Fourplay - Snowbound (Audio CD - 1999)

Here's some soft jazz for that fireside glow at Christmas. Fourplay is pianist and arranger Bob James with guitarist Larry Carlton, drummer Harvey Mason, and bassist Nathan East (who handles limited vocal chores, as well). Carlton is the tastiest of the foursome, never overplaying or indulging his knowing chops. Snowbound's strong group effort shines as the band weaves in and out of each other's lines on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" or as the rhythm section casts mellow, funky grooves in the path of the title track, under occasional trumpet and sax fills. The quartet delivers one other original piece, plus a naturally fluid reading of Joni Mitchell's often-overlooked song "River," taken from her five-star album Blue.
Condition: Brand New Factory Sealed

TRACK LISTING

1 Angels We Have Heard on High 4:51
2 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 4:48
3 Snowbound 5:02
4 The Christmas Song 5:57
5 The Ivy Variations 3:36
6 River 5:48
7 Amazing Grace 4:44
8 Christmas Time Is Here 4:12
9 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town 3:44
10 Away in a Manger 3:30
11 Merry Little Stroll: Medley of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" 4:06
12 Auld Lang Syne 4:45