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Our Review

Go, MOM, go! I love the fact that Melissa Bledsoe Fischer is JAZZMOM, wearing her motherhood as a badge of honor and as an integral part of her musical identity. How cool is that? I will not hold against Jazzmom the fact that she has borne four children and still looks like a movie star. Instead, I will focus on her excellent singing, which at least matches the beauty of her physical appearance.

A Merry Jazzmom is, not surprisingly, a jazzy gem for the holidays. Jazzmom is based in Anchorage, Alaska, producing very hot music in the coldest of places. Having worked as a well-regarded entertainer in the Anchorage area for more than 11 years, Jazzmom has turned her focus to ten holiday favorites. The tone is usually upbeat and swingin' for the stars.

Jazzmom has a fine corps of stellar musicians backing her up; on most cuts, only three or four (at most) musicians participate. This minimalist approach puts the focus on Jazzmom's voice, just where it belongs! And Jazzmom Fischer's voice readily does the job, embracing these Christmas chestnuts with grace and stylish aplomb. Her sultry voice is flexible, emotive, and accessible. Before I forget, Jazzmom is a jazzy pianist, too; Guaraldi's "Skating" is the album's only instrumental.

My favorite tracks? I particularly enjoyed the mystical "What Child Is This?", which ends with the loveliest layers of harmony. The jazz harp treatment of "Winter Wonderland" is also a special treat.

Nice work, Jazzmom! A Merry Jazzmom is a wonderful holiday offering, and I know your family must be very proud! Kids, please be extra nice to Mommy this year!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Melissa Bledsoe Fischer: vocals, piano, keyboard and arrangements (except tracks 1,4,9)
Megan Bledsoe: harp and arrangement (track 9)
Jeff Baird: alto & soprano saxophone
Dirk Westfall: bass
Greg Holloway: drums and arrangement (track 1)
George Mancini: trombone
Preston Keating, John Nyman, Scott Weller: drums
Pat Owens: trumpet, flugelhorn

From the Web site:

Melissa, born and raised in Anchorage AK, began studying music at the age of four. As a National Merit Scholar, she graduated with honors from South Salem High School (Oregon) in 1981 and was accepted to attend the University of Washington to study classical piano. Melissa subsequently transferred to Linfield College in McMinnville Oregon to study piano with Dr. K. Jill Timmons. In addition, she was selected to be a member of the honors program and received an academic scholarship along with her music scholarships. In 1985 Melissa graduated with honors and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree.

After graduation, Melissa returned to Anchorage, where she started a private piano studio, which she maintained until 2001, and began her career as a professional musician, performing in widely popular groups throughout Alaska. From 1990 to 1997 she studied at the University of Alaska-Anchorage and received a Master of Arts in Teaching, which will allow Melissa to teach music in the school district.

Melissa has been performing jazz in the Anchorage area for 11 years and has led her own band for the past six.. Melissa's performing experience has been quite varied.. In addition to concertizing, performing weekly at Sullivan's Steakhouse, and the wildly popular summer jazz series at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, Melissa is a busy mom with the four children. She and her husband, Tony, are the proud parents of Sarah May (11), Matthew (9), Rachel (7) and Rebecca (5).

Melissa Bledsoe Fischer

A Merry Jazzmom

Artist link

Track List