Jazz Sensibilities

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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Holiday Cheer and Good Tidings

It's Christmas Time with Sylvia Bennett
Review By: Jeff Becker
Year: 2009
Purchase Link: CD Baby
Personnel: Long List - SEE LINK:

The Holiday’s are upon us, and who better to serve up new Holiday classic than the classic songstress herself, Sylvia Bennett. A long time vocalist for Lionel Hampton, Bennett’s strong distinctive voice is now available to perk up the Holiday cheer.

It’s Christmastime with Sylvia Bennett offers a fresh new look at classic holiday nuggets such as; “Silver Bells,” Winter Wonderland,” Silent Night,” “Let it Snow,” “The Christmas Song” and of course on of my children’s all time favorites, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” However, the wonderful spice in this holiday brew is the original Christmas songs destined to be the next Christmas classics.

The first track, “A Rainbow Christmas,” is a grand opening to this warm and fuzzy CD. Bennett’s clear and inviting vocals instantly draw you in and you are transported directly to the land of holiday cheer. During the holidays we all hearken back to our childhoods, these are the feelings that make the holidays so special. We all look forward to finding those special moments that make the season bright. This CD is about celebrating: life, family, friends, love, and good cheer. “A Rainbow Christmas” is just the track to keep the celebration in full gear.

“It’s Christmas Time” is filled with heartfelt lyrics and was truly my favorite cut on the CD. The harmony used within this cut creates a bright color change, perfect for the holiday sound. Bennett’s versatile voice easily sustains the long notes of the melody; time has not changed this stellar vocalist, only enhanced the beauty.

It’s Christmas Time with Sylvia Bennett is truly a perfect addition to any Christmas collection, not only for the updated classics, but also for the brilliantly composed originals. This CD is highly recommended to stamp out the bah-humbug in anyone.