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Christmas in New York - The Most Swinging Time of the Year

by Mark Shane, Harry Allen, Jon-Erik Kellso, James Chirillo, Pat O'Leary, Dave Ratajczak

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1.
What Will Santa Claus Say 05:10
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2.
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 04:32
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3.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town 03:53
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4.
The Christmas Song 04:40
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5.
Santa Claus Came in the Spring 03:37
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6.
Silent Night 03:41
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7.
Joy to the World 02:08
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8.
'Zat You, Santa Claus 04:31
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9.
Jingle Bells 02:59
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10.
Merry Christmas Baby 09:03
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11.
Sleigh Ride 03:34
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12.
Oh Christmas Tree 05:59
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13.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 04:45
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14.
Oh Du Fröhliche / Alle Jahre Wieder 08:27
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about

Because the repertoire of Christmas songs that musicians are willing to record is usually rather narrow, one often comes to dread or avoid yuletide CDs altogether. But pianist Mark Shane was willing to look beyond the usual list and also use some imagination in putting together his arrangements (along with charts by guitarist James Chirillo) for this release. Starting off with the infrequently heard Louis Prima oldie "What Would Santa Claus Say?" is a welcome change, as this swinger features hot solos by trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso, tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, as well as the leader, who also sings in a warm, friendly manner. Shane gets into the campiness of Johnny Mercer's long forgotten "Santa Claus Came in the Spring" and the pseudo-paranoia of the lyric to "'Zat You Santa Claus." James Chirillo's banjo and Shane's music box-like piano help to create an unusual setting for "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen," while the vamp from the well-known swing standard "Flyin' Home" helps to set up the fun-filled "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." This is one Christmas release that won't wear its welcome after a few plays.

AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden

One of the ultimate most swinging Christmas albums ever.
Recorded in December 1998 in New York City.
At a time when the whole city is packed with Santas, Christmas carols, presents, candles, and Jingle Bells.
That makes the difference.
You can really hear the Christmas spirit!!!

credits

released November 26, 2020

Mark Shane - piano, vocals
Harry Allen – tenor sax
Jon-Erik Kellso - trumpet
James Chirillo - guitar, banjo
Pat O'Leary - bass
Dave Ratajczak - drums

Recorded on December 17 and 18, 1998 at Nola Recording Studios, New York City.

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Harry Allen image

Harry Allen New York, New York

Harry Allen (born October 12, 1966) is an American jazz tenor saxophonist born in Washington, D.C.
Early on he was recognized in high school as an exceptional talent able to play tunes such as Body and Soul in the style of tenor players Coleman Hawkins and Ben Webster.
Allen has been identified as one of the "finest exponents of swing tenor alive today" and "a master interpreter of standards". ... more

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