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Producer: Sandy Tipping
Label: Reel Loud Records
Website: http://www.denvermho.com

Have you ever listened to a CD and loved it so much that you wanted to tell the world about it? I don't think I have ever heard a more entertaining and enjoyable Christmas recording than this one from Denver & The Mile High Orchestra. Or rather, a more entertaining and enjoyable recording PERIOD! Though it is not what one would call Southern Gospel, it definitely is worth the money just to enjoy the music. A throwback to the Big Band days of Benny Goodman, Louie Armstrong and the like, fans of that era will surely find a lot to like with this CD. The group's Big Band sound is mixed with a bit of blues, a hint of swing as well as some modern contemporary styles so that fans of just about any genre of music will find this Christmas CD absolutely exhilarating.

From the highly energetic big band sounds of "JINGLE BELLS" to the new worshipful Inspirational tune "THIS MUST BE THE PLACE" to the heartwarming favorites, "THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR" and "LET IT SNOW", we are indulged with a delightful and entertaining potpourri of musical styles and sounds.

With a bit of retro funk, we find one of the most intriguing arrangements of "LITTLE DRUMMER BOY" I think you'll ever hear. You'll even hear some "scat singing" on this song. Pretty impressive I must say.

Using the song "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" as a musical backdrop, Denver penned the haunting and compelling "BORN TONIGHT", which is a remarkable song in itself and is performed convincingly well before the group speed things up with a new arrangement of the Christmas classic, "HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS".

With a solid Lawrence Welk feel, Denver and the guys turn in an excellent performance on "SLEIGH RIDE", which would have made Welk proud, before churning out some dour blues sounds on "FROSTY THE BLUESMAN". This is a highlight of the recording and one that is quite comical as well.

Co-written by Denver, "THIS CHRISTMAS, ALL I NEED IS YOU" is a nice, soft Christmas love song that just drips with the likes of Tony Bennett and Perry Como.

With a touch of contemporary soul, we are treated to the praise and worship stylings of "KING OF GLORY, KING OF LOVE" before we move to the Dixieland band sound of "JESUS CHILD", which was penned by Denver.

Lastly, fusing retro and black church styles, "JOY TO THE WORLD" is a highly invigorating number that you'll find yourself listening to over and over again.

Denver and the gang are true masters of their craft. This isn't an instrumental recording per say, as there is plenty of singing by Denver; but the instrumental portions of these songs are just utterly amazing. These guys have it together and are a joy to listen to. All this great music doesn't diminish the fact that the true meaning of Christmas is justly portrayed throughout the recording. This CD is so enjoyable that you can actually enjoy listening to it all year long!

Reader Comments

"Frosty the Bluesman" is a hoot. I can't but laugh through it. It's hilarious to see them do it concert.

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