In 2016, American saxophonist Jessy J released her first Christmas CD, California Christmas. Now that has been followed up on her own independent Changi Records label. Jessy was born in Oregon but grew up in Southern California with a Hispanic background. She graduated from USC, has already recorded with Michael Buble and has toured with Jessica Simpson, The Temptations and Michael Bolton. She opens with the ballad 'Jolly Old St. Nicholas', in which Jay Rowe plays a jazzy piano solo. She then performs a dreamy version of 'Up on the Housetop', followed by funky 'Oh Holy Night' accompanied by a gospel choir. On 'Angels We Have Heard on High' you can hear Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy) playing rock guitar, followed by 'Go Tell it on the Mountain' in a bluesy funk atmosphere. Jessy took a jazzy swing approach to 'What Child Is This', playing the flute on 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas'. The New Year's classic 'Auld Lang Syne' could not be missed, after which the unknown to me 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy' closes. This track brings flamenco guitar and percussion to a light Latin rhythm. Jessy got help from her longtime friends Paul Brown, Euge Groove and Jeff Lorber, as well as pianist Jay Rowe, bassist Dave Anderson, drummer Trevor Somerville, guitarist Andy Aubel and percussionist Richie Gaiate Garcia. In addition, guest artists such as Norman Jackson (keyboards), Frank Abraham (bass), Iajhi Hampden (drums), Kayta Matsuno and Ash Jenga (guitars) will play along. Vocalists on the other hand are soul singer Maurice Smith and Brandon Wattz. So you can see that Jessy opted for a versatile approach here, so not a typical contemporary jazz album, but one that she will celebrate under the Californian sun.
		Website Jessy J Tracks: Jolly Old St. Nicholas Up on the Housetop Oh Holy Night Angels We Have Heard on High Go Tell it on the Mountain What Child Is This We Wish You a Merry Christmas Auld Lang Syne Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy Copied from Culturmania with the permission of the author.