Published on Dec 17, 2001
Looking for something a little different when shopping for
Christmasmusic? Then you might want to try
Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas, and add a little hot
jazz to your festivities. Ella Fitzgerald and the Frank DeVol
Orchestra run through many of the popular Christmas songs such as
“White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland” as well as selections for
children (of all ages) such as “Rudolph, The Red Nose Reindeer” and
Frosty The Snowman”.
The first song, “Jingle Bells”, is certainly an ear-opener
played at a fast tempo, and with singing not quite in full scat
mode but adding improvisional lyrics. I wouldn’t say this is my
favorite renditon of the song, but I have to admit it lives up to
the “Swinging Christmas” tag.
More successful is the second song, “Santa Claus Is Coming To
Town”,which swings fine but at a slightly slower tempo. This is a
nicer balance of a jazzed up arrangement with some surprises, while
at the same time keeping more with the essence of the song.
Next comes Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Have Yourself A Merry
Little Christmas”. This is done more faithfully as the midtempo
ballad we are more familiar in hearing, and puts her beautiful
voice to great use. The rest of the CD alternates between faithful
renditions like this one, and the more swinging kind of “Santa
Claus Is Coming To Town”.
However, there is a wild card in the middle of the CD called
“Good Morning Blues”. This song, which was co-written by Count
Basie, gives us a taste of Fitzgerald’s blues singing, but is
played at a tempo that keeps it from being downbeat. I could
imagine Ray Charles really tearing this one up.
The one other little known song on this collection is called
“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”. Although this is a pretty
number, it sticks out because it is the only melancholy song here.
It is not outright depressing, but the bittersweet feeling would
have fit better on a more adult collection of holiday songs.
Overall,
Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas is a nice addition to
your Christmas music collection. The singing is great, and the band
is top-notch collectively and when providing the occasional short,
tasteful solo. The arrangements provide an interesting take on
family favorites without losing sight of the holiday spirit.