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| Christmas Jazz Show at Birdland ’Bending Towards The Light ...a Jazz Nativity’, the joyful musical holiday show that warms the hearts of families of all faiths, swings into Birdland, (New York City) with three performances on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A colorful presentation that delights children as well as jazz fans, the Jazz Nativity boasts an all-star band featuring Latin percussionist Candido and tenor saxophonist Bob Kindred; vocalists Hilary Kole in the role of Mary; Jon Gordon as the saxophone playing shepherd; Lundon Lawson of the Newark Boys Chorus School in the role of the Shepherd Boy; Brenda Feliciano as the archangel; and trombonist Benny Powell, Latin jazz flutist Dave Valentin and tap dancer Max Pollak as The Three Kings. Special guests who will come from the audience during the finale include pianist Arturo O'Farrill, Director of the Lincoln Center Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and trumpeter Jeremy Pelt. Written and arranged by singer-songwriter Anne Phillips at the suggestion of the late John Garcia Gensel of St. Peter's Church, Jazz Nativity first premiered in 1985. Since then, it has been a popular Christmas offering across the country. The show combines well-known Christmas carols with original music by Ms. Phillips, Bob Kindred and Dave and Iola Brubeck. The original soundtrack recording features as narrator the late CBS News journalist Charles Kuralt, with Lionel Hampton, Dave Brubeck, Tito Puente, Benny Powell, Toots Thielemans and many other jazz greats in the band. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |