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Feeling jazzed? If not, Rick Gallagher's gently bouncin' "A Sleigh, a Song & a Baby Boy" will definitely put you in the mood. Gallagher's jazz quartet (Gallagher on the piano; Paul Thompson on bass; Thomas Wendt on drums; and George Jones on percussion) delivers a bright and crisp collection of holiday standards.

"A Sleigh, a Song & a Baby Boy" successfully replicates the atmosphere of an intimate jazz club with great holiday music on the program. The focus here is on Gallagher's piano and creative arrangements, which present upbeat twists to the songs we have heard so many times before. The spins are never brash or harsh; instead, the artists coax out surprisingly fresh interpretations that softly remind us of their origins.

Among the thirteen classics, there are many favorites. The first track, "Sleigh Ride", is a breezy opener--you can almost feel the snow on your face. Several exciting cuts, such as "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Let It Snow," are high-energy, syncopated delights. Other, more subdued, numbers--such as "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "A Child Is Born"--are breathtakingly gentle. On the closing track, Gallagher runs "Silent Night" using a uniquely fun ragtime approach.

If you want a break from the frantic holiday rush, and you yearn to relax in that intimate jazz club (otherwise known as your living room), then plop "A Sleigh, a Song, and a Baby Boy" on your stereo system and let Gallagher's quartet sweep you away.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Rick Gallagher: piano
Paul Thompson: bass
Thomas Wendt: drums
George Jones: percussion

All arrangements by Rick Gallagher

From the website:

Rick Gallagher is a jazz pianist, composer, arranger and teacher. A native of Pittsburgh, he began studying music at age ten, and started his piano training at age sixteen. He received a bachelor's degree in music from Duquesne University, and studied with David Budway for eight years.

Gallagher is noteworthy for his classic jazz style, creative arrangements, and his memorable originals. Influences include Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, Red Garland, Vince Guaraldi, Bill Evans, Benny Green, Ray Brown, Miles Davis, George Shearing, and David Budway.

Rick Gallagher

A Sleigh,
a Song & a Baby Boy

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Track List