Cohesiveness is what separates this all-star Christmas release from the others. During the last four years, Dave Koz, vocalist Brenda Russell, pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White, and trumpeter Rick Braun have hit the road spreading holiday cheer among the smooth-jazz masses and their collaborative ease is palpable throughout these 14 tracks. Benoit is featured on "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," while Koz adds one of his best solos. Braun has the spotlight on "Little Drummer Boy," where Benoit shines too, and White highlights "Silent Night." All five players are credited for arrangements on most tracks, the craftiest of which is the '50's doo-wop of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," where you can almost hear the Drifters singing in the background. Russell also does a holiday version of her hit "Get Here," which is as powerful now as it was 10 years ago.
Friends are: David Benoit (piano), Rick Braun (Trumpet), Peter White (Guitar) with Brenda Russell and Kenny Loggins on vocals.
01. Smooth Jazz Christmas Overture (8:32)
02. The Christmas Song (4:55)
03. O'Tannenbaum O'Tannenbaum, Sleigh Ride Medley (4:04)
04. Silent Night (4:34)
05. Beneath The Moonlit Sky (3:04)
06. Little Drummer Boy (4:27)
07. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (4:09)
08. December Makes Me Feel This Way (3:39)
09. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus (3:19)
10. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (3:49)
11. White Christmas (3:22)
12. Eight Candles (3:36)
13. Get Here (4:58)
14. 'Twas The Night Before Christmas (3:57)
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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