Album Notes

Grammy-nominated jazz singer/songwriter Chris Bennett has released her long-awaited Christmas CD - "When I Think Of Christmas". Here's what Carol Swanson of Christmasreviews.com has to say about the new CD. No doubt about it - Chris Bennett is an incredible talent. She has the husky-but-angelic voice that could pump a dynamic heart into any song; in addition, she plays the piano and is a terrific songwriter. Bennett is a true artist and her art form is Jazz. Bennett's sexy-but-sweet allure is apparent throughout "When I Think of Christmas". Even the cover graphic demonstrates mixed imagery; it features the artist wearing the most innocent smile, a jolly Santa cap, and possibly nothing else (at least, that's the suggestion). The CD also reflects innocence in spots ("One Small Voice" and "Santa Claus Forgot", both with kids' vocals), then contrasts that purity with a pipin' hot "Santa Baby" (one of the best renditions I have heard) that will smoke your audio system. "When I Think of Christmas" has much to offer the jazz aficionado. Of the 14 tracks, Bennett composed four ("Last Christmas", "Christmas Is...", "My Kind of Christmas", and "It Wouldn't Be Christmas")and band member Bill Augustine (piano) composed a fifth ("Only You Can Make It Christmas"). The remaining nine cuts include jazz standards such as "Santa Baby" and "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve", some less obvious choices for jazz treatment ("Do You Hear What I Hear"), and some lesser known numbers ("Snowfall, "Dear Santa Claus"). All work well in this impressive package. Bennett's sultry voice is marvelous. I was hooked the moment I heard the first cut, "Do You Hear What I Hear". The artist's voice is warm and intimate on this swingin' jazz number, and you can feel her excitement regarding what she's "hearing". Her "Santa Claus Is Comin To Town" comes to town with sassy verve. As for her original compositions, Bennett's songwriting skills are strong, but reflect a pop sensibility more than classic jazz. He "Last Christmas" is a heartfelt, loving tearjerker; in it, the artist is recalling spending Christmas with her parents, now both deceased (having passed away relatively recently, Bennett's mom served as the inspiration for this disc). "My Kind Of Christmas" is another winner, extolling the best parts of the season and including children't voices in the chorus. When you think of Christmas, consider "When I Think of Christmas". Chris Bennett is sugar and spice, and all the things that make jazzy singers nice. You'll enjoy this one!! --Carol Swanson www.christmasreviews.com/xchrisbennett.shtml For more info on Chris please visit www.chrisbennett.com