David Ian's Vintage Christmas Trio out 11/3

Article Contributed by Michael Bloom … | Published on Monday, August 7, 2017

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TRIO is pianist David Ian's long-awaited full-length follow up to his debut success Vintage Christmas (2011). The album will be released via Prescott Records (distributed by Naxos of America) on November 3, 2017.

VINTAGE CHRISTMAS TRIO features instrumental-only jazz trio interpretations of Christmas favorites using the most minimal elements--highlighting Ian’s craft as pianist and arranger. David Ian’s delightful performances transport you to an era that birthed the most sentimental songs of this season.

The lyrical bass solos of Jon Estes tastefully splash their way on numerous tracks supported by the clever drumwork of Josh Hunt, who together comprise a perfectly ornamental rhythm section.

The opener, “Deck the Halls” welcomes in the Christmas spirit with a swinging trio. Ian’s signature sound shines throughout the album as he transforms the often stately “Joy to the World” into a jazz/blues injected festivity and then carries the listener into a dreamier state with the ever-loved classic “White Christmas.”

We Three Kings” takes on a new form with a reflective mood; an unexpected arrangement of a Christmas classic, more forgotten in recent years. In “Silver Bells,” Ian masterfully and fluidly switches back and forth from swing to straight time.

The close of the album is a solemn “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” stripped down to just piano and percussion. If you listen closely, your ears might catch the chirps of a winter bird complementing this moving musical performance.