Enjoy a free download of this rare soul jazz classic!
Jazz organist Don Patterson was a staple artist of the wonderful jazz label Prestige Records, releasing 18 (!) albums of high-quality soul jazz from 1963-1969. One of his best and rarest albums is a 1965 collection of traditional Christmas tunes called Holiday Soul (Prestige 7315 (mono) & 7415 (stereo)). The album has yet to be reissued on CD, which is a shame because it deserves to be heard by more jazz and Christmas music fans alike.
Recorded as a trio with guitarist Pat Martino and drummer Billy James, the group creates a full sound with plenty of warmth (courtesy audio engineer Rudy Van Gelder, bringing his mastery over from Blue Note Records) that grooves in all the right places. Their lengthy take on “Jingle Bells” is especially wonderful, definitely a highlight.
About a dozen years ago I pulled my own dusty copy out of the basement of a DC rowhouse where Duke Ellington was rumored to practice piano. It has been a treasured holiday spin ever since. I’ve digitized it—crackles and pops intact—and made it available for you and yours to enjoy!
Tracklisting:
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
What Are You Doing New Years Eve?
All I Want For Christmas is You
Silent Night
O Holy Night
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Merry Christmas Baby
Jingle Bells
320 kbps rip from original vinyl: Free download over at DivShare