Notes:
The BWJO presents a delightful collection of original arrangements of all-time holiday favorites. Highlighted by Wallarab's masterful arrangements, top-notch playing of the orchestra, and the sultry, crooner vocalisms of Thelonius Monk International Vocalist Competition finalist Everett Greene, Carol of the Bells will certainly become a holiday classic.
Artist Roster:
Brent Wallarab: Co-leader, arranger, trombone
Mark Buselli: Co-leader, trumpet and flugelhorn
Everett Greene: Vocals
Tom Meyer: Woodwinds
Mike Sticklin: Woodwinds
Frank Glover: Woodwinds
Rob Dixon: Woodwinds
Ned Boyd: Woodwinds
Joey Tartell: Trumpet and flugelhorn
Jeff Conrad: Trumpet and flugelhorn
Mike Hackett: Trumpet and flugelhorn
Celeste Holler: Horn
Loy Hetrick: Trombone
Jason Miller: Trombone
Rich Dole: Bass Trombone
Robin Hopkins: Guitar
Luke Gillespie: Piano
Jack Helsley: Bass
Jess Nolan: Drums
Track Listing:
1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
2. The Christmas Song
3. O, Tannenbaum
4. Joy To The World
5. Silent Night
6. Jingle Bells
7. I'll Be Home For Christmas
8. Carol Of The Bells
9. Let It Snow!
10. Skating
11. Christmastime Is Here
12. What Are You Doing New Years Eve?
Reviews:
I always judge the appeal of a Christmas album by whether or not it still appeals to me if it is listened to out of season. If I can dig it a few months out from or after the season, then I feel that I have found a real good one. As I write this, I am listening to Carol of the Bells for the fourth time since it came about a month ago, and it has sounded just fine each time. The arrangements pull you right in, and the band sounds sensational. A real bonus on the album is the presence on seven of the twelve tracks of Indianapolis-based singer Everett Greene, a cat who comes from the Eckstine/Hartman school of vocalizing. His soulful take on "Silent Night" is a highlight on the disc. In answer to Greene’s closing musical question "What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve," I might just be listening to this album, that is, if I am somewhere near a CD player. - JERSEY JAZZ
From the start, Carol of the Bells is an outstanding ride. As Greene croons the familiar Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas melody, the horns repeat a pulsing brass floor that is too cool. Made me want to dig my trumpet out of the closet and jump right in! As you progress through the CD, you continue to uncover fun "Aha!" moments; each track is a fabulous find. The bluesy piano treatment of Silent Night, the jumpin' avant-garde take on Jingle Bells, the darkly cool clarinets on Carol of the Bells, it's truly all perfection here. The two "Charlie Brown" pieces (Skating and Christmastime Is Here) are an excellent set-up for the sophisticated close, a clarinet-laden What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? that slyly introduces Greene's inimitable bass about halfway through.
Congratulations to the Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra. Your Carol of the Bells is a top performer this season! - CAROL SWANSON (Christams Reviews)
