What a Night! A Christmas Album

by Harry Connick, Jr.

Overview

His third holiday-themed album, 2008's What a Night! A Christmas Album continues vocalist/pianist Harry Connick, Jr.'s tradition of delivering swinging jazz and pop versions of various tinsel tunes new and old. Recorded with a big band and orchestra, this is a terrific collection of songs making the most of Connick's knack for modern-day crooning and rambunctious small-group jazz. There is warmth, sophistication, and urbane romanticism to Connick's work here that should draw well-earned comparisons to similar classic albums by the likes of Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Nat King Cole, and others. However, rather than sounding like a retro affair, What a Night! delivers on Connick's promise of updating the traditional pop sound of his idols for a contemporary audience. It doesn't hurt, either, that Connick is joined here by a bevy of first-rate musicians, including vocalist Kim Burrell and trombonist/vocalist Lucien Barbarin on two duets, not to mention the stellar backing musicians. Even Kate Connick, Harry's daughter, makes an appearance for a charming duet with her dad on "Winter Wonderland." It's also refreshing to hear a few rambling small-group jazz numbers like "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies," which help remind listeners how nimble and inventive a jazz pianist Connick truly is. More than just a great Christmas album, What a Night! is the type of record you just might find yourself turning to well into the new year. ~ Matt Collar

Product Details

Release Date:	11/04/2008
Label:	Bmg / Bmg / Sony Music
UPC:	0888751324329
Rank:	34347

Tracks

1. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
2. What a Night!
3. Christmas Day
4. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
5. Please Come Home for Christmas
6. O Come All Ye Faithful
7. Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies
8. Let There Be Peace on Earth
9. Winter Wonderland
10. It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
11. Santariffic
12. Jingle Bells
13. Zat You Santa Claus
14. We Three Kings
15. Song for the Hopeful

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Harry Connick, Jr.   Primary Artist,Piano,Vocals,Conductor
Charles "Ned" Goold   Sax (Alto)
Roger Ingram   Trumpet
Kim Burrell   Vocals
Dion Tucker   Trombone
James Hall & Worship & Praise   Vocals (Background)
David Schumacher   Sax (Baritone)
Lucien Barbarin   Vocals,Trombone
Neal Caine   Bass,Vocals
Arthur Latin   Drums,Percussion
Jeff Bush   Trombone
Tony Kadleck   Trumpet
Joe Magnarelli   Trumpet
Jonathan DuBose, Jr.   Guitar
Jerry Weldon   Sax (Tenor)
Joe Barati   Trombone (Bass)
Kate Connick   Vocals
James Hall Worship & Praise Choir   Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Charles "Ned" Goold   Musician
Maria S. Betro   Production Coordination
Hayden Quitiquit   Production Coordination
Derik Lee   Audio Engineer
Tracey Freeman   Producer,Audio Production
Seymour Miller   Composer
Roger Ingram   Musician
Edward Pola   Composer
Vincent Caro   Mixing,Engineer
David Schumacher   Musician
Lucien Barbarin   Musician
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky   Composer
Neal Caine   Musician
Arthur Latin   Musician
Justin Gerrish   Audio Engineer,Assistant Engineer
John Francis Wade   Composer
Jeff Bush   Musician
George Wyle   Composer
Rick Kwan   Audio Engineer,Assistant Engineer
Meredith Willson   Composer
Tony Kadleck   Musician
Jack Fox   Composer
Joe Magnarelli   Musician
Felix Bernard   Composer
Frederick Oakeley   Composer
John Henry Hopkins, Jr.   Composer
Jerry Weldon   Musician
Joe Barati   Musician
Harry Connick, Jr.   Arranger,Composer,Musician,Orchestration
Vlado Meller   Mastering
Jesse Singer   Audio Engineer,Assistant Engineer
David Bett   Art Direction
Palma Kolansky   Photography
Anita Marisa Boriboon   Design
John Miller   Orchestra Contractor
Geoff Burke   Copyist,Music Preparation
Ann Marie Wilkins   Executive Producer