Christmas music review: I Saw Three Ships by Dan Damon
REVIEWED BY LARRY STEPHAN
Dan Damon is the best jazz pianist you may have not heard of.
Think Dave Brubeck and Vince Guaraldi. He’s that good. Add the brilliant sax of Lincoln Adler, the beautiful vocals of Sheilani Alix, and the rest of the stellar band Kurt Ribak on acoustic bass, Carrie Jahde on drums, and Greg Sankovich grooving on the Hammond organ, and you have a world-class Christmas jazz album.
Throughout this recording, you will be captivated by the band’s performance and especially the magical interplay of Damon and Adler. I cannot overstate how wonderful this is. The songs vary from traditional and ancient Christmas carols to more modern Christmas selections, including two Dan Damon originals.
The album starts with elegant renderings of the beloved carols ‘Away In A Manger’ and ‘I Saw Three Ships’. The latter includes three verses by Damon that make this track more relevant to the present day. He has a wonderful custom of doing this.
The modern composition ‘Hunger Carol’, written by Shirley E. Murray and Saya Ojiri, is a significant choice as it connects the birth of Jesus to today with lyrics like: “Every child needs bread until the world is fed.”
The beautiful ‘Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming’ dates back to the 14th century and it was first published in 1582. Damon perfectly captures the ancient charm of this melody. It is followed by the first Damon original, ‘Like a Child’, and then Adler opens the well-known ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ with some outstanding blues-influenced sax playing that fans of this instrument will appreciate. It sets the tone beautifully.
On the Catalan traditional tune ‘The Gift Carol’ Damon’s piano is simple and engaging, and then the African American Spiritual ‘Over My Head’ has a true upbeat gospel feel.
“This exquisite album will please fans of quality jazz and lovely Christmas music.”
The final Damon original, ‘Winter’s Child’, is a welcome nod to Vince Guaraldi with fine bass work from Kurt Ribak.
‘On This Day Earth Shall Ring’ also has some ancient roots dating back to the 12th century. It was translated by Jane Marian Joseph around 1917. Damon supplies a nice, upbeat arrangement here. We get a gently swinging interpretation of the well-known ‘Good King Wenceslas’. And while there was a historical character named Wenceslas, he was not a king but a duke. However, Good King Wenceslas sounds a lot better than Good Duke Wenceslas!
‘Peace Child’ is another modern song with lyrics by Shirley E. Murray and music by Dan Damon. The truly splendid jazz piano on ‘Silent Night’ is a fitting conclusion.
This exquisite album will please fans of quality jazz and lovely Christmas music.
For more information on Dan Damon and to download the album, click here
