Billy Stritch, Jim Caruso and Klea Blackhurst
Christmas at Birdland
December 21, 2020
(Club 44 Records)
Reviewed by John Hoglund
If you need a little Christmas, look no further than this CD. Anyone with a penchant for lively holiday ditties with a touch of light jazz will treasure Christmas at Birdland with Billy Stritch, Jim Caruso, and Klea Blackhurst, all at their bodacious best. This sweet-sounding trio, along with some guests, offers bright seasonal tunes with an old-fashioned twist. It’s a terrific album and a worthwhile addition to any collection that stands out from the many predictable holiday albums that keep popping up.
This is not an ordinary Christmas album. It kicks off with a rhythmic medley of “Christmas Is Starting Now” (Danny Jacob/Martin Olson/Dan Povenmire) fused with “It’s the Holiday Season” (Kay Thompson). This fun romp sets the tone aided by Daniel Glass’s subtle snare drum. After solo turns they are joined by a crooning Donny Osmond who complements the trio and the exceptional band. Jim Caruso brings an earnest “You Meet the Nicest People” (William Bower/Edward Scott) with a smoothness that echoes a young Gene Kelly. Two rarities tip the hat to Kay Thompson and are given a sprightly touch with her own “It’s the Holiday Season” (part of that opener) and “Kay Thompson’s Jingle Bells” (James Pierpont/Johnny Mandel/Kay Thompson) with the trio which bookends the CD.
The whole album overflows with solid musicianship and a flare that, at times, echoes the golden age of swing. It’s also notable for the well-chosen songs that are not heard every day. Too, the disc has some more familiar classics like Robert Wells and Mel Tormé’s “The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) given a beautiful treatment by Stritch punctuated by a mellow riff from respected sax man Dave Koz. Blackhurst offers a traditional “Silent Night” with “A Child Is Born” (Thad Jones/Alec Wilder) and another special riff by Koz. “The Christmas Waltz” (Sammy Cahn/Jule Styne) is a sweet duet by Blackhurst and Stritch. It’s a polished charmer with a sophisticated arrangement by Aaron Weinstein and special lyrics by Sharon Douglas. The pair play off each other like seasoned veterans. Another worthy highlight is Ann Hampton Callaway’s ever-so-cool, “Manhattan in December”: “Hell’s Kitchen looks like heaven in the snow/the hippest place for holidays/shop until you drop in the town that doesn’t stop.” It’s sung with heart and impish wit by Stritch who seems to have been born in the wrong era. Other rare cuts that make this project special include the Cy Coleman/Floyd Huddleston totally silly “He’s Stuck in the Chimney Again” sung by Blackhurst and “Caroling, Caroling”(Alfred Burt), an intricate instrumental turn that highlights Stritch’s keyboard wizardry.
It must be noted that throughout this album, some harmonious interplay among the artists be it on solos or in tandem, in sometimes finely interwoven interplay, counterpoint or just plain harmony, all reflect the spirit of the season at its most optimistic and profound in a most professional and musical way that is compelling. In short, Christmas albums come and go. Some become cult classics, some fade away. Christmas At Birdland is wildly entertaining with this trio of pros who know exactly what they’re doing with every nuance. And, the sophisticated songs are endearing and well delivered.
The project would not reach such top-draw status without the formidable team of musicians who deserve serious credit for their efforts on each cut (with a special nod to Steve Doyle for his always supple and perfect bass).
With brilliant orchestrations arranged by co-producer Wayne Haun (except for “The Christmas Waltz” which is arranged by Aaron Weinstein), the band is exceptional featuring Billy Stritch (piano and vocals), Jim Caruso (vocals), Klea Blackhurst (vocals), Daniel Glass (drums), Steve Doyle (bass) and special guests Donny Osmond (vocals) and Dave Koz (alto saxophones).
