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Wanting a little sax this Christmas? The always exciting New Century Saxophone Quartet (NCSQ) presents a fascinating concept album with fresh holiday sounds on "A New Century Christmas." Have a listen (after all, one cannot have too much sax)--this saxophone extravaganza is a first-class sleigh ride.

When the NCSQ decided to assemble a holiday album, they commissioned original works by a dozen composer-friends (Benjamin Boone, Lawrence Dillon, Arthur Frackenpohl, Gordon Goodwin, Glenn Haynes, Brad Hubbard, Ben Johnston, David Ott, Lenny Pickett, Ronald Rudkin, Jeff Schiller, Ken Valitsky). The composers were free to follow or ignore the melody lines to their hearts' content. The result is a relatively eccentric, but superbly crafted, "collection of original music that is eclectic, witty, serious, silly, and different" (as the NCSQ themselves describe it). Bravo! The NCSQ achieved their goal, and that is good news for those who love holiday music and are searching for that something special this Christmas season. In order to navigate this adventurous ground, the extensive liner notes provide an invaluable resource, laying out the thoughts of each composer for each piece.

This instrumental album is an absolute delight, and the high points are numerous. Lenny Pickett's two tunes are genuine showstoppers: "Funkin' with the Bells" (the opening track) and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentle Mensch" are funny, funk-alicious wonders that immediately catch your attention. Pickett, a former Tower of Power member, describes Christmas as his "least favorite holiday" and certainly brought a twisted talent to the project.

Do not, however, imagine that "A New Century Christmas" will sit quietly gathering dust on the shelf as a bizarre novelty album. The songs are all solid holiday renderings in their own right. Although the NCSQ and this album are not for all tastes, the music is top-quality, albeit avant-garde. Some tunes are gentle interpretations that embrace the season in a creative fashion, but with largely traditional strains (these include "The First Noel," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," and the "Christmas Medley"). Others provide adventurous departures from the usual routes, and it's a fascinating trip.

For pure fun, the Pickett numbers are a hoot and should not be missed. As for the rest, every song has true holiday merit and deserves serious consideration. The New Century Saxophone Quartet certainly has my attention this Christmas season. If you love stylish sax in innovative styles, "A New Century Christmas" should grab your attention, too.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

The New Century Saxophone Quartet are:

Michael Stephenson: soprano saxophone
Robert Faub: alto saxophone
Stephen Pollock: tenor saxophone
Brad Hubbard: baritone saxophone

Special Guests:

Panc Daalder: drums and percussion
Ernst Glerum: bass

The New Century Saxophone Quartet is a pioneering and versatile group winning new-found enthusiasm for its diverse repertory of innovative contemporary works and imaginative adaptations comprising an extraordinary range of musical styles. The only ensemble of its kind to win First Prize of the Concert Artists Guild Competition, the quartet is the recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Chamber Music America, and the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, and in its home state from the North Carolina Arts Council. New Century has been heard in major concert venues and on radio and television throughout the Americas and Europe; in recordings for the Channel Classics label; and in unusual performance settings including a Command Performance for President Clinton at the White House, an appearance with the United States Navy Band, and a Chinese New Year broadcast seen by a television audience of over 300 million worldwide.

New Century Saxophone Quartet

A New Century Christmas

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Track List