Album Review: Jonathan Butler – ‘Merry Christmas To You’
Artist: Jonathan Butler
Album: Merry Christmas To You
Street Date: 9-30-13
Record Label: Mack Avenue Records
Genre: Jazz
iPod Pick- Sleigh Ride
Jonathan Butler who is known more as a musician/instrumentalist than a vocalist has released a gem in form of a holiday album titled Merry Christmas to You. I love it in that the song selection on this one isn’t what we are usually used to though some anthems appear on here too (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, The First Noel, O Holy Night). They are all performed with a lot of twist and jazz (what would you expect from a Christmas album from a world renowned jazzist). In fact Jonathan Butler gives us a taste of his South African roots on his version of Little Drummer Boy. Please don’t play it while you’re in the kitchen. You might forget the Turkey in the oven while you dance away.
In fact songs like Sleigh Ride are purely instrumentals and nicely done that you might want to leave it playing in your loft all throughout the season. I think it’s also important to mention that this Christmas project isn’t’t a purely vertical one (just Christmas songs to God). It leans more on love themes, celebrating with loved ones and family (This Christmas, Merry Christmas to You, Happy Holidays).
On Jonathan Butler’s Merry Christmas to You project, the vocals are top notched, in fact you hear Mr. Butler hitting unbelievable pitches and voice ranges. The instrumentation is a high point especially if you are a lover of classical music and jazz. The song selection is eclectic. If you are a fan of serenaders such as Boney James, Tommy Stewart, and Josh Groban, tired of the same old, looking for something not too edgy but rich in instruments this is definitely for you.
Download ‘Merry Christmas To You’ here!
