Gwen Hughes - THE FIRST NOEL: JAZZ HYMNS FOR CHRISTMAS (CD)

Uncommon reworkings of holiday folk songs and hymns. Some well-known ("Joy to the World") and some more obscure (the Welsh folk tune, "All Through the Night"). The music is an open exploration of jazz in several different settings, ranging from the beautiful piano of Randy Hoexter and Tyrone Jackson, to the lyrical guitar work of Micah Cadwell. Gwen Hughes' distinctive vocals anchor each tune in the album's wide journey of expression. Also included is the jazz standard, "A Child is Born," produced in Nashville by Max Brown, guitarist for THE WAR AND TREATY. Absolutely gorgeous steel guitar work from Phil Bronchtein, a mainstay at the Grand Ol' Opry. This album stands as a testament of the love and faith of the Christmas season as well as a superior, unique musical experience.