NATIONAL JAZZ TRIO OF SCOTLAND, THE - THE NATIONAL JAZZ TRIO OF SCOTLAND'S CHRISTMAS ALBUM (CD)

"Karaoke Kalk are proud to present "The National Jazz Trio of Scotland's Christmas Album" featuring members of Francois & the Atlas Mountains, Golden Grrls, The One Ensemble. Bill Wells - piano, keyboards and samples, Aby Vulliamy - vocals, Lorna Gilfedder - vocals, Kate Sugden - vocals, Gerard Black - vocals. It's a debut that isn't really a debut, by a Trio that isn't a trio; a Christmas album that's unlike almost any other Christmas albums, and very possibly jazz for people with an especially subtle and sophisticated concept of what jazz might be. Yes - the songs all look familiar, but it's unlikely you've ever heard such a spooked version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, or The Christmas Song ("Chestnuts roasting on an open fire") sounding so exquisitely bittersweet. Melodies are taken apart and rebuilt with the daring of Anita O'Day or Sheila Jordan, and delicate, looping, sampled arrangements throw frosty new light on lyrics we've always taken for granted - or perhaps never properly heard. When asked about the Christmas records he likes, Bill says "there are one or two, but they aren't relevant - I made this mainly because there are so many that I don't!" When you think of the National Jazz Trio of Scotland, think Moondog plays Bacharach and you're pretty much there." (label info)