Chris Botti - December (2006) FLAC

Chris Botti's best-selling seasonal album, December, Produced by Bobby Colomby, the yuletide 2006 edition of December premieres two new songs: a breathtaking interpretation of Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria, " featuring the Orchestra of St. John's Choir, and "I Don't Really Want Much For Christmas" (featuring Eric Benet). The newly expanded edition of December also debuts new versions of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and "Silent Night."

With his GQ looks and warm, seductive brass tone, trumpet player Chris Botti has what it takes to command attention. This lovely recording will appeal to deeper jazz fans as much as to easy-listening and fusion aficionados. Botti and his various ensembles deliver 13 tracks of comfort and joy, plus a taste of fleeting, seasonal melancholy that recalls Chet Baker. The more somber moods are brightened, however, by such merry fare as the Brazilian arrangement of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and the swinging "Winter Wonderland." You probably won't hear a more romantic (or ironic) version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and when was the last time a Leonard Cohen tune ("Hallelujah") appeared on any Christmas disc? December is tasty throughout and highly recommended. --Martin Keller (This text refers to a previous edition of this disc.)