DONALD VEGA

ALL IS MERRY AND BRIGHT

Imagery Records

Donald Vega, piano; Clovis Nicolas, bass; Pete Van Nostrand, drums.

Donald Vega is a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow and Julliard Professor.  He had a desire to create a holiday album his friends and fans could enjoy for years to come. This is his dream come true.  Vega opens with “Once in Royal David’s City,” a classic choral hymn that he performs  as a duo with bassist, Clovis Nicolas. On Track #2, the familiar “Joy To the World” is played with an opening bass line by Clovis Nicolas that modernizes the Christmas Carol into a swinging jazz arrangement. This time, Pete Van Nostrand joins them on drums.

“When I listen to someone like Duke Ellington or Ahmad Jamal, that’s how their music makes me feel, Joyful,” says Vega.

Vega admits that he was inspired by the classic holiday albums of both Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. He wanted to create an album with groove and joy reflected in songs that were merry and bright.  “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” is arranged for ballroom dancers to glide across the floor to their slow swing beat.  “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is arranged with a jazzy Afro-Cuban beat, enriched by the creative bass line of Nicolas. Donald Vega’s solo is powerful and full of energy.

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” is a lovely ballad, played tenderly as a solo piano piece, followed by a joyful, jazzy rendition of “Greensleeves.”  Vega has a wonderful, clean and focused touch on the 88-keys. During this arrangement, Clovis Nicolas is invited to showcase his bass skills during a spotlighted solo. I thoroughly enjoyed their rendition of “Deck the Halls” that danced across my listening room spreading Straight-ahead jazz and happiness, propelled by Pete Van Nostrand’s tasty drums.  The final tune is “Silent Night” with re-harmonization during Donald Vega’s beautiful interpretation of this Christian hymn. Here is an awesome album to add to any holiday collection.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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