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Seriously, I have loved this guy since the 1980s! Harry Connick, Jr., is a wonderful jazz vocalist, pianist, actor, and composer. His roots are in New Orleans, a city near and dear to my heart. And Connick is smashingly good looking, with an easy manner awash in charisma. What's not to like?

His What a Night! is a fun holiday offering, combining excellent, smokin' versions of seasonal chestnuts with four new Connick creations. Given the huge nostalgia value associated with well-known carols, it is extremely tough to add new Christmas tunes that are embraced by the listening public. That being said, the title track is a hum-dinger; What a Night! is an addictive, fast-paced piece with strong lyrics and a memorable melody. Long after the tune ended, I could recall lines like, "I'll bring the cocoa, and you'll bring the ho-ho-ho up and away!" and "What a night for a flight on a sleigh!" Connick's Bourbon Street blazin' Santarrific is a hoot; Lucien Barbarin is ideal as "modest" Santa.

Connick's treatment of holiday standards is undeniably strong. His sense of timing is delicious, and he owns every bar of every track. That samba lead-in to the opener It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year let me know immediately that I was in for something very special. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas presents expansive instrumental interludes that include Connick tickling the ivories and wah-wah brass flourishes. Cool! Speaking of instrumentals, Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies marries classical and jazz treatments to perfection. And Zat You Santa Claus is seriously fun--you can hear the consternation in Connick's voice. Is that Santa Claus creeping about in the middle of the night? Sure hope so. And the piano on We Three Kings is sophisticated, sultry and totally sensational!

The album closes most appropriately with Connick's emotional Song for the Hopeful (primarily with Kim Burrell); doesn't that message embody what the holidays are all about? I give Harry Connick, Jr., and his What a Night! my five-star salute. If you enjoy jazzy crooners who are overflowing with talent and creativity, you will embrace this offering. ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2008)

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From the liner notes:

Harry Connick Jr.: Vocals & Piano
Neal Caine: Bass
Arthur Latin: Drums & Percussion
Charles "Ned" Goold: Alto Saxophone
Jerry Weldon: Tenor Saxophone
Dave Schumacher: Baritone Saxophone
Roger Ingram: Trumpet
Joe Magnarelli: Trumpet
Tony Kadleck: Trumpet
Jeff Bush: Trombone
Dion Tucker: Trombone
Joe Barati: Bass Trombone
Lucien Barbarin: Trombone

Additional Musicians & Vocalists:
"Let There Be Peace on Earth"--Vocals: Kim Burrell
"Winter Wonderland"--Vocals: Kate Connick
"Santarrific"--Vocals: Lucien Barbarin
"Zat You Santa Claus"--Vocals: Neal Caine
"Song for the Hopeful"--Vocals: Kim Burrell; Guitar: Jonathan DuBose, Jr.; Backing Vocals: James Hall Worship & Praise Choir


From the Website:

Harry Connick, Jr.'s career has been studded with awards and recognition, including several multi-platinum and gold albums, Grammy, Tony and Emmy awards, Cable Ace, Golden Globe and Oscar nominations, and much more. A true American icon, there are few artists of Harry's stature.

Harry grew up in New Orleans, and it is here you will find the roots of his love for music and performing. His early talent was shaped by study with such luminaries as James Booker and Ellis Marsalis, and he was but five years old when he began performing.

Harry Connick Jr.

What a Night!

Artist link

Track List