Harry Connick, Jr. has been someone I've long admired. His career started uber-early as a pre-adolescent piano prodigy (check out his jazz album Eleven, title reflecting his age) out of Louisiana. Amongst jazz faire he recorded, he also flexed serious prowess as a Sinatra-styled crooner with the same big band kick.
Hollywood was next; he scored films, and he starred in them. Roles varying from romantic comedies to serial killers proved no serious challenge. He has game.
Then, to top it all off, he hosted a daytime talk show.
I'm here today however, to discuss what may be the best Christmas album ever recorded. No, I'm a sucker for Christmas tunes, but I prefer to start off after Thanksgiving with my listening. That is unlike some fools who jump on board with the 1st of November, quietly increasing potential exposure to Mariah Carey.
Harry's first of three Christmas long-players is perfect for Thanksgiving evening.
Opening with the big band swing of his killer Sleigh Ride, this rollicking jazz jam method doesn't have to be the style across the board, however. Let it Snow, Frosty the Snowman, O Holy Night, and What Child is This? are classics that are all stylistically different, but excellent examples of what Connick does best.
Half the album are Connick originals including the title track that oozes that heartwarming feel associated with the holidays. A gospel tune, I Pray on Christmas, just fits in here like a puzzle piece. Two nifty curveballs are a super version of Ave Maria that is in no way out of his reach, and a potential tradition starter called What Are You Doing New Years' Eve?, perfect for those not ready or willing to stop the holiday musical embracement.
When it comes time to break out the music that accompanies "the most wonderful time of the year", Harry Connick, Jr. is usually the first disc I break out.
And just in time for this year, (and heck, as bad as the last couple years have been, we deserve it), Harry's back with his fourth Christmas record, Make it Merry.
Here's a sample:
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