Thad Jones, a wonderful writer, left us the beautiful, sensitive piece, 'A Child Is Born.' With all due respect to the music, the arrangement is simple, sparse and, of course, a cappella. Vocalists must work wholeheartedly with breathing, phrasing, matching of vowel shapes, cutoffs and impeccable dynamics. Ellen Hoffman's arrangement of 'A Song For Christmas' is a fun jazzy tune for all who love the season. A knockout amalgam of jazz waltz/traditional carol moves 'Carol of the Bells' along at a rocket pace with phrases alternating between straight 8th and swing, and harmonic content between jazz and traditional. The middle section of the piece offers a brief slowdown before returning to the fast-paced crescendo to the climax. With an uptempo swinging groove, a rockin solo and gorgeous background vocals, 'Merry Christmas Baby' is sure to be an audience pleaser at your holiday concert. |
