By Kenny G. A generous offering from the one guy in popular music who just might be contemporary America's Jazzman. Whether playing his acclaimed alto sax or blowing tenor, Kenny's signature tone is nearly unmistakable from anyone else's, perhaps, for his easily accessible phrasing and the limited improvisation he's willing to put on record. His focus has always been on delivering the song, rather than the possibilities for innovation, exploration and enhanced creativity that more adventurous players readily welcome in the jazz setting with any tune. One of the new pieces, a big band treatment of "Jingle Bell Rock" joyfully swings under Randy Waldman's arrangement and fellow his horn men seem to push G on his solo, while the other new works "My Favorite Things" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" are fairly predictable fare. Even "Jingle Bells" is reduced to a slow tempo, with KG's trademark moody, saccharine strings and piano in the mix. But then, this is exactly the kind of Christmas tea many want against the often-overwhelming din of the holiday rush. --Martin Keller. Arista (2005), Audio CD Discs: 1.

 

Tracks (16):  1. We Wish You A Merry Christmas;  2. Medley: Deck The Halls/The Twelve Days Of Christmas;  3. Joy To The World;  4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas;  5. Sleigh Ride;  6. Miracles;  7. Jingle Bell Rock;  8. White Christmas; 9. Winter Wonderland;  10. My Favorite Things; 1 1. Medley: We Three Kings/Carol Of The Bells;  12. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!;  13. Ave Maria;  14. The Chanukah Song (From Miracles 1994); 1 5. Jingle Bells;  16. I'll Be Home For Christmas.