Album Notes

“An instant contender for the short list of jazzy Christmas recordings you can listen to all year around”.
- David Horiuchi, Amazon.com


“Scat singing, interpreting familiar lyrics, and inserting fresh, new ideas into her holiday program, Connie offers a personal gift for everyone. Every time of the year is right for this kind of genuine performance.
~ Jim Santella, ALL ABOUT JAZZ.com


“These songs will put a smile on your face. The performances are delivered with verve and style... Entertaining!”
- Lee Prosser, JAZZREVIEW.com


“ Connie Evingson has a way of turning potential musical yawns into highly original and vibrant jazz workouts.... With The Secret of Christmas, Connie has pulled off the near impossible: she's recorded a musically interesting and highly listenable holiday disc”.~ Dan McClenaghan ALL ABOUT JAZZ.com


A collection of holiday classics and lesser-known songs of the season, this CD was selected by Jazziz magazine as one of the "12 CD's of Christmas" for 2003!

"Gesu Bambino", by Italian Pietro Yon, is given an Afro-Cuban treatment with Doc Severinsen on trumpet and Shai Hayo, of the Nachito Herrara band, on percussion; the Ukranian folk song "Carol of the Bells", becomes a jazz waltz, with additional lyrics by Evingson; "A Cradle in Bethlehem", originally recorded by Nat King Cole with full orchestra and chorus, is an intimate duet for Connie and guitarist/ singer Robert Everest.

Other highlights are "The Nutcracker Petite Suite", a swinging abbreviated version of Tchaichovsky's ballet score arranged by Dave Karr with lyrics by Evingson, an a cappella treatment of Silent Night, and a gospel version of "Simple Gifts", the traditional Shaker hymn, with guest Ricky Peterson on Hammond B-3 organ.