Cohesiveness is what separates this all-star Christmas release from the others. During the last four years, Dave Koz, vocalist Brenda Russell, pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White, and trumpeter Rick Braun have hit the road spreading holiday cheer among the smooth-jazz masses and their collaborative ease is palpable throughout these 14 tracks. Benoit is featured on "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," while Koz adds one of his best solos. Braun has the spotlight on "Little Drummer Boy," where Benoit shines too, and White highlights "Silent Night." All five players are credited for arrangements on most tracks, the craftiest of which is the '50's doo-wop of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," where you can almost hear the Drifters singing in the background. Russell also does a holiday version of her hit "Get Here," which is as powerful now as it was 10 years ago during the Gulf War. --Mark Ruffin
Tracklist:01. Dave Koz, Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun, Brenda Russell / Smooth Jazz Christmas Overture 08:32
02. Dave Koz, Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun, Brenda Russell / The Christmas Song 04:55
03. Dave Koz, Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun, Brenda Russell / O'Tannenbaum/Sleigh Ride Medley 04:04
04. Peter White / Silent Night 04:34
05. Dave Koz and David Benoit / Beneath The Moonlit Sky 03:04
06. Rick Braun / Little Drummer Boy 04:27
07. David Benoit / Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 04:09
08. Kenny Loggins / December Makes Me Feel This Way 03:39
09. Brenda Russell / Boogie Woogie Santa Claus 03:19
10. Dave Koz and Peter White / Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 03:49
11. Brenda Russell, David Benoit and Dave Koz / White Christmas 03:22
12. Dave Koz / Eight Candles 03:36
13. Brenda Russell / Get Here 04:58
14. Dave Koz, Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun, Brenda Russell / 'Twas The Night Before Christmas 03:57
Personnel:
Bill Sharpe - Bass
Brenda Russell - Vocals
Brian Kilgore - Percussion
Bridgette Bryant - Vocals (Background)
Dave Koz - Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor), Handclapping, Main Performer
David Benoit - Piano
Esterlee Nicholson - Vocals (Background)
John Hendrickson - Handclapping
Julian Raymond - Handclapping
Kenny Loggins - Vocals
Nick Lane - Trombone (Bass), Trombone (Tenor)
Paula Salvatore - Handclapping
Peter White - Guitar (Acoustic), Accordion
Rick Braun - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Handclapping
Sandy Simmons - Vocals (Background)
Stephen Theard - Drums
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