Thursday, December 2, 2010

AllMusic.com: 'This Christmas With Imani Winds' a 'fun collection of arrangements of Christmas classics'

[This Christmas with Imani Winds; Koch 7748 (2008)]

The CD This Christmas with Imani Winds was enthusiastically received by a number of critics when it was released. It is in stock at retailers such as ArkivMusic.com for $16.99. Amazon.com Merchants offer it new from $10.45. Here are a few remarks from the critics:

“This Christmas With Imani Winds, Imani Winds (Koch). This New York-based chamber ensemble breathe new life into Bring a Torch Jeannette Isabella, I Saw Three Ships and a dozen other seasonal favorites with brisk arrangements.”

Review
by Stephen Eddins
“Wind quintet Imani Winds is joined by a small jazz combo for this fun collection of arrangements of Christmas classics. These versions are written mostly by the group members, hornist Jeff Scott and flutist Valerie Coleman, and are far from being conventional arrangements.” “The wit and inventiveness of these versions would be reason enough to recommend this album, but the ensemble plays with extraordinary virtuosity, and the listener is as often astounded by the remarkable performances as by the wonderfully wacky arrangements themselves.”

“Imani Winds is an unusual and outstanding NYC-based wind ensemble, one well known for its adventurous spirit, colorful musicality, and creative ability to incorporate African and Latin American influences into its art. In other words, This Christmas successfully marries classical with jazz and world influences, creating the most marvelous musical meld. Terrific!

“Song Title
Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Jingle Bells
Sleigh Ride
Silent Night
I Saw Three Ships
The Holly and the Ivy
Christmas Time Is Here
Carol of the Bells
Let It Snow
The Christmas Song
O Holy Night
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
This Christmas





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