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Preston Smith epitomizes cool on Christmas Blues and Other Standards. His rough-hewn voice executes some of the bluesiest Christmas music around. This gutsy, guttural, and clever wailer oozes creative talent from every pore.

Listening to Preston is a joyful discovery. Although his talent is new to me, Preston's resume is impressive. Mostly playing on the Southern California club circuit, he has shared the stage with some of the biggest names around, including an appearance on "The Tonight Show" (with the late Jimmy Stewart). One listen to Christmas Blues and Other Standards, and you, too, will agree that Preston Smith deserves a much broader audience today--this multi-faceted performer is arresting on every level!

This holiday album contains 14 jazzy tracks, including two Preston Smith originals and two versions of "Merry Christmas Baby" ("Slow" and "Shuffle"). The very first time I listened to Preston's "Christmas Blues," it conveyed a well-worn, homey feel that immediately conveyed familiarity and had me humming along. "Why Can't Christmas Be Eternally" is the other original, and it is a sweeter and slower, but just as memorable, tribute to the holiday season.

Every track is strong like good black coffee. The tone is largely stripped-down blues, complete with Preston's patented husky growl and expressive harmonica. The artist does surprising change-ups, though; for example, on the "Christmas Waltz," Preston displays a straight-ahead approach laced with honey and the gentlest humor; and Preston is all about Elvis on "Blue Christmas" (in fact, the bio information on Preston's Website suggests a distant familial relationship with Presley!). His emotional "Silent Night" is superb, and his raspy "Amazing Grace" is perhaps my favorite rendition ever. Although the album's production values are very good, I do have one quibble--the guitar seems to override Preston's superb vocals in the occasional spot.

What a wonderful package! Preston Smith is a musical force-of-nature, and Christmas Blues and Other Standards is an outstanding choice for the holiday season. Enjoy!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Words and music by Preston Smith ("Christmas Blues" & "Why Can't Christmas Be Eternally")

From the Web site:

How does one categorize an artist who, during the span of his career, has sung for Barbra Streisand's wedding, performed at countless functions for people such as Steven Spielberg, Aaron Spelling, and the late Sonny Bono, played harmonica and scat rapped alongside Salt'N Pepa on Quincy Jones TV show Vibe, played alongside Chaka Khan at a Grammy Awards Party for Black Entertainment Television Corporation, and has had the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Eddie Van Halen, Jerry Lee Lewis and Greg Allman, among countless others, join him on-stage for impromptu jam sessions.

Preston has performed on The Tonight Show along with the late Jimmy Stewart and released an album on Curb Records entitled Preston Smith. He appeared on the hit movie soundtrack Cocktail starring Tom Cruise with the title song Oh I Love You So, which he composed, produced and performed. The soundtrack went on to sell over six million units foreign and domestically

Preston Smith

Christmas Blues and Other Standards

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Track List