Duke Pearson's Blue Note Christmas LP

[ghost of miles]

Found an interesting title as I was perusing the radio-station vaults the other day... a 1969 Duke Pearson Christmas LP entitled MERRY OLE SOUL. The line-up includes Bob Cranshaw on bass, Mickey Roker on drums, and Airto Moreira on additional percussion. Here are the songs:

Sleigh Ride

The Little Drummer boy

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Jingle Bells

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

Go Tell It On the Mountain

Wassail Song

Silent Night

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Haven't had a chance to listen to it yet--hoping to give it a spin next week. Maybe it's the sappy radio jock in me, but I actually like well-done Christmas jazz, and I really dig Pearson, so I'm hoping this one turns out to be a winner. Anybody, Pearson fans or otherwise, ever hear it?

[vibes]

Haven't heard it, but I love Christmas jazz and plan on getting this very soon - it's being put out in the Mosaic Select and as a JRVG in the next few months.

[ghost of miles]

Haven't heard it, but I love Christmas jazz and plan on getting this very soon - it's being put out in the Mosaic Select and as a JRVG in the next few months.

I didn't realize that it's part of the forthcoming Select. Great! Guess I'll stick with playing the vinyl on-air this December, as that Pearson isn't due until January--is it? I'm always looking for "new" holiday music to spin.

[vibes]

ghost, it's actually supposed to come out in late November, according to an email I got from Mosaic a couple weeks ago - perfect timing!

[ghost of miles]

Hey, that's great news, Vibes! I'll piggyback it on the Eldridge (assuming that that's out too), but either way I'll make sure to get it in time for December. My Christmas season just got even jazzier... hoping Santa puts Red Garland's COMP. PRELUDE & a few other choice imports under the tree this year as well.

Edited September 21, 2003 by ghost of miles

[Daniel A]

Most of this album feels like a mix of 'The Phantom' and any of Pearson's trio albums, though there are a few tracks which borders on coctail, especially when featuring Pearson on celeste. I find the few cuts which has Airto Moreira on additional percussion generally more attractive. Not for all tastes.

[jazzbo]

I really don't like Christmas music at all.

But this is one hip album!

[connoisseur series500]

I've been chasing this cd for some time and have been outbid several times on ebay. Seems popular with the masses.

Any other later Duke Pearson due to come out on JRVG? I'm thinking of Phantom and Now Hear This.

[DrJ]

I have this on CD-R due to the kindness of a fellow board member. Definitely one of the more creative, distinctive takes on this music you'll ever hear from a jazzman. I think it will make a lot of fans when the Select hits the streets, and I can't wait for the sonic upgrade.

[Son-of-a-Weizen]

but I actually like well-done Christmas jazz,

Ever heard the Paul Bley Trio doing Santa Claus is Coming to Town? Decent uptempo rendition found on the Prestige 'Christmas Collection' LP

[ghost of miles]

but I actually like well-done Christmas jazz,

Ever heard the Paul Bley Trio doing Santa Claus is Coming to Town? Decent uptempo rendition found on the Prestige 'Christmas Collection' LP

Thanks, Weizen, I'll hunt around the station and see if we have that one. I also like Bill Evans' version on the Evans Verve box-set, in which he actually sings as well as plays the song. Very tossed-off and humorous, as you can well imagine.