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Joel Clemons and the Lemons Christmas Is Cool! is that rare Christmas CD that almost doesn't sound like Christmas at all. Full of wayward instrumental improvisation and classic '50s style jazz, it was, for me, a magic carpet ride that kept me entertained throughout.

The selections themselves are primarily traditional carols, hopped up and tricked out so that they are at times almost entirely unrecognizable. But this is okay. For me, it is early December, the time of year when I have heard literally dozens of fum, fum, fums and rumpa-pum-pums. Something that reminds me of the Route 66 theme music is a welcome relief. Clemons is an able and enthusiastic piano player. Much more uptempo and less bilious than Harry Connick, Jr., the comparison is still apt, because they mine much of the same jazz and easy listening territory. But for my money, Clemons is the more entertaining. For one thing, Clemons keeps the vocals to a minimum, at least on this outing. These tracks are entirely instrumental, with every instrument getting its moment in the sun. But Clemons' piano weaves this holiday blanket together. He also seems to be having great fun with his music.

I thought Joel Clemons and the Lemons first outing was a bit risque and a little off the wall. This second try at holiday music is much more mainstream and enjoyable, and far more musical. I liked it a lot. So will you.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:

Produced by Lawrence Du Buisson
Music Arrangements by Joel Clemons

Joel Clemons - Piano, B-3 Hammond Organ
Jack Lees - Percussion
Jiro Plutschow - Bass
Seth Greenberg - Guitar
Kenneth J. Bausano - Trumpet
Javier Vergara - Flute

Joel Clemons and the Lemons

Christmas Is Cool

Artist link

Track List