
I have always loved Stacey Kent. She sounds like a modern jazz singer with old-fashioned sensibilities. I remember when I used to go to London, I would hunt for her discs because (then) they were not available in the States yet. So I was doubly excited to find she recorded Christmas music, an EP called ‘Christmas In the Rockies.’ I mean it’s just four tracks, but they are a fantastic four.
She sings four classics: ‘Sleigh Ride,’ “Christmastime is Here,’ ‘Winter Wonderland,’ and ‘The Christmas Song.’ She doesn’t break the mold on the songs, they have classic arrangements and she sings them well with her sweet and slightly salty voice.
I’ve noticed that there hasn’t been much vocal jazz holiday albums of late, so this is a welcome addition. Stream it before the season ends.