The perfect accompaniment to the yuletide festivities!12 new entertaining and original arrangements from the quirky genius of James Pearson (resident pianist at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club). In an easy-listening-jazz style with flavours of gospel, soul and pop. Includes the brand new Memories Of Christmas, from Matthew Ford and James Pearson, an alternative Christmas “No.1”! Matthew Ford has had a great year since the release of his critically-acclaimed debut album, The Mood I’m In; he has performed with the Halle Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, on Friday Night Is Music Night, at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and sung at the world premiere parties of the movies Confetti and Casino Royale, as well as his own concerts throughout the UK and as a guest with numerous big bands (including the Grammy-nominated John Wilson Orchestra). The interpretations presented here of these well-known carols have each received a different treatment, both in terms of the style of their arrangement and their sonic approach. James Pearson’s arrangements ably display his ample musicality and wit, and the celebrated Matthew Ford is in fine voice throughout. James is the resident pianist at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, and as an arranger, composer and pianist has worked with a stellar collection of singers and musicians in the jazz, pop and classical worlds. Consider this to be a slightly tongue-in-cheek festive album; still highly musical, but most of all, fun! Each song is a unique, treasured gift; the cool West-Coast style of The Holly And The Ivy, the old Ellingtonian Silent Night, the hint of gospel throughout O Holy Night, the horizontally-relaxed Away In A Manger, and so on. Whilst the traditional words for the carols have been adhered to in most cases, there is the occasional grant of a poetic license in the performance... Special mention must be made of the new work recorded here, Memories Of Christmas, created during a long night of inspiration - a substantial plate of cheese perhaps being a contributory influence. So, we hope you settle back with a large mug of mulled wine, enjoy our seasonal offering, and above all, have a very Happy Christmas.