From Chicagoland comes one of the most fun Christmas projects we've ever heard! Actually, this group's website is the most fun we've ever had here at Smoothjazz.com, Christmastime or otherwise, with its colorfully clad mamboing masked zombies dancing their way across the computer screen ala the Rockettes. Despite its entertaining qualities, make no mistake, SOUTH-SIDE CHRISTMAS is also deep jazz my friend... funky, Latin Christmas jazz to be precise. This project is perfect for the jazz enthusiast on your holiday list and for the upcoming holiday celebrations with friends and family; a must have soundtrack while you're pretending to not notice that you're standing under the mistletoe whilst the hottie from the sales department breezes by the eggnog at your annual Christmas soiree. There are seven festive tracks in all including very merry versions of "Sleigh Ride" and "Little Drummer Boy that will have you trimming your tree at double time, and look out, a little "Killer Joe" has crept into the group's jazzed up "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." You'll also hear one of the most pure and soul-stirring renditions of "Christmas Time Is Here." Mambo Zombies, celebrating a decade long collaboration, consists of three main players: Saxophonist/Flutist & Vocalist Dez Desormeaux, Percussionist Luis Prieto Rosario and Keyboardist/Vocalist Jose Valdes. These exceptionally talented musicians are in demand studio professionals and have contributed to hundreds of TV commercials. You can see Mambo Zombies live each Tuesday night at Chicago's premiere jazz supper club, Green Dolphin Street. ~ SANDY SHORE