Diana Krall
Christmas Songs
(Verve)
First Appeared in The Music Box, December 2005, Volume 12, #12
Written by John Metzger
Anyone expecting Diana Krall’s latest effort Christmas Songs to be
filled to the brim with unimaginative and syrupy renditions of Yuletide
standards is bound to be pleased by the feisty manner with which she tackles at
least some of the material on the set. Indeed, throughout the album, she is
backed by the impeccable Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, and together, they
unleash a splashy sophistication that is playful, fun, and, at times, downright
groovy. The opening cut Jingle Bells, for example, effortlessly jumps,
bops, and swings with a Count Basie-meets-Lena Horne giddiness, and Krall
frolics jubilantly within Let It Snow’s cool and breezy classicism.
Unfortunately, the outing falters significantly whenever she slows down the
tempo and turns her vocals into a seductively breathy coo. As a result, several
of the tracks — I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Vince Guaraldi’s Christmas
Time Is Here, and Mel Tormé’s seminal The Christmas Song, among them — veer dangerously close to becoming overly
precious and utterly generic, lightweight fluff. For the most part, however, she
keeps the momentum flowing simply by giving her supporting cast a starring role
in the proceedings. It’s no secret that, for years, the jazz world has been
producing some of the finest collections of holiday music available, and
although Krall’s Christmas Songs isn’t perfect, it undoubtedly not only
will please her longstanding fans, but also will lend a few of its gems to
future compilations. 
Other Christmas Album Reviews at The Music Box
Vince Guaraldi - A Charlie Brown Christmas
Various Artists - A Holly Jolly Kids Christmas
Christmas Songs is available from Barnes & Noble.
To order, Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2005 The Music Box