Revamped Evergreen from Alison Brown
Compass Records has released a revised and extended version of Evergreen, a CD of Christmas music from The Alison Brown Quartet that first hit as an EP in 2007.
The material is composed of primarily modern Christmas favorites, twice in interesting medleys, and always with clever arrangements. The venerable Carol Of The Bells is paired with We Three Kings, and Here Comes Santa Claus is merged with Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
Alison’s banjo is heavily featured on each track, with a light jazz rhythm section composed of her quartet – John Burr on piano, Garry West on bass, David Heyer on drums – with special guests Joe Craven on fiddle and mandolin, and Larry Atamanuik on drums. Vocalists from the University School of Nashville also appear on several tracks.
Two Vince Guaraldi pieces from the beloved Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack are included (Skating and Christmas Time is Here), and the mid-1960s sound of Guaraldi’s Trio infuses much of this CD.
Silver Bells and Christmas Don’t Be Late have been added since the initial 2007 release, along with a precious hidden track of Alison’s daughter Hannah singing a reprise of Christmas Don’t Be Late.
Audio samples are available on the Compass Records web site.
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