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Album Review - Chris Botti - December
Posted by Robbie | Posted in Music, Reviews | Posted on 12-12-2008
Chris Botti’s December is one of the albums of the festive season for us all. A simple treasure of a collection of the irresistable holiday classics. The delight I get in Chris’s playing is not just his beautiful tone, but he knows when to play that trill or that run and most of all… that note.
Beautifully orchestrated, perfectly played and produced, it’s a monument to taste and sensibility that will, I believe, stand the test of time. Now and for always, an album you know will be first on the playlist when the festive dam I impose on myself breaks. No Chrimbo music ‘til the first week in December …then it’s always ‘Silent Night’…then the rest of the album.
Take ‘Let It Snow’, with it’s jazzy layers piled on top of the theme, stunning piano arrangement, understated drumming …a sonic treasure.
Chris & The Blue Nile is one of my favourite combos ever. Two music powers combining to create a groove a melody and simply great music. ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ is an extension in some ways of the gorgeous ‘Midnight Without You’.
‘Perfect Day’ emulates a Chet Baker vocal feel, augmented with a simple guitar and orchestra montage, showing off the blower’s vocal talent. Juxtapose these tracks with the haunting Leonard Cohen piece, ‘Hallelujah’ and you’re right back in dreamland. It’s a place where you don’t wish be taken from. From a world of blue swirling smoke, the clink of glasses and an appreciative round of applause after each solo.
It’s Mr Botti’s Christmas. It’s our Christmas. Forever.
Enjoy!
Robbie x
P.S. Want to have this album for yourself? Amazon.co.uk have it on CD:
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Not sure what to get friends and family for Christmas? Away for the holidays and worried about last post dates? Try this fantastic idea: an Amazon.co.uk Gift Voucher. Arrives by email or in the post:
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