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Our Review

Such a smoothly invigorating start to my holiday music reviewing season! Jazz On The Vine creates lovely, intimate, instrumental CDs using highly-talented, independent artists. Like fine wine, these California musicians and their music are tasteful, classy, and full-bodied, and they make a statement. A Jazz On The Vine Christmas is the group's first holiday effort, and the seasonal flavors are definitely worth savoring.

Here, Jazz On The Vine consists of a small ensemble featuring Barry Schiffman (flute, vibes, drums, keyboards), Dan Goldfus (guitars, hammered dulcimer), Tony Alvis (alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet), and Steve Webber (upright bass). The instrumental music is clean and crisp, the musicianship is spot-on, and the mood is sentimental and low-key.

The thirteen tracks are all familiar secular favorites. When you slip this CD into your system, the room will fill with old friends from holidays past. The musical styles are diverse, everything from samba-swingin' contemporary jazz to folksy dulcimer and guitar treatments. The mix is rewarding, providing a perfect backdrop to any December gathering.

My favorites on A Jazz On The Vine Christmas include the dulcimer-intensive Silver Bells, which alternates its dulcimer with a terrific sax counterpoint, and the understated guitar stylings of Silent Night, applying a creative and quite unusual arrangement. Some jazz pieces are straightforward; others wander a lovely, but still restrained, improvisational path. All the tracks fit solidly for a comfortable and carefree ride.

A Jazz On The Vine Christmas deserves your critical eye this holiday season. If you seek a pleasing California vintage that will go down smoothly, go ahead and pop the cork.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2006)

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From the liner notes:
Musicians:
Barry Schiffman: flute, vibes, drums, & keyboards
Dan Goldfus: guitars, hammered dulcimer
Tony Alvis: alto sax, tenor sax, & clarinet
Steve Webber: upright bass

Produced by Barry Schiffman
Graphic Design by Dan Goldfus

Jazz On The Vine

A Jazz On The Vine Christmas

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Track List