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Our Review

A Holiday Wish is a super-smooth and soulful instrumental album by Jimmy Sommers, saxophonist extraordinaire. And Sommers has invited some very talented friends to join him on this offering, including acclaimed trumpeter Chris Botti and seven other musicians (Bill Cunliffe, John Chlodini, Robert Valley, Bernie Dressel, Mike Thompson, Doug Webb, Julia Cunningham). The music is light, bright, sassy, and fluid--what a great group!

The ten tracks bring everything you could want in your contemporary Christmas stocking--the music is mostly modern melodies like "Santa Baby," "My Favorite Things," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Sommers does throw in a reverent "Silent Night," but the tone remains a gently uplifting jazz throughout.

The production values here are first class all the way. I especially admire the way Sommers' sax has been recorded; it stands out as the star instrument on every track. Shhhh. . . there's a secret "bonus track #11" on this CD--it's another take on Sommers and Botti playing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (which also appears as the first cut).

A Holiday Wish is a hot choice for a cold winter's night. It's the perfect instrumental CD to slip into your audio system when friends come to call. Thanks, Jimmy Sommers (and all your musical pals), for making the party perfect.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Executive Producer: Jimmy Sommers
Produced by Jeff Carruthers and Jimmy Sommers

Sax: Jimmy Sommers
Trumpet: Chris Botti
Piano: Bill Cunliffe
Guitar: John Chlodini
Bass: Robert Valley
Drums: Bernie Dressel
Keys: Mike Thompson
Clarinet/Flute: Doug Webb
Harpist: Julia Cunningham
Arrangement: Bill Cunliffe

Mixed by Peter Mokran

Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year, no--it's not because santa might bring me a new saxophone, it's because you get to spend time with your family and loved ones, sit around the fire, drink spiked cider and O.K. wonder if you got what's on your wish list. But more fun than that is giving people what they wish for and what they don't expect.

I hope everyone enjoys this cd as much as I enjoyed making it. Happy Holidays to all and may all your holiday wishes come true.
--Jimmy Sommers

From the Web site:

If ever there was a man who could testify to the power of creating, sharing and enjoying music, its smooth and soulful saxophonist Jimmy Sommers. His infectious alto sax playing has proven time and again to be a sound at once dramatic, spirited and funky, yet seductive and unabashedly romantic.

Jimmy Sommers

A Holiday Wish

Artist link

Track List