Simone Kopmajer Christmas

Simone Kopmajer
Christmas
Lucky Mojo Records

Austrian-born vocalist Simone Kopmajer impressed this listener with her 2019 engaging and charming recording, "Spotlight On Jazz." Her latest release focuses on the Christmas season and includes some seasonal favorites and some favorites from her homeland. Backing her on this project are pianist John di Martino, bassist Bob Kozlow, drummer Reinhardt Winkler, saxophonist and clarinetist Aaron Heick, and tenor saxophonist Terry Myers. Also present on several tracks are keyboardist Geri Schuller (who also plays Jews harp), bassist Beat Wiesinger, trumpeter Dominik Fuss, saxophonist Florian Fuss, bassoonist Georg Stepanek, dulcimer player Lukas Ganster, and diatonic accordionist Heinz Steinbauer.

Reviewing "Spotlight On Jazz," I was much impressed by "the clarity of her singing, her musicality, the purity of her sound, her phrasing and her diction." These same qualities are evident in this program of holiday music that spans jazz and folk traditions. Her singing also receives top-flight backing by the groups led by Mr. di Martino and the Austrian musicians starting from her playful, flirty rendition of "Santa Baby" and concluding with a bilingual "Silent Night/ Stille Nacht."

In addition to her exquisite singing, there is plenty of pleasures from the backing musicians. Mr. di Martino provides an elegant piano solo on "Santa Baby," along with a marvelous horn arrangement. Then there is a swinging "Jingle Bells," with some superb scatting and interplay with Heick's alto sax. Then there are Austrian hymns such "Leise Rieselt Der Schnee," with the Schick Singers adding their lovely harmony along with Heick's bluesy alto sax. Viktor Garnot joins in the understated duet vocal of "Baby, It's Cold Outside," with choice piano from di Martino and velvety clarinet by Heick.

Among the Christmas favorites included, Ms. Kopmajer composed a delightful original "The Most Wonderful Time," with Anna Catherina adding harmony. Other holiday favorites include "Have Yourself a Merry Christmas, "Feliz Navidad," "White Christmas," and the Austrian Carole "Es Wird Scho Glei Dumpa." Allen Harris adds his warmth to an engaging treatment of Mel Torme classic, "The Christmas Song." None of these performances are copies of more familiar renditions,

Three Austrian tunes (including "Silent Night/ Stille Nacht") close out this album of Christmas music magic. The delight of her singing, the varied program (including the fresh arrangements), and first-rate backing, result in an exceptional recording. Simone Kopmajer"s "Christmas" is a recording that will bring listeners considerable holiday cheer.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is "Baby, It's Cold Outside," from this album.