What A Night! A Christmas Album

Performer: Harry Connick, Jr.
Engineer: Vince Caro; Justin Gerrish; Rick Kwan; Derik Lee; Jesse Singer
Producer: Tracey Freeman; Tracey Freeman
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Personnel: Harry Connick, Jr. (vocals, piano); Lucien Barbarin (vocals, trombone); Neal Caine (vocals, bass instrument); Kate Connick, Kim Burrell (vocals); Jonathan DuBose, Jr. (guitar); Charles "Ned" Goold, Charles "Ned" Goold (alto saxophone); Jerry Weldon (tenor saxophone); David Schumacher (baritone saxophone); Joe Magnarelli, Tony Kadleck, Roger Ingram (trumpet); Jeff Bush, Dion Tucker (trombone); Joe Barati (bass trombone); Arthur Latin (drums, percussion); James Hall Worship & Praise Choir, James Hall & Worship & Praise (background vocals). Audio Mixer: Vincent Caro . Recording information: Avatar Recording Studios, New York, NY (08/21/2008-08/30/2008); Legacy Recording Studios, New York, NY (08/21/2008-08/30/2008). Photographer: Palma Kolansky. Arranger: Harry Connick, Jr. With his silken, suave, self-assured vocals recalling a cross between Nat "King" Cole and Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr. has a natural voice for celebrating Christmastime. So it's no surprise that with the 2008 holiday season in full swing, Connick returns with his third holiday record, the sprightly WHAT A NIGHT! A CHRISTMAS ALBUM. As it is with his non-Yuletide LPs, WHAT A NIGHT! is a medley of his nimble, elegant takes on time-tested classics and disarming originals. The set opens on Connick's vibrant re-envisioning of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," heavy on exotic percussion and redolent of his New Orleans roots, yet based in its original impassioned swing. The title track, a ballad penned by Connick, shimmers with open-fire-roasted chestnuts warmth and collective cheer. Perhaps the most beguiling moment is his gentle, unadorned, unearthly version of the melancholy "I'll Be Home For Christmas," a unique yet unassuming take on the well-traveled tune. His third holiday-themed album, 2008's What a Night! A Christmas Album continues vocalist/pianist Harry Connick, Jr.'s tradition of delivering swinging jazz and pop versions of various tinsel tunes new and old. Recorded with a big band and orchestra, this is a terrific collection of songs making the most of Connick's knack for modern-day crooning and rambunctious small-group jazz. There is warmth, sophistication, and urbane romanticism to Connick's work here that should draw well-earned comparisons to similar classic albums by the likes of Tony Bennett, Mel Torm�, Nat King Cole, and others. However, rather than sounding like a retro affair, What a Night! delivers on Connick's promise of updating the traditional pop sound of his idols for a contemporary audience. It doesn't hurt, either, that Connick is joined here by a bevy of first-rate musicians, including vocalist Kim Burrell and trombonist/vocalist Lucien Barbarin on two duets, not to mention the stellar backing musicians. Even Kate Connick, Harry's daughter, makes an appearance for a charming duet with her dad on "Winter Wonderland." It's also refreshing to hear a few rambling small-group jazz numbers like "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies," which help remind listeners how nimble and inventive a jazz pianist Connick truly is. More than just a great Christmas album, What a Night! is the type of record you just might find yourself turning to well into the new year. ~ Matt Collar

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