Ray Greene’s ‘Tell Me The Story Of Christmas’ is loaded with sweet, yet sophisticated jazz/gospel versions of holiday standards, and three original compositions. This is the quintessential soundtrack for the Christmas/Holiday season and is sure to put you in a festive mood. Ray Greene and Dow Brain provide an array of Christmas classics as well as three brand new songs that are all decorated with brilliant colors. The sound, style and setting all POPS out at you like a glorious, well-lighted Christmas tree.
Ray Greene is a singer, songwriter, producer & multi-instrumentalist and currently touring as the lead singer for Carlos Santana. Dow Brain is a pianist, composer and platinum producer and together they have created joyous lightning in a shiny, red Christmas bottle. With Ray Greene on vocals & trombone and Dow Brain on piano & organ, ‘Tell Me The Story Of Christmas’ is a smashing success and savory delight for the ages. I can’t forget to mention the other talented musicians on the record: Kendall Eddy on upright bass, Scott Goulding on drums, Jeff Lockhart on guitar, Joe Cunningham on Saxophone (thoroughly enjoyed his playing), Vincent Sabatino on djembe & percussion and Patty Barkus on background vocals. ‘Tell Me The Story Of Christmas’ is sure to spread holiday cheer to listeners far & near.
When you hit Play, one will hear a rousing rendition of “Silent Night” that comes equipped with an abundance of feeling & emotion. Ray Greene sings to the Heavens here with with soulfully strong vocals and this is an ongoing theme throughout the entire album. Next is an excellent version of “What Child Is This” that has a lovely piano melody and such a delicate touch ‘n’ tone. The piano melodies certainly help drive the ship as Ray Greene and Dow Brain sail through ‘Tell Me The Story Of Christmas’. Sing along to “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and picture peaceful ‘n’ airy snowflakes that are light as a feather falling ever so slowly through the crisp, cool winter air. The title track is next on the nice list and I have to say that this original number showcases wonderful storytelling from Greene. Gather around the warm fireplace as Ray sheds light on The Story of Christmas. Track five is none other than “The Christmas Song” that has one of the best opening lines–”Chestnuts roasting on an open fire” followed up with the second original composition, “When I Think Of Christmas”, that will put some holiday pep in your Christmas step. The traditional tune, “Go Tell It On The Mountain”, offers up a powerful presence that is uplifting where the words “Jesus Christ is born” stand out and stall tall atop the highest peaks. The listener will get a friendly vibe and cool-as-ice guitar solo on the third original song titled “No One Should Be Lonely”. “O Little Town Of Bethlehem” is beautifully done and has a masterful arrangement that captures the true essence of the song. Ray Greene & company end on a very high note for me because “Little Drummer Boy” is my favorite Christmastime song and so I couldn’t ask for a better ending to the record. This version is spot on with the percussive elements shining through and the center of it all is “Me and my drum”.
Buy: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tell-me-the-story-of-christmas/1441908458
This is an excellent Holiday album that is full of joy, heart & soul. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, slip in ‘Tell Me The Story Of Christmas’ and just sit back and relax. Ray Greene, Dow Brain and all of the talented players on this 13-track recording have embodied the true spirit and meaning here and so all there is left to say is…MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT!
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By Jimmy Rae (jrae2@att.net)
