Album Review: Chris Botti - 'December'

By Jeff Swindoll Nov 28, 2006, 19:37 GMT

Chris Botti is a trumpet player in the tradition of Miles Davis, Wynton Marsalis and other great jazz trumpeters. This year he favors us with a collection of Christmas songs for the month of December. 

Not only was Botti busy contributing to his own album, but also he appeared on another album that I reviewed, ‘James Taylor at Christmas,’ where he performed on “Winter Wonderland.”

“Winter Wonderland” is on ‘December’ but this time minus James Taylor.  The lineup on ‘December’ includes a range of classic Christmas tunes, including “The Christmas Song,” “Ave Maria,” “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and several more. 

All of the songs are music only save for “I Really Don’t Want Much for Christmas” which features Eric Benet.  The songs are jazzy and make you want to turn down the lights (save for the lights on the tree), stoke up the fire, and cuddle with your dame (or whatever kind of significant other you care to – I won’t ask).

Botti has a wonderful style that makes me want to seek out his other albums and sample the non-Christmas contributions.  However, for this holiday season this is an album to chill out to and enjoy the December weather (it will probably be about 80 degrees here in Texas, but baby this CD makes you think it’s cold outside).

‘December’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the music database for more information and a complete track listing.