This is one of those Christmas discs that honor the traditional songs of the season while giving them a slightly hip little tune-up. Ian is a jazz pianist in the vein of the greats like Dave Brubeck, Vince Guaraldi and Thelonius Monk. Bassist John Estes and drummer Josh Hunt bring that sophisticated mid-century vibe to classics like “Deck the Halls” and “Joy to the World.” Ian is a great leader and interpreter of these holiday delights in his tasteful use of block chords, elegant solos and inventive key modulations and arrangements. Think “A Charlie Brown Christmas” meets Brubeck’s “Take Five” for inspiration.
Rating: 9 out of 10
David Ian
Vintage Christmas Trio
Prescott Records
Producer: David Ian