James Taylor, “At Christmas”
James Taylor’s sweet voice proves well suited to lighthearted holiday fare with his collection, “At Christmas.”
With the accompaniment of pianist and arranger Dave Grusin adding a delightful touch of jazz, Taylor offers lively takes on some standards – “Winter Wonderland,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)” – and serves up a unique and surprising interpretation of “Jingle Bells.”
He lends his top-notch folk to the spiritual “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and a stirring version of Joni Mitchell’s “River,” and avoids the pitfall of sounding corny on “Auld Lang Syne.”
But the highlight is easily the romantic duet, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” – featuring a wonderfully playful turn by Natalie Cole.
The song’s theme of curling up by the fire with a loved one may be cliche, but that’s exactly what “At Christmas” makes you want to do. – John Kosik
