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Our Review

Schizophrenic, but WAY talented. Elgin Wells, jazz musician and airshow pilot. Seriously. The multi-faceted Mr. Wells has a split personality, as well as a split website. Just go to www.elginwells.com, and you are invited to make a choice--loop-de-loop thrill-of-a-lifetime flight -or- sit-back-in-your-seat, fun-for-the-evening musical adventure. Wells' "Tidings Of Comfort And Jazz" is a mighty fine thrill ride on a quiet winter night. Wells is Georgia-based, and he has been performing for 30 years. Although jazz is his usual weapon of choice, Wells can (not surprisingly) fill many niches.

"Tidings of Comfort and Jazz" contains nine tracks, including two Wells originals--"A Winter's Passing" and "Be True To Your Elf". Both are wonderful in very different ways. "A Winter's Passing" is a delicate and introspective piece, more reminiscent of new age than true jazz. As you might suspect, "Be True To Your Elf" is humorous holiday fluff; it's the elves' angry rock 'n roll plea for a well-deserved reward this Christmas ("and yes we take American Express!").

This album is full of cool instrumentals, with two vocal exceptions: the elves' belligerent missive ("Be True To Your Elf") and "The Twelve Jamaican Days of Christmas." The latter is a super island twist on the familiar tune, supplying alternative lyrics such as "Three French bikinis, two coconuts, and a pineapple in a palm tree." My favorite piece is probably the Spirits of Christmas, which delightfully combines MANY carols ("The Little Drummer Boy" and snippets of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," O Come All Ye Faithful," "What Child Is This" and perhaps more) and has a jazzy military-style percussive foundation.

Excellent job, Elgin Wells! This is a very impressive jazz offering for the holidays. And the next time my family visits Georgia, we will seriously consider you for the loop-de-loop, as well.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

All Songs Arranged & Recorded for Earth Records by Elgin Wells

From the website:

An Atlanta fixture, the Elgin Wells Group has performed since the mid-seventies, has won The New South Music Award ("Best Jazz Band"), has been nominated for NARAS' "Best Jazz Album," and has contributed to "The Best of Jazz Flavours" volumes I and III. Elgin's ten albums are available online, and represent twenty years' work&. These albums are dominated by original compositions, cut selected albums contain arrangements of songs written by other writers. Elgin, himself, has won six Billboard Songwriting Contest Awards.

Elgin Wells, a native of Atlanta, has been performing since the age of fourteen. State high school vocal champion and member of the Georgia All-State Chorus, he maintained a rock 'n roll band throughout his 'teens. In college, he soloed with the University of North Carolina's Varsity Men's Glee Club, while earning his degree in Psychology and English and performing with "Thursday Grief," a heavy rock ensemble.

Elgin Wells

Tidings Of Comfort And Jazz

Artist link

Track List