Dec. 18, 2010

It’s that time of year when we witness a barrage of interpretations of some of our favorite Christmas tunes. Some are good; others are “ok”- to-fairly-unimaginative. Then, there are those that are so refreshing atypical that you find you may have to occasionally pause momentarily to identify a particular track, no matter how often you’ve heard it in the past.  Such is the case on a few of the tracks on  the very jazzy and vividly creative offering from guitarist Drew Davidsen as he gives us We 3 Stringz, a seasonal gift featuring such heavyweights as Chuck Loeb and Paul Jackson Jr. on the title track.

Here are eleven tunes full of the Christmas spirit and loaded with enough jazz power to snap, crackle, and pop you through an evening in front of a cozy fireplace as winter does its thing outdoors or to groove you out as you chill on a sun- or moon-drenched beach, digging the upbeat drive of such pieces as “Joy to the World,” Davidsen style (by the way, check out the funked-up bass offered by Gary Lunn).  This project carries such true personality and character that Davidsen should have been permitted to copyright just those priceless intangibles if not the tunes.

I admit to being weary and wary of the voluminous takes on the classic tunes and have tried to set my sights (and ears) on those that simply jump out and say “Here’s what you seek!” We 3 Stringz is such an album, and I am pleased to have caught it this Christmas season in time to share its beauty and really cool innovativeness (not to mention demonstration of Davidsen’s impressive skill – just check out this cat’s flawless scale work and tight chords on “Christmas By the Cement Pond” for an example).

This attractive CD, by the way, was recorded in Nashville, TN, on equipment that gives it such a “live” presence that you’ll swear he’s literally playing in your home or wherever you are. Davidsen loves the “old” way of recording (no programmed music; just a bunch of skilled musicians in a room together getting at it. I love it!).

The album closes with a radio edit of the title track, a snappier version of the tune.  All in all, a must-have Christmas treat and certainly a stocking stuffer for the true smooth jazz aficionado.   – Ronald Jackson