Bley, Carla/Steve Swallow/Partyka Brass Qunitet / Carla's Christmas Carols
Album: Carla's Christmas Carols   Collection:Jazz
Artist:Bley, Carla/Steve Swallow/Partyka Brass Qunitet   Added:Nov 2009
Label:Watt Works  

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2009-11-29 Pull Date: 2010-01-31 Charts: Jazz
Week Ending: Dec 20 Dec 13
Airplays: 1 2

Recent Airplay
1. Dec 22, 2022: Traditions
The Christmas Song
4. Dec 20, 2019: Traditions - holiday special
The Christmas Song
2. Dec 26, 2021: Traditions (rebroadcast from Dec 24, 2021)
The Christmas Song
5. Dec 20, 2013: No Cover, No Minimum
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Part 2, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Part 1
3. Dec 24, 2021: Traditions
The Christmas Song
6. Dec 21, 2012: No Cover, No Minimum: Apocalyptic Xmas Edition
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Album Review
Decca
Reviewed 2009-11-24
With Bley on keybords, Steve Swallow on bass & the Partyka Brass Quintet. Good stuff. Not “Christmas jazzed up” but traditional and familiar tunes played with respect and style. Tight arrangements and some nicely fluid improv. You think you know where it’s going then they take a turn in an unexpected direction. Good stuff.

1. Slow and traditional then suddenly takes a modern turn.
2. Sweet chimes, then slow brass. Both delicate and innovative.
*3. Slow and sweet classic, romantic but with a bright toch.
*4. Sharp brass takes the place of the familiar bells. Elegant & rich.
*5. Formal & slow then some great improv. So cool.
6. Slow keyboards, a sense of melancholy but sophisticated.
*7. Sleepy brass, sharp hints of New Orleans. Great horns, greasy!
*8. Modern, hip and stylish mid/upbeat jam. So cool.
9. Slow and introspective with an intimate feel.
10. Suave and sophisticated Jingle Bells. Stylish.
11. Reverent carol, with a modern brush. Beautiful.
12. Slow and delicate w/applause at 1:00 to end.

Track Listing
1. O Tannenbaum   7. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
2. Away In A Manger   8. Hell's Bells
3. The Christmas Song   9. Jesus Maria
4. Ring Christmas Bells   10. Jingle Bells
5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Part 1   11. O Holy Night
6. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Part 2   12. Joy To The World