2. Sleigh Ride
3. Our Christmas Waltz
4. Blue Christmas
5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
6. Toyland
7. This Christmas
8. Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire
9. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm
10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
11. Angels We Have Heard On High
12. Little Drummer Boy
ARTIST SITE
CD BABY
AMAZON
Now I'm not ready to put Chris Davis in the same group as Miles just yet. But I did get a similar satisfied feeling listening to "This Christmas".
Chris Davis was born in Louisiana and grew up in Florida (where he acquired the Gospel and R&B influence that flavors his sound). Now based in Vancouver, Davis harbors a love for the Christmas season that is only surpassed by his love for the music of the season. Though there are multiple styles and approaches on "This Christmas", the album is (overall) Bop and Cool Jazz. Whatever label you want to smack on it, its the kind of Jazz I really love.
The arrangements sound magnificent. Go ahead. Take "Toyland" for a spin or "Little Drummer Boy". Looking for something a bit more uptempo? Try "Sleigh Ride" or the title track. "This Christmas" would seem to work equally well as background music for a quiet night with a few friends or as listening music when you want that full immersion. Chris Davis succeeds on "This Christmas" because he treats the season and the music with equal respect. Of course it helps that Chris and his surrounding cast are supremely talented. Chris Davis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.