Our Review
The album's title A Dangerously Groovy Christmas and the crazed monkey on the cover might give listeners the wrong idea. This music is neither dark nor edgy; it's dangerously addictive, but that's about as dangerous as it gets. This sly compilation is the collaboration of five Southern California musician pals who decided to go into a studio and craft an organically certified fresh set of holiday tunes, 12 tracks, all traditional carols, with Good Christian Men, Rejoice appearing at both ends (latin-flavored at the front, funkified at the back).
A Dangerously Groovy may not be particularly dangerous, but it is definitely groovy. The jazz-infused influences are diverse (world, pop, rock, funk, alien-synth), and the musicianship is undisputedly fine. These five fellows provide stimulating, largely upbeat offerings that will lift you from your seat. The entire album reflects memorable touches. The Wassail Song/Gesu Bambino, for example, is a clap-happy number with very cool transitions, and Little Drummer Boy truly rocks. In stark contrast, the keyboard action on the first half of O Come All Ye Faithful is breathtakingly sweet.
The Outtengrand Orchestra is out-'n-out grand, and A Dangerously Groovy Christmas is a stunningly stylish choice this holiday season.
--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)
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From the liner notes:
The Outtengrand Orchestra is:
Keith Felch: woodwinds
David Owens: drums & percussion
Rob Rinderer: piano & keyboards
Norm Stockton: basses
Brian Swerdfeger: guitars
Produced by Rob Rinderer and The Outtengrand Orchestra
Engineered and Mixed by Mike Harris
Additional musical contributions on The Wassail Song, Bring a Torch, and Good Christian Men, Rejoice: Mike Fotch/percussion, Greg Holmes/keyboards, Mitch Ross/percussion, Steve Watts/acoustic guitar, Danny Ybarra/percussion.
But did you know Christmas is also dangerous? After all, if the claims of Christ are true, they have life-changing implications.... dangerously groovy, indeed.
Outtengrand Orchestra. The
A Dangerously Groovy Christmas
Artist link
Label: Outtengrand Orchestra Music
Length: 52 minutes
Genre: Jazz
Release: 2006
Track List
| Song Title |
|---|
| Good Christian Men, Rejoice |
| Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella |
| O Holy Night |
| I Wonder as I Wander |
| God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen |
| The Wassail Song,Gesu Bambino |
| Do You Hear What I Hear? |
| O Little Town of Bethlehem |
| Little Drummer Boy |
| O Cme All Ye Fathful |
| Funky Christian Men, Rejoice |