LMLMusic.com

About This Is Christmas Time…

This Is Christmas Time is the long awaited follow-up to Kevin Koelbl’s debut CD, Somewhere In Time. This Is Christmas Time is a collection of sixteen Christmas classics, re-imagined with a modern twist. From jazz quartets to full orchestra, traditional to contemporary, these rich and creative arrangements beautifully showcase Kevin’s pure, smooth vocals and capture the joy of the season. Kevin is backed by award-winning Los Angeles musicians, including Matt Harris on Piano, from the Tierrney Sutton Band Trey Henry on bass, Ray Brinker on drums; and on brass, Dan Higgins, and Grammy nominated Alan Kaplan and Wayne Bergeron. Added to this impressive line-up are Broadway leading ladies Heidi Godt (Mama Mia) on “Snow” and Tammy Tappan Damiano (Miss Saigon) on “Count Your Blessings,” songs from one of the most acclaimed Christmas movies, White Christmas. Kevin is excited to be premiering the new Christmas Classic – This Is Christmas Time – by singer-songwriter, Steven Santoro. A fun and sentimental easy jazz standard that will put you right into the Christmas spirit! So make a hot toddy, settle in by the fireplace, and enjoy this fresh Christmas CD!

Praise for This Is Christmas Time…

• “This is a delicious holiday CD! Kevin Koelbl’s wonderful hot buttered baritone caresses the listening ear. There are lovely old songs and new. A perfect addition to your Christmas music library.”

  — Amanda McBroom

• “It is evident from the opening notes, Mr. Koelbl is one heck of a singer. A deep robust voice with a silky quality to it he attacks (can you attack a Christmas song?) these standards with vigor. When he and the band rip into the above mentioned, “Sleigh Ride”, well you can feel the wind on your cheeks and the snow in your hair. “Little Drummer Boy” transports you to another space – the drums and bass lay out almost a reggae feel for this timeless classic.

  There are so many great Christmas songs out there…this is probably one of the most difficult albums of music for any artist to succeed with, as they will always be compared to the standards we grew up with as children.

  But I think Mr. Koelbl does himself proud with this release.”

  — Bond @ BigLeatherCouch.com

• “Snowfall / White Christmas – The two songs are perfect counterparts. Welcome Christmas / Christmas Time Is Here – Dr. Seuss meets Charles M. Schulz, at last. Another teaming of Christmas songs complemented by Kevin’s fine singing. Happy Holiday – This one’s so closely associated with Bing Crosby that many artists don’t even attempt it. Kevin’s jazzy version will open some ears. The Little Drummer Boy – WOW! The drums, percussion, and bass give this a Caribbean feel throughout. A standout track. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Add an acoustic guitar accompaniment, the long lost intro to the song, and you get an excellent rendition. Sleigh Ride – Starts with bass and Kevin’s voice – then they crack the jazz whip and off on a great sleigh ride. Nice trip! Merry Christmas – In 2006, Bette Midler led off her Christmas album with this long-forgotten song written by Fred Spielman and Janice Torre. Here, Kevin ends his album with it, very stylishly and elegantly.”

  — Captain OT @ A Christmas Yuleblog

Leave a review

More from Kevin Koelbl…