Harry Connick Jr.
What A Night - A Christmas Album

Every singer/musician thinks they can put out a Christmas album. Sing a couple of old favorites and be a hit. Not true. Some people just shouldn't do Christmas songs.

Harry Connick should. His new Christmas album, What A Night! A Christmas Album, is one of the really good ones, not just a recreation of the usual standards. Don't expect this artist to stick note for note with the familiar melodies.

First, you have the talents of Harry Connick Jr. and that in itself is a gift. His music is reflective and poignant. He takes traditional songs and keeps enough of the original to allow you to remember and enjoy, but adds his own personal touches to claim it as his own.

One of my least favorite Christmas songs is "We Three Kings" so I was disappointed to see it as one of the 15 cuts. After listening to his rendition, I can no longer say I dislike it; he has made a believer out of me.

There are some very non-traditional songs on the CD - "Zat you Santa Claus?" is a fun example. Showcasing his expertise on the piano, he masterfully performs the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies".

Having his daughter, Kate, join him on Winter Wonderland was a joy. She has inherited her father's talent, and added her own flair to it. This is not the last we will hear of Kate Connick. He also sings with Kim Burrell, a woman he describes as "his hero". I can see why, she is certainly talented and their styles complement each other perfectly.

There are many holiday CD's on the market, not all of them worth listening to.

What A Night by Harry Connick Jr. is most definitely worth listening to, especially if you are a jazz fan. It is one you will play over and over.