The
Merry Magic Christmas CD by pianist
Eric Reed covers many moods. Some of the music is reverent ("Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" and "Oh Come All Ye Faithful"), much of it is swinging with
Steve Nelson's vibes making the group sound a bit like
the Modern Jazz Quartet, and some of it is surprising, including an up-tempo version of "The Little Drummer Boy" and a vocal by
Reed on a medium-slow version of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town."
Erin Bode (who is very good on "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve") and
Paula West have two vocals apiece. Throughout the set,
Eric Reed shows off his versatility in unaccompanied solos ("Christmas Blues" is particularly enjoyable), the trio, a quartet, and backing the singers. A fine effort. ~ Scott Yanow