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The
world is flooded with Christmas albums. Do we need another one
with
the same old Christmas hymns? When Maysa is the performing artist,
definitely yes. On A Very Maysa Christmas (2014) she works
together with the excellent producer and keyboardist Chris "Big Dog"
Davis.
Further
musicians on this albums are Ace Livingston (bass), Rhon Lawrence,
Wayne Bruce and Randy Boland (guitar), Thomas Dyani Akuru and Jazz
Leak Akuru (percussion), Dexter Pettyway (drums), Gerald Albright
(sax) and a large number of singers.
The album starts with
the popular Christmas
hymn Joy To The World.
After an excellent intro Maysa introduces to her impressive choral
arrangement. She approaches the song with a jazzy treat and a faster
pace. She also gives Jingle Bells a new direction in this
style.
Maysa doesn't cling to the traditional interpretation, but bestows
each song like The First Noel an own character. Despite all
familiarity she entertains with brilliant innovation. To present
The Night Before Christmas as a rap is forgivable in the light
of Santa Claus Is Coming To Town as a scat song.
The cheerful Silver Bells features Gerald Albright on sax in
a swinging mood. In 1970 Donny Hathaway
released This Christmas, later often copied. Now Maysa
duets with Will Downing to catch up in the circle of illustrious
artists. It's The Holidays is Maysa's own composition,
which she has composed, along with Davis. A Bossa Nova swing with a
certain ease.
Christmas Time Is Here was composed by
jazz pianist Guaraldi, Lee Mendelson added the lyrics. Both created
the score for A Charlie Brown Christmas. Maysa and Rashann
Langley make the song a memorable experience. Maysa gives
The Little Drummer
Boy a magic African flavor.
Thomas Dyani Akuru and Jazz
Leak Akuru, Maysa's son, create the irresistible drum groove on the
Sabar. The album ends with Pray For Peace, a remarkable
choral completion.
Maysa has done with A Very Maysa Christmas
her fans an excellent Christmas gift.
Besides peace and good health you could wish for nothing better.
Biography
Website
Buy the album in all stores
Album Information
Title:
A Very Maysa Christmas
Artist: Maysa
Year: 2014
Length: 0:43:08
Genre: Christmas Jazz
Label: Shanachie Entertainment
Tracks:
01 Joy To The World [3:41]
02 Jingle Bells [3:48]
03 The First Noel [4:34]
04 The Night Before Christmas/Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
[3:25]
05 Silver Bells (Featuring Gerald Albright) [4:00]
06 This Christmas (Featuring Will Downing) [4:43]
07 It's The Holidays [4:07]
08 Christmas Time Is Here [4:37]
09 The Little Drummer Boy [5:06]
10 Pray For Peace [5:08]
Further reviews:
Metamorphosis
Motions of Love
Blue Velvet Soul
Discography: Maysa (1995), All My Life (2000), Out Of The Blue
(2002), Smooth Sailing (2004), Sweet Classic Soul (2006), Feel
The Fire (2007), Metamorphosis (2008), A Woman in Love (2010),
Motions Of Love (2011), Blue Velvet Soul (2013).
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