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Cynthia Crane and Mike Renzi's Our First Christmas was recorded awhile back (1992 and 1993), but I've just now got my hands on a copy. This is a wonderful shot of cabaret jazz to put me in a holiday mood. The CD opens on a strong note, with Renzi's own composition Our First Christmas, followed by Once A Year Miracle, perhaps my favorite song here. I like everything about this song, from Ms. Crane's broadway style vocals (which was, I am certain, meant to remind me of Ethel Merman) to Renzi's 60s style jazz styling on piano. This song exemplifies Renzi and Crane at their best.

I also enjoyed the all-too-rarely-recorded Little Jack Frost Get Lost, where Ms. Crane does a turn with a more traditional jazz arrangement. Our First Christmas is a CD I enjoyed more the longer I listened to it. Ms. Crane's rich, throaty vocals and Renzi's moody piano stylings impress on every track. Although this recording was only 34 minutes long, it features eleven unusual holiday selections affectionately performed. Lovers of cabaret jazz chanteusery won't be disappointed.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Arrangements by Mike Renzi
Cynthia Crane, vocals
Mike Renzi, piano & synthesizer
Steve La Spina, bass on tracks 1, 3, 4, 8, 10
Jay Leonhart, bass on tracks 2, 6, 7, 9
Terry Clarke, drums
Jay Berliner, guitar on tracks 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9

Produced by Ted Story
Recorded at Sound on Sound Studios, New York City, October 1992, and July 1993.
Recorded & mixed by Chuck Cavanaugh
Illustration: Robert W. Richards
Cover design, Eric Kohler

Cynthia Crane and Mike Renzi

Our First Christmas

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Track List