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Our Review

Cool! Unlike Bobby Zee & Zoe's second holiday album (see review for "Home for the Holidays"), "Cool Christmas" confines itself to popular Christmas standards. These two Bobbys really know how to swing on this jazzy instrumental collection! This is a great CD.

"Cool Christmas" immediately impresses with a very cool CD cover--lights blaze brightly in a lonely igloo under the northern lights. The music is most impressive, too. Bobby Zee is the master pianist, although his talents extend well beyond the keyboard. His piano stars on most cuts, and he has wonderful support from Zoe (bass guitar) and the other musicians (the sax and flute work is especially fine).

Sleigh bells sound as the album opens--is it Santa Claus? Yes, Zee & Zoe open brightly with a swingin' "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." "What Child Is This" is another favorite; its swingin' sensibilities had me rocking in my seat. Honestly, every cut is a delight. The tone is almost entirely lively and upbeat, with the exception of a thoughtful and more subdued "Silent Night" to close the disc. The jazz interpretations here are inventive, yet warmly familiar, throughout. The well-known holiday fare comes alive (without disappearing down an improvisational "black hole") under the deft touch of these musicians. I had a broad smile on my face from start to finish.

"Cool Christmas" provides nearly an hour of superb musicianship and excellent production values, putting you in the front row of that intimate jazz club on a December night. So order a drink, sit back, and prepare to be impressed by wonderful jazz offerings again and again and again.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Bobby Zee - acoustic piano, keyboards, electric guitar on track;
Zoe - electric bass guitar, acoustic nylon string guitar on tracks 3, 5;
John Lewis - drums & percussion;
Rob Kyle - tenor sax on tracks 1, 7, 8, 9; flute on tracks 2, 5, 6;
Mark Maxwell - soprano sax on track 4;
Ian Sanchez - also sax on track 3;
Terry Cheslock - electric guitar on track 10;
Rick Vittallo - electric guitar on tracs 1, 4, 6, 9,acoustic nylon string guitar on track 11

From the website:

This enchanting album contains 12 instrumental versions of some of the most popular Christmas standards. The mood is magical and will fill your soul with the spirit of the season.

Bobby Zee & Zoe

Cool Christmas

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Track List