Album Notes

"........As for the 2004 release of Christmas songs, do not be misled into thinking that this is a CD for playing only during the holiday season. By no means is this so; you will find yourself playing it whatever the time of year. Janet is without question, a singer for all seasons.

Throughout, Janet is backed by instrumentalists who collectively and individually vividly demonstrate the great jazz strengths that lie in Australia. Increasingly in recent years, Janet has played outside Australia and the Far East; hence her audience in the UK and the USA is growing just as is deserved by a singer with her talent. Recent tours of Europe have helped change that, and listening to these or any other of the excellent CDs she has made can only enhance Janet's reputation"
-- Bruce Crowther (famous UK author of jazz books and jazz magazine reviews)

"Australian Janet Seidel's smooth Hooray for Christmas is an easy-listening treat for the holidays. She's a Down Under Wonder with understated jazz vocals floating over an excellent ensemble (Chuck Morgan on guitars, brother David Seidel on double bass, Bob Jeffery on saxes and flute, Billy Ross on drums, and Janet herself on piano). This is low-key, cabaret-style jazz presented with soft sophistication.

Hooray for Christmas contains 14 cuts, largely contemporary holiday classics. The special surprises here include the terrific title track "Hooray for Christmas" (by Don Sebesky), the sweet Australian Christmas carol "The Silver Stars Are in the Sky," the melancholy "Dear Heart" (by Henry Mancini and others), and "White Xmas/(Noel Blanche)" providing Irving Berlin's classic in both English and French. The album closes with the most beautiful gem, the traditional Celtic hymn "Be Thou My Vision."

During the most harried moments of the holidays, an album like Hooray for Christmas can offer a sublime window of calm. Leave behind the havoc; Janet Seidel's pure vocals can transport you to a simpler, more elegant, place. Thank you, Janet, for these very cool cabaret carols!"

--Carol Swanson Christmasreviews.com