Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra and Freddy Cole
MCG, 2015, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 22.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Pop+Jazz
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 81.5
O’s Notes: The Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra start off their Holiday set with an unusual, upbeat rendition of “Jingle Bells”. They move through a repertoire that is familiar by title but transformed by jazzy arrangements for the orchestra. “Do You Hear What I Hear”, “White Christmas” with guest Freddy Cole and “the Christmas Song” (the latter two are vocal tracks) are more recognizable renditions. All of the music retains the jovial spirit of the season and most can be enjoyed beyond the month of December without offending traditionalists. The brass is powerful and precise making Joyful Jazz a dynamic, enjoyable, differentiated Christmas set.
Publicist: MCG
