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I was surprised to notice that Jazz Spectrum reminds me of the Ray Conniff Singers (my primary source of Christmas listening until I was at least 18 years old). Conniff's easy listening style is not as popular as it once was, but it always has a beautiful "Christmassy" feel to it. Adding mystery to surprise, I learn the name of Jazz Spectrum's soprano voice is Peggy Conniff. Coincidence? Hmmm.

Jazz Spectrum is, in fact, an instrumentally-accompanied vocal quartet, made up of Ms. Conniff, Dale Tubaugh (bass), Stacy Eifert (alto), and Dan Maher (tenor). The band includes Bob Zaun (piano), Bob Vale (guitar), Tom Sievers (bass), John Eifert (drums), and Craig Burgess (saxes). It's Christmas is an all-you-can-eat-sized CD that covers a wide range of traditional carols and modern pop tunes, with an emphasis on the pop standards. The CD is distinguished stylistically not only by its easy listening flavor, but also by the novel and interesting vocal arrangements.

I was particularly fond of the holiday medley (a primary element of all of Ray Conniff's albums). I also liked the upbeat rendition of Little Drummer Boy, a song that could definitely afford to lighten up a little.

With 17 cuts, this is a "value" CD and will be enjoyed by anyone who still has a hankering for that 1960's easy listening sound.

--Richard Banks
(Reviewed in 2004)

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From the liner notes:

Jazz Spectrum is
Peggy Conniff, soprano
Dale Tubaugh, bass
Stacy Eifert, alto
Dan Maher, tenor

The Band
Bob Zaun, piano
Tom Sievers, bass
John Eifert, drums
Craig Burgess, saxes

Guest artists
Derrick Lord, trumpet; John Tomassone, trumpet; Don Martin, trumpet; Jeffrey Lord, trumpet; Buddy Cole, baritone sax; Larry Boisen, alto and tenor sax, flute, clarinet, harmonica, melodica; Bill Zielinski, acoustic bass; Eric Niessner, vibes; Page and Ryan Eifert, comments regarding Mommy kissing Santa Claus.

Jazz Spectrum

It's Christmas

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Track List