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Our Review

Giddyup, cowboys, Jazz Up Your Country Christmas, is one hunk o' fun. This CD's greatest shortfall is just that--it is too dang short (at less than 35 minutes in length, the album left me cryin' in my beer for more).

Let's get serious. The fine artists here are Noëlle Hampton (singer extraordinaire), Nils Erickson (guitars, bass & percussion) and Andre Moran (ditto). The liner notes state that the album was recorded in their living rooms, which is not surprising in some respects (the CD conveys a warm intimacy often not found in studio recordings), but is in other ways (the production values are great). One thing is certain--these fun-lovin' artists should rent out their living rooms to others for recording purposes; Jazz Up Your Country Christmas is something special.

Ten of the 11 tracks are well-known holiday favorites. Some are sung as straight country music productions, Hampton's fine alto voice demonstrating the appropriate twang thang in spots. The rousing opening cut Here Comes Santa Claus will have you lookin' for your hoss, and White Christmas similarly reflects creative country sensibilities. Very cool stuff.

The CD's appeal, however, extends well beyond country stylings. As the title indicates, the country approach is "jazzed up" in places. For example, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas plays as the loveliest pop/jazz standard. Similarly, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen presents itself in simple acoustic elegance--not a cowboy to be seen. Others, such as All Through the Night, are a mixed bag of gentle country with pop/jazz undertones.

Hampton's excellent voice is the primary allure here. Her vocals are warm, pure and passionate. The understated, but very accomplished, accompaniment matches her efforts perfectly. The 11^th track on Jazz Up Your Christmas is a Hampton original entitled Christmas Time. She has won rave reviews for her songwriting in other contexts, and you'll know why when you hear Christmas Time; its engaging melody and intelligent lyrics will sweep you away.

This great CD would make a superb addition to any holiday music collection. Slip this little baby into your saddlebag, cowpoke--you'll be glad you did.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2003)

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From the liner notes:

All Songs Performed By:

• Nils Erickson: Electric, Acoustic & Bartone Guitars; Pedal Steel; Bass; Percussion
• André Moran: Electric, Acoustic & Mando Guitars; Bass; Rhodes; Mandolin; Percussion
• Noëlle Hampton: Vocals; Acoustic & Baritone Guitars; Piano; Harmonica; Percussion

"Recorded in our living rooms."

From Noëlle Hampton's web site:

"Winner of the highly competitive Levi's/Lilith Fair Talent Search, and 2001 California Music Awards nominee, 27-year-old singer/songwriter/musician Noëlle Hampton has just released her self-produced CD, 'Under These Skies'. Bay Area music critic Paul Liberatore calls it 'an extraordinary effort, full of intelligent story songs, strong melodies, expressive singing and musicianship.' The San Francisco Chronicle chimes in, 'Step aside!' and says the recording 'shouts out her independence loud and clear.…

"Praised by Musician magazine as 'unique and outstanding,' Noëlle is clearly an artist on the rise. She brings a strong sense of melody, incisive lyrics and a deft hand at songcraft to her personal blend of rock/pop, Americana, and alternative styles. A fixture on the Bay Area music scene, she performed at the 1998 Lilith Fair in San Francisco, along with major label artists Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant, Erykah Badu and the Indigo Girls. She regularly headlines San Francisco clubs and has opened for such artists as Sarah McLachlan and Toni Childs (at President Clinton's 50th birthday celebration), Paula Cole, Jewel, John Hiatt, Wilco, Richard Thompson, Joan Armatrading, Train, Moxy Früvous, Big Blue Hearts, Pat Benatar and Richie Havens, among others."

"A finalist in Musician's Best Unsigned Band Contest and DiscMaker's Band/Artist World Series, she's been described by critics as 'lively and expressive, with a voice that sparkles . . . one of the Bay Area's best singer/songwriters.' Her music has been called 'mesmerizing' and her songs 'superbly crafted.' The San Francisco Examiner wrote of a recent concert that Noëlle upstaged the major headliner for whom she opened and called her 'brilliant' and 'dazzling' in the process…."

"Noëlle's ease on the stage and in the studio reflects a self-possessed young woman, both playful and passionate about her art, poised to bring her music to a far wider audience."

Noëlle Hampton Nils Ericsson and Andre Moran

Jazz Up Your "Country Christmas"

Artist link

Track List