Holiday showcase extravaganza

Jazz

Chuck Workman

Emmy-winning balladeer Everett Green & Friends are at the Jazz Kitchen Friday, Dec. 2 with shows at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.

The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation presents its annual Holiday Extravaganza to benefit the United Christmas Fund and Jazz For Kids Thursday, Dec. 1 at the Madame Walker Theatre Center’s fourth floor ballroom.

Mary Moss will be the MC for the evening. Performing artists include Cathy Morris, Cynthia Layne, Everett Greene, Monika Herzig, Larry Greene, Rev. Marvin Chandler, Joe Harrison, Rob Dixon & Triology, The Charlie Smith Project, Reggie Bishop, Kenny Phelps and Frank Smith.

Killer Ray Appleton, Larry Clark III, Everett Greene, Bill Lancton and Tommy Mullinix will be inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation’s Hall of Fame.
Optional dining available by Grant’s Catering. Advance tickets are $15, at the door $20. Tickets are available at Walker Theatre Center box office, the Jazz Kitchen, the Chatterbox or Indy CD & Vinyl.

New holiday CD jams

’Tis the season for a new batch of hip Yuletime sounds. A lot of newcomers made their holiday debut this year. These are the releases we have checked out to date.

Diana Krall
Christmas Songs
Verve

Krall wraps herself up in popular holiday tunes with some slick arrangements from the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra on seven tracks, three with a full string complement and two with her working quartet.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Suave seasonal performances by Krall vocally and on piano with exceptional backing.

Anita Baker
Christmas Fantasy
Bluenote

Baker’s foray shows her moving into being a jazz-oriented pop singer. Fourplay’s Larry Carlton and Nathan East are featured with keyboards being shared by Joe Sample, George Duke and the YellowJackets’ Russ Ferrante. Baker and the backing crew are at their best on originals like “Christmas Fantasy” and really stretch out on “Moonlight Sleighride.”
Rating: 3.5 Stars
This is a relaxed Baker having fun. She even scats, bringing some musical tinsel to the tree for this holiday romp.

Ricardo Scales
Happy Holidays
Baysound

Keyboardist Scales lays down a mixture of pop and traditional tunes with a strong urban jazz groove. “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” gets a grooving, strutting treatment.
Rating: 3 Stars
Nice Yule sounds for holiday partying with friends.

40 Years
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Peak Records

There’s no bad luck here for Charlie Brown, with a lineup headed by David Benoit and guests Vanessa Williams, Rick Braun, Gerald Albright, Brian McKnight, Norman Brown, Chaka Khan, Dave Koz, Toni Braxton, Eric Marienthal and The Rippingtons on this holiday tribute to the hard luck kid.
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a bright package of contemporary Yule sounds that will appeal to smooth jazz fans.

Craig Chaquico
Holiday
Higher Octave

The sounds of the holidays get a different vibe from former Jefferson Starship guitarist Craig Chaquico. Chaquico and keyboardist Ozzie Ahlers contribute six seasonal originals. “Ashes of the Fall”/“Winterflame”/“Embers Still Aglow” are played as a medley. Chaquico’s watery sounding guitar gives “Jingle Bells” an extended funk and rock trip.
Rating: 3 Stars
Traditional and pop seasonal tunes are given a pleasant mixture of New Age and ambient grooves.

Jane Monheit
The Season
Epic Records

Monheit presents a diverse holiday offering with big band, string orchestra and combo settings on non-traditional holiday standards.

She shines on the small group tunes, vocally wails on “Sleigh Ride” and gives a glowing interpretation of “Moonlight in Vermont.”

My copy is dual disc with DVD on the opposite side including the entire album in enhanced 5:1 surround stereo and a 20 minute video of “The Man With the Bag,” “Merry Christmas Darling,” “This Christmas” and “My Grown-Up Christmas List.”
Rating: 3 Stars
Monheit’s cool sound adds a lot of warmth to the seasonal fireside with some burning Yule sounds to boot.

Marcus Johnson
Smooth Jazz Christmas
Three Keys Music

For his first Christmas CD, keyboardist Johnson delves into his soulful smooth jazz bag of goodies. Laid-back, funk-filled grooves are offered along with vocals from Keith Ailer on “The Christmas Song” and a jazzed up version of “Silent Night.”
Rating: 3 Stars
Smooth Christmas with a big beat and grooves.

Jazz data
•Cardiologist Dr. Stan Hillis continues to put his heart into jazz. Wednesday, Nov. 30, Hillis debuts his new CD Heart of the Season at the Jazz Kitchen with a CD release party, 5:30 to 8 p.m. You’ll hear modern jazz interpretations of 14 holiday favorites showcasing Hillis’ swinging sax and flute talents. Musicians involved on the CD are Steve Allee, Frank Smith, Kenny Phelps, Sandy Williams, Jeff Conrad and Tom Meyer. The proceeds of the sales of Heart of the Season will benefit The Care Group’s non-profit Cardiovascular Research and Education Foundation of Indiana, Inc.

• The Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra with Kansas City guest vocalist Kathleen Holeman will be featured in a Big Band Holiday Club Cabaret, Holiday Celebration Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Performing Arts Center Ballroom, 650 N. Meridian St. Dinner is available before the show. Ticket hotline: 800-426-9803.

• Tommy Wills (The Man With a Horn) Twosome plays Tuesdays at the Tip Top Tavern & Grill, 1400 N. Capitol Ave., 8 to 11 p.m. No cover.

• Brix Bistro, 65 E. First St., Zionsville. Tuesdays, Daniel Young. Wednesdays, The Evanston Trio. Thursday, Dec. 1, Davis & Devitt, music 6:30 to 9 p.m.