What's New on WDCB... with Paul Abella

Hey everyone! So, with the holidays upon us, we are once again visited by new holiday albums. 2023 is interesting for having a handful of truly creative and engaging Christmas albums, even as they tackle some well-worn classics. Check these out! I hope you like them as much as I do!

Samara Joy – A Joyful Holiday (Verve)

Last year, Samara Joy headed to the studio to record a version of the Julie London classic, “Warm in December.” Now, in 2023, she’s expanded upon that song, and recorded a few more, ranging from “O Holy Night” to The Supremes’ “Twinkle Twinkle Little Me.” Once again, we’re treated to a handful of deeply satisfying tracks from Ms. Joy. If A Joyful Holiday is any indication, we’ll be hearing more Samara Joy gems in 2024. I certainly hope so, anyway.

Christian Sands – Christmas Stories (Mack Avenue)

Pianist Christian Sands has put out one of the more truly interesting holiday albums that I’ve heard in a long time with Christmas Stories. Joined by bassist Yasushi Nakamura, drummer Ryan Sands, and guest stars that include Stefon Harris (vibes), Jimmy Greene (sax) and Marvin Sewell (guitar), Sands sounds inspired throughout the album. From the blues drenched arrangements of “Jingle Bells” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to the odd-metered treatment of “Let It Snow” to the hard driving original “Snow Dayz” (that, yes, does evoke Stanley Clarke’s “School Days”), Christmas Stories sounds like an album that Sands really, really wanted to make. And that enthusiasm makes it a joy to listen to.

George Gee Swing Orchestra – Winter Wonderland (self-produced)

George Gee isn’t lying when he refers to his group as a “Swing Orchestra.” Sure enough, everything here swings hard, and there are some inventive arrangements to be heard on their holiday themed release, Winter Wonderland. Anthony Nelson, Jr (saxophones) and Freddie Hendrix (trumpet) are clearly the standout soloists here, and they do take some fiery solos. Vocalist John Dokes gets in on the action for five of the ten songs here, and his vocals are pleasant on “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “What are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” Finally, George Gee deserves some love, too, for his fun and exciting arrangements on, amongst others, “What Child Is This?” and “Winter Wonderland Mambo.”