.com Enamored since childhood with the Ella Fitzgerald Christmas record Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas, the young jazz singer Jane Monheit does the departed legend proud on her first seasonal spin. Monheit's in great and varied voice throughout, proving she can swing with a bigger section of added horn players, or croon, purr and excite with her more stylish quartet players with whom she works live and often records. While nailing the familiar Christmas fare she can also surprise with unexpected tunes like "My Grown Up Christmas List" and the left-field choice, "Moonlight In Vermont." Veteran producer Al Schmitt whose credits are almost as golden as Fitzgerald's, wisely puts Monheit's voice front and center, letting her put on an array of vocal faces, from the girlish to sophisticated. Monheit's keen ability to reinvent notes while never losing her stride or the song's character will delight fans and newcomers. She's got something fine in the bag for those jazz fans who know that the real gifts jazz singers bring to the mix are virtuosity, a sure sense of the tradition in which they're working and some risk taking. At a still decidedly young age, Monheit generously rewards them, just in time for Christmas. -- Martin Keller
T**A
A good primer for future Xmas albums
It really hurts to give this album less than 5 stars, but I can’t fake it. Speaking of faking it, that’s what half of this album feels like.Tracks that make it worth purchasing:-Merry Christmas Darling-Moonlight in Vermont-Have yourself a merry little Christmas-I heard the bells on Christmas Day-My grown up Christmas listThese tracks sound like Jane doing what she does best and I love every second of these tracks!The rest are well executed, but soulless.
A**T
MCGOVERN AND MONHEIT FIND THE RICH COLOURS AND TEXTURES IN CLASSIC HOLIDAY STANDARDS
Mel Torme once said of Maureen McGovern: "She is the most glorious singer to come down the pike in several months of Sundays...." And it is without surprise that one's introductory play of the legendary "Christmas With Maureen McGovern" album is enough to take your breath away. It still remains one of my favourite and most stunning holiday music experiences....And now, bless the power of beautiful voice, there is Jane Monheit's "The Season". Just as the angels must have brought McGovern's interpretation of "O Holy Night" to my senses, they are gracing me once more with Monheit's takes on the beautiful "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day", and David Foster's destined to be holiday standard "Grown Up Christmas List". If you are in love with Maureen McGovern's ability to find the rich colors and textures in classic holiday standards and proceed to weave far richer tapestries with her adorable voice, then I think you'll find Jane Monheit to be "the voice" of a new generation of vocalists. ENJOY!!!
R**E
Jane is fantastic as usual
If you want a nice Jazz offering to supplement your seasonal music purchases, this is a good choice. Jane Monheit's silky, buttery voice is just the ticket. My favorite track is "Moonlight in Vermont," sort of a creative choice to put on what might be considered a Christmas album (since it really doesn't have much, if anything, to do with that holiday), but it's so atmospheric that I can see why it was included. Cue the hot wassail and the brisk ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through the Vermont countryside, and you'll be ready for the Christmas spirit in no time. Jane Monheit's honey tones are as good as ever; there may be times when she's a bit on the self-indulgent side with her interpretations of the standards, but with that level of talent, I think she can be forgiven.
S**H
Good for the season
Jane is one of my favorites. Her professional attack of each song is a wonder, and it still feels truly emotional.Although this is a Christmas album, and the songs aren't up to her usual wonderful craft, it is quite enjoyable.I DO look forward to the next thing she comes out with, to see how she can play with it, discover new ways to present it and still make a perfectly new and exciting presentation.
F**D
Great voice did not care for the selection of songs
She has a great voice. The selection of song for this album could have been better.
N**R
A Mixed Bag
I bought this disc because I had heard some of the jazzy songs on my cable music channel. I really like 4 or 5 of the jazzy selections. However, there is too much contrast with the other songs here. The other songs are very slow and draggy, somewhat downbeat. I find myself skipping the slow ones only to hear the upbeat ones. Too much contrast here. Not a good compilation. But the good 4 or 5 songs saves it for me.
W**H
If you appreciate a magical voice.....
I was fascinated by the voice I heard on Pandora one evening. I researched what I had heard and discovered Jane Monheit. As a seasonal music fanatic I purchased the CD and have spent hours listening to the nuance of her voice. The beginning acapella "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is worth the entire CD. This is a singer worth a listen if you are at all interested in jazz, easy listening or standards.
T**S
A must for a jazz holiday
A great balance of arrangement, musicians and Jane's always exceptional vocal talent. Excellent selections...some, you seldom hear such as "Moonlight in Vermont". If you're home for the holidays or traveling, this CD will be a nice companion.
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