As Is - O Holy Night
Jazz, Standards, Vocal Jazz
New Jersey, United States
Overall Impression: Managing to respectfully tribute the distinct qualities of the original source material whilst injecting their own unique musicality and creative touch into the fray, Jazz power duo Alan Schulman and Stacey Lynn Schulman's marvelous uptempo Jazz Samba arrangement of the traditional carol "O Holy Night" is a delectable display of expert musical craftsmanship that offers its listeners plenty in the way of silky smooth melodies lines, compelling harmonic progressions, and accomplished performances. Between Alan's tasteful guitar work and Stacey's utterly enthralling vocal presence, listeners are treated to a beautifully realized piece of Jazz writing that successfully injects a generous helping of Latin-infused spice into a well-known classic Christmas staple, ensuring listeners come way delightfully mesmerized.
Strongest Point(s): There's clearly a great deal of chemistry between Alan and Stacey, they're individual styles and creative approaches wonderfully complement one another and allow the performances to feel truly organic. From the way in which Alan's lead style perfectly embellishes the harmony it plays against to how Stacey's vocals graciously dance throughout the arrangement, there's a certain flow to the track that allows each and every well-crafted melody, harmonic device, and groove-infused rhythm to be presented in a way that well and truly captivates listeners. Stacey displays a staggering amount of control over her vocals, managing to effortlessly ebb and flow between moments of conventionally sung lyrics to instances of what feels like improvisational scat lines, even if they're not, her performance has that certain feeling of dynamism to it that helps make each and every phrase feel distinctly fluid in nature.
Target Audience Appeal: This is a fantastic Jazz re-imagining of a Christmas classic and I'm sure Jazz lovers will find this to be a thoroughly worthwhile listening experience.
Artist target suggestions: Billy Holiday, Julia London, Jair Oliveri, Lori Mechem, Art Blakey, Chick Corea, Melody Gardot, Elis Regina, Rosalie De Souza, Diana Krall, Michael Buble, Stan Getz, Charlie Byrd, Sara Tavares
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.