; in addition, she plays the piano and is a terrific songwriter. Bennett is a true artist, and her art form is jazz.

Bennett's sexy-but-sweet allure is apparent throughout When I Think of Christmas. Even the cover graphic demonstrates mixed imagery; it features the artist wearing the most innocent smile, a jolly Santa cap, and possibly nothing else (at least, that's the suggestion). The CD also reflects intense innocence in spots (One Small Voice and Santa Claus Forgot, both with kids' vocals), then contrasts that purity with a pipin' hot Santa Baby (one of the best renditions I have heard) that will smoke your audio system.

When I Think of Christmas has much to offer the jazz aficionado. Of the 14 tracks, Bennett composed four (Last Christmas, Christmas Is…, My Kind of Christmas, It Wouldn't Be Christmas) and band member Bill Augustine (piano) composed a fifth (Only You Can Make It Christmas). The remaining nine cuts include jazz standards such as Santa Baby and What Are You Doing New Year's Eve, some less obvious choices for jazz treatment (Do You Hear What I Hear), and some lesser known numbers (Snowfall, Dear Santa Claus). All work well in this impressive package.

Bennett's sultry voice is marvelous. I was hooked the moment I heard the first cut, Do You Hear What I Hear. The artist's voice is warm and intimate on this swingin' jazz number, and you can feel her excitement regarding what she's "hearing." Her Santa Claus Is Coming to Town comes to town with sassy verve. As for her original compositions, Bennett's songwriting skills are strong, but her songs reflect a pop sensibility more than classic jazz. Her Last Christmas is a heartfelt, loving tearjerker; in it, the artist is recalling spending Christmas with her parents, now both deceased (having passed away relatively recently, Bennett's mom served as the inspiration for this disc). My Kind of Christmas is another winner, extolling the best parts of the season and including children's voices in the chorus.

When you think of Christmas, consider When I Think of Christmas. Bennett is sugar and spice, and all the things that make jazzy singers nice. You'll enjoy this one.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2003)

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From the liner notes:

Musicians on When I Think of Christmas:
Vocals: Chris Bennett
Background vocals: Chris Bennett, Anita Sherman, Marion Ramsey, Ariana Howell, Casey Jarvis
Piano: Bill Augustine, Chris Bennett
Bass: Cliff Hugo, Glenn Fisher, Jim Studer
Bowed Bass: Glenn Fisher
Percussion: Oliver Brown
Strings: Jim Studer
Guitar: Kleber Jorge
Flute: Robert Kyle
Tenor Sax: Robert Kyle

"When I think of Christmas, Mama and Daddy and all the happy memories of past Christmases spent our farm in Marshall, Illinois are what come to mind. I wrote 'It Wouldn't Be Christmas' for them in 1986, two years before my father passed away. When I lost my mother in January of 2002, I knew it was time to record the Christmas album I had always promised her. My dear friend and collaborator, Lisa-Catherine Cohen, sent me the lyric "Last Christmas", and the music I wrote for it just flowed from my heart. For months I couldn't sing it without tears. Now, almost two years later, I still miss my Mama, but, as the song says, 'I can feel her now and I know that she is looking down from the top of that tree. There's an angel watching over me at Christmas--every Christmas.' I especially dedicate this CD to those of you have recently lost a loved one. That first Christmas is very difficult, and I hope this album will help you to begin to heal as you savor the happy memories of 'a Christmas long ago' and make some new happy memories this year. I truly believe that someday we will be reunited with those we have loved so dearly. Thank you Mother/Father God for your blessings and this opportunity to share my music with others. Mama-Face, this one's for you! May peace prevail on earth. Ohm! Have yourself a Merry little Christmas!!!"
--Love, Chris

Chris Bennett

When I Think of Christmas

Artist site

Track List