Los Angeles-based four-woman, one man vocal jazz quintet brings us their long-awaited second Christmas album after their critically-acclaimed "Christmas In My Dreams" and "Prairie Jazz." The one man would be Morgan Ames, the group's producer, arranger and alto, and he is masterful at what he does, as are sopranos Shelby and Julie, tenor Sheri and baritone Michael. "Greetings" is a delicious, refreshing collection of 15 tunes, and some of our favorites include originals written by group members, such as Shelby Flint's lovely "State of Grace" and "Greetings Of The Season" and Morgan's romantic "Merry Christmas, Sweetheart." Also very fine are the bluesy "Silent Night," the slightly scary "Zat You, Santa Claus?," Sammy Cahn's "Christmas Waltz," Chas. Brown & Gene Redd's plaintive "Please Come Home for Christmas," John Wallowitch & G. Shocker's lyrical, nostalgic "A Christmas Journey," a jazzy, salsa-flavored "Jingle Bell Rock," Joe Van Winkle & R. Sherman's joyous "Christmas Time In New Orleans" and the moody "Carol Of The Wildwood," with additional lyrics by Morgan. Every Christmas season Inner Voices holds their sold-out, acclaimed Christmas show in LA, and given the great material we've heard on "Greetings of the Season," this year's will be particularly wonderful. There is some light accompaniment here, but we loved every cut on the album, so don't miss this one! |
