Track descriptions:
Wouldn't It Be Wonderful If Christmas Came
Bob Dorough - the quirky jazz pianist/vocalist of School House Rock fame, has put together an unusual combination of the church choir meets jazz hipster complete with uplifting message, Ambitious and endearing at the same time. Bob says, "I wrote WOULDN'T IT BE WONDERFUL in 1987, but its never been recorded before. In a way, it was an antidote to the song I wrote under commission from Miles Davis himself (1962): BLUE XMAS."
White Christmas
Phil Woods, world renown alto sax player, in an intimate setting with pianist John Coates, Jr., playing a little known Charlie Parker arrangement of the Christmas Classic. Phil says, "Playing with John Coates is always a treat-it was like getting an early stocking stuffer! Merry Christmas to all!"
On Christmas Day
Jesse Green, a talented young pianist (In 1998 he won top honors at the American Pianist Association's Jazz Piano Competition) together with the rich vocal sound of Jerry Harris and a swinging rhythm section have come up with a straight ahead jazz tune you'll think must be a standard.
Silent Night
John Coates, Jr. - Down Beat magazine called him "One of the most individualistic piano voices." Some say there would be no Keith Jarrett without John Coates. If you haven't heard him before, you will be amazed by this true American treasure.
An Extra Prayer
Bobby Syvarth is a singer/songwriter with a lilting style and a heartfelt message. Fiddle gives the guitar-based band an Americana flavor.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
The David Leibman Group is one of the finest jazz groups working today. A 'musician's musician', Dave leads the band through a constantly changing, colorful version that brings out the playful side of the band.
Let's Make Each Day Like Christmas
Vicki and Eric Doney Band - blue eyed soul, complete with horns and classic solo by Phil Woods. A great song with outstanding vocals by L.A. session singer Vicki Doney.
Gifts For The Children
Nancy Reed and Spencer Reed having been singing and playing together for thirty years. They perform a rarely heard Phil Woods composition with their tight vocal blend, scatting and swinging style.
Good King Wenseslas
The Gap time Ensemble performs a hard driving Wolfgang Knittel arrangement of an old Christmas standard - you can hear the ensemble's roots in ragtime and early jazz.
Waiting for Christmas
Gary Dillon, with simple guitar and bass, provides a Christmas song of warmth and old world charm embracing peace, forgiveness and understanding as it welcomes everyone to "all join the same band". A wonderful chorus of children are added inviting us to "be like children".
Pastoral
Calliope and The Water Gap Brass combine with a few friends on this unique Wolfgang Knittel arrangement adapted from an 18th century work by Johann Heinichen, that evokes bagpipes and Christmas antiquity.
Project Comments:
No word in any language has a richer meaning than 'home.' It is a place filled with comfort, emotion, safety and security. Your ownership of this CD will help homeless families with children be able to fulfill their dream of living in their own home.
- Sharon Taylor, Executive Director, PATH
Sharon wishes to thank Kelly Lewis for his dedication and vision for the on going success of the PATH program.
Hearing these amazing talents, from the still unknown to the world renown, together on one album, makes us all proud of our community. That this was done to raise much-needed funds for an effective, grassroots program makes it all the sweeter. Thanks to everyone who made it possible. Support your local organizations!
- Lois Brownsey Heckman
Jazz and Christmas have been a long tradition in Delaware Water Gap - so when Bobby asked me to join the team for this project for PATH, well - hear for yourself! The caring and talent of the musicians in this area is incredible - a perfect fit with the caring and talents of those who work so hard to make PATH a vital part of our community. Thanks to all.
- Rick Chamberlain
Ever since I was a little kid, I've been absolutely in love with music...it is one of the most beautiful and positive things this world has to offer. I'm honored and humbled to have the opportunity to offer my music, along with the other distinguished artists on this project, for such a good cause. With THE REASONS FOR CHRISTMAS PROJECT, Kelly Lewis has accomplished two wonderful things...financial support for PATH, and recognition for a world-class musical community right here in the Poconos. I would like to acknowledge and thank Kelly Lewis for truly supporting the arts, particularly the musical community, in a very unique and imaginative way.
- Bobby Syvarth
Were you ever on Cloud 9, and something cut you back to reality. Back on December 24, 2002, I was totally enjoying my guest visit on the WSBG, Gary in the Morning Christmas Eve Show. It was all fun and games, as usual. Then, Bobby Syvarth and Tim Carbone walk in and sing this brutally honest Christmas song. No sound check, no earphones or other technologies, they just flat-out played it live and straight. "Say an Extra Prayer Tonight." To me, it just sums up so many of the reasons for Christmas. You see, it's different for everyone, Christmas, that is.
Three nights later my Dad and I saw Bobby playing at Sarah Street Grill. We asked, and Bobby and his band played it again. The crowd enjoyed it. I remember saying, "Bobby that's a great song, more people should hear it."
Thus, started The Reasons for Christmas Project. And it's just blossomed. Kent, Lois, Rick, Bobby and I met and it kept getting better. We married up PATH with our local musical legends, with our talented high school musicians, and with Kent, Lois and Rick. I believe you'll love the results.
Truly, I've loved every moment of the talking and making of The Reasons for Christmas Project, just like I continue to love every moment I get to talk about how great our area is, and how many great and wonderful people call our Poconos, home! Sure we've got our tough issues and sometimes in life it's easy to get lost in all the problems and concerns but sometimes it's great to celebrate our treasures and greatness.
- Kelly Lewis
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