It's Christmas on Mack Avenue
Various Artists
As one of the busiest labels with a large roster of new and well-established jazz talent, the Mack Avenue imprint is well-positioned to offer label overviews. Following up the Mack Avenue Superband live revue–style efforts is this studio collection of Christmas standards. It often features the artists' bands with special guests. Highlights include the scat-tastic “Let It Snow…” and a somber but heartfelt “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” as well such instrumentals as the twinkling “Skating,” a hard-swinging “Santa Claus Is Coming to the Ghetto,” and the swirling “Carol of the Bells.” A fine choice for those looking for less glitzy Christmas jazz fare.