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Our Review

Marty Q is a delightful double threat on Simply Havin' a Wonderful Christmas Time. . .. He is a warm and responsive sax man, delivering beautifully crafted instrumentals like "My Favorite Things" and "Have Yourself a Merry Christmas." Marty Q also provides sweet jazz vocals, predominantly in the style of easy-listening crooning (like on the title track), though sometimes pushing edgier rock 'n rollin' ("Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree") and blues ("Blue Christmas"). The supporting players are a hit, and everything falls together nicely.

Simply Havin' a Wonderful Christmas Time. . . is an awkwardly long album title, but the contents are comfortably classic. This is marvelously mellow music, smooth jazz that embraces the moment and never leaves you sleepy. Fans of Frank Sinatra or Harry Connick, Jr. will find much to love here. The ten tunes are contemporary holiday treats, opening with Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmas Time" ("Simply Havin' a Wonderful Christmas Time"). Marty Q and his band make the listening experience a personal one, as though the group were right there, performing around your tree.

So spend a splendid evening with Marty Q and his accomplished friends; they may make your Christmas Wonderful this year!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

The Players:
All Vocals, Saxophone: Marty Q (except Timmy Maia provides vocals on "Winter Wonderland")
Keys, Strings: Nick Bariluk
Bass: Kip Sophos
Drums: Tyger MacNeil
Opening Guitar Lead on Track 7: B.J. Gatten
Bob Semanchik: Guitar Tracks 7,8,9
Phil Hamilton: Guitar Tracks 2,5
Cute laugh on "Sleigh Ride": Cindy Q

From the Web site:

Marty has been entertaining professionally for over 20 years and as a recording artist has sold thousands of CDs.

Marty Q

Simply Havin' a Wonderful Christmas Time. . .

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Track List