What's (not) New on WDCB... with Paul Abella

This week, we revisit some holiday jazz oldies (but definitely still goodies) that were reviewed in 2020.

Jimmy Smith – Christmas Cookin’ (Verve)

What sets Christmas Cookin’ apart for me is that first-and-foremost it's a jazz album, and the group(s) just happens to be using Christmas songs as the basis for its improvisation. We’re treated to two different ensembles…a trio of Jimmy, Quentin Warren (guitar) and Billy Hart (drums) on three songs, and a large ensemble arranged by Billy Byers for the rest. And if you have the CD reissue, you get Jimmy and Wes Montgomery’s take on "Baby, It’s Cold Outside" added in for good measure.  All in all, a pretty great way to spend an hour listening to some holiday magic.

Ella Fitzgerald – Ella Wishes You A Swingin’ Christmas (Verve)

If there’s an award for "Happiest Christmas Album" then Ella Wishes You A Swingin’ Christmas wins it hands down. With Frank DeVol’s orchestra providing the support, Ella is in perfect form throughout, with absolutely charming versions of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" among the highlights.

Judy Roberts and Jackie Allen – Santa Baby

This list just wouldn't be complete without...
Two of Chicago’s musical icons joined forces in 1998 and turned out a fantastic holiday album, Santa Baby. Judy Roberts’ is really quite wonderful throughout, and both Judy and Jackie Allen’s voices are as gorgeous as always. "Winter Wonderland" gets a fairly humorous re-write, acknowledging Roberts’ winter home in Arizona, alongside the original lyrics. And at 19 songs, there’s room for a few unique song choices, like "Slippin’ Into Christmas" and "Why Can’t Every Day be Christmas". Santa Baby is genuinely a great addition to any holiday music collection.

John Zorn – A Dreamer’s Christmas (Tzadik)

This is absolutely among my favorite Christmas albums! While avant-garde iconoclast John Zorn doesn’t play a single note on A Dreamer’s Christmas, he arranged all of the songs and wrote two of them. Of course, when you’ve got an A-list group of collaborators, which includes Marc Ribot (guitar), Kenny Wolleson (vibes), and Joey Baron (drums), you know the music will sound great. And under the direction of Zorn, these songs come alive. "Snowfall" is gorgeous, "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" gets a taste of John Zorn’s legendary weirdness around the edges and Zorn’s two originals, "Santa’s Workshop" and "Magical Sleigh Ride" deserve to become Christmas classics in their own right.

And an honorable mention…

Booker T & The MG’s – In the Christmas Spirit (Stax)

OK, OK, so this one’s not technically jazz, but, you’ve heard me play it every year on WDCB. In fact, In the Christmas Spirit is a such perennial favorite in the Abella household, that a Christmas dinner has never been cooked without it. Booker T and The MG’s roll through 12 Christmas classics with grit, soul and groove, and every song on here is done to greasy perfection.