Ivan's Jazzy Christmas 2002 CD

I created this Christmas CD wanting to do more with Music in 2002.

1. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Solo piano starts this ballad, joined by bass and drums. tempo switches among waltz, basanova, and swing.

2. Oh Chri’mas Tree, Oh Chri’mas Tree

A funky version of «Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree» with grand and electric piano trading off for solos. The electric bass and drums pave a nice groove for the funky verse, and a disco-like bridge.

3. Santa Clause is Coming to Town, with Rudolph

This is Santa is Coming to Town, and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer packed into the same tune. Swift swing with brushes and upright bass lay down a nice foundation for the grand piano to dabble.

4. Joy of Man’s Desiring With the First Noel

This is a duet that my piano teacher, Gail Smith, and I played when I was around five years old. Acoustic guitar plays «Joy of Man’s Desiring» (Gail’s part) and piano plays «the First Noel» (my part).

5. Winter Wonderland

A classic winter wonder land with a clip-clop feel, happiness in the air, and sounds dampened by the denseness of snow-cover.

6. Silent Night

Solo grand piano all the way - tryin’ to keep it simple and clean, but there are some suspension cords thrown in to keep you from getting too borred.

7. What Child is This

An easy-going waltz version, with upright bass and brushes keeping time.

8. We Three Kings of Orient Are

This solo acoustic guitar version plays with the chord progression a bit, and pauses in some of the phrases to noodle around a bit. The guitar sound almost sounds like half harpsichord - not intentional. I’d love to hear a real guitar player play this with these changes.