The Bottom Line
Pros
- Taylor arrangements make traditional carols sound like JT originals
- Dave Grusin's arrangements, producing, piano and songwriting
- Natalie Cole-James Taylor duet
Cons
- None to be found
Description
- “Jingle Bells” Windows Media | Real Audio
- “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” (with Natalie Cole) Windows Media | Real Audio
- “Winter Wonderland” (with Chris Botti) Windows Media | Real Audio
Guide Review - James Taylor at Christmas
Many of the songs on this album were included on a 2004 release that was available in Hallmark stores. Those and more are now available on the 2006 release of James Taylor at Christmastime.
It seems odd for James Taylor to record an album on which all of the songs were written by someone else. Happily, his arrangements of traditional songs like “Got Tell It On the Mountain,” “Jingle Bells,” In the Bleak Midwinter” and “Auld Lang Syne” – and his treatment of Joni Mitchell’s “River” – make them sound like they could have easily been JT originals.
Even the usually overplayed mainstays like “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” get a fresh look and feel thanks to the Taylor touch.
Due credit to Dave Grusin (pianist, arranger, composer, and founder of GRP Records) who produced, arranged, and plays piano on most of the tracks. Grusin also co-wrote one the songs, “Who Comes This Night” with composer Sally Stevens.
Natalie Cole, jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and harmonica virtuoso Toots Thielemans make guest appearances.
