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Our Review

Based in the San Francisco Bay area, Colin Farish, Bob Phillips, Eddie Erickson, & a whole host of super-talented Friends have crafted an easy-listening album full of largely contemporary carols and some innovative originals. These musicians are seasoned veterans, and this carefree set reflects their professionalism and musicality.

As for the newly-minted originals, I am impressed! It's not easy coming up with fresh holiday music that can effectively compete with the well-loved standards, but Christmas Time Is Here delivers. First, Mrs. Claus (penned by Candace Forest and Nancy Shimmel) is a long overdue ode to the woman behind the throne. The lyrics are fun ("Who dips the Christmas lights in paint?/Who has to put up with a 'Saint'?/Who loves Santa just because?/Mrs. Claus!"), and the melody is a sweet twist on "Jingle Bells." I thoroughly enjoyed every bar. Colin Farish's Thank You Santa is an instant classic, too. The music has a terrific underlying urgency, just like the sleigh heading through the sky on its one-night world tour, and the simple statement of gratitude "Thank you, dear Santa Claus" completes the number. And, as someone who loves acoustic guitar, I cannot ignore Farish's fine, multi-layered instrumental Susie's Stocking, complete with some cool recorder highlights (played by Sudhananda). Nicely done!

The well-established holiday fare is outstanding, too. Wee Maxx Zweerz provides excellent vocals that exude innocence, sweetness, and longing on Vince Guaraldi's Christmas Time Is Here. Her young voice provides just the right touch. Then, in a stroke of genius, the offering morphs into a second track of the same holiday song, this time without vocals; the Bob Phillips Quartet steps up to the plate and provides the sophisticated "adult version" of this contemporary jazz classic. The vocal trio on Silent Night (Peggy Brown, Tina Malia, and Bryan Dyer) presents heavenly harmonies supported only by Farish's understated guitar. Guest "Friend" Paul McCandless lets his English horn do the talking on Ave Maria, and Ali Reyerson's flute is similarly evocative on What Child Is This?.

Here's a special shout-out to crooner Eddie Erickson, who does most of the vocal "heavy lifting" on this album. He is the smooth sophisticate, and his warmly textured delivery hits the mark on each track. For me, his considerable talents are most evident on Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, the album's longest cut (at over five minutes).

Christmas Time Is Here is right on time, reminding us that the season is upon us, and providing 16 reasons to celebrate. If you are looking for a well-executed set of easy-listening delights, look no further. Colin Farish, Bob Phillips, Eddie Erickson, and their Friends are more than ready to entertain you.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

Produced by Colin Farish

Appearing on the album:

Bob Phillips Quartet
Adam Brown
Peggy Brown
Lee Durly
Bryan Dyer
Eddie Erickson
Colin Farish
Candace Forest
Tina Malia
Paul McCandless
Bob Phillips
Ali Reyerson
Sudhandanda
Max Zweerz


From the artist's Website:

Colin Farish, founder and owner of the production company,
Stillwater Sound, is a composer, pianist, guitarist, producer
and multi-instrumentalist.

About the album: A charming CD collection of beloved holiday songs sprinkled with some bright new originals, is the latest release from prolific Bay Area composer/producer, Colin Farish. He's joined on this seasonal gem by musician friends Bob Phillips, Eddie Erickson, Sudhananda, Ali Reyerson, Grammy winner Paul McCandless, and singers Peggy Brown, Tina Malia, Bryan Dyer.

All wrapped up like a beautiful Victorian Christmas gift by designer Gwen Terpstra, the CD includes holiday favorites like "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "What Child is This?" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The title tune by Vince Guaraldi, "Christmas Time is Here" is sung endearingly by seven year old Maxx Zweerz.

The award-winning songwriting team of Candace Forest and Nancy Schimmel contributed two sparkling originals, "Mrs. Claus" and the earth-friendly "Green Christmas." Colin Farish's own delightful song, "Thank You, Santa" is also featured.

Colin Farish, Bob Phillips, Eddie Erickson & Friends

Christmas Time Is Here

Artist link

Track List