Harry For The Holidays - Harry Connick Jr Album Review
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Album Review
Twelve years ago I went to see Harry Connick Jr in concert at the Carling Apollo in Manchester. Principally, because I love the big band sound. Connick has released some superb Jazz - Swing albums in his time.
In concert he is band leader, pianist, drummer, song and danceman. He was simply sensational. However, this release doesn't work. Doing a covers album is fine by me, and four originals, (he had a crack at one in 1993 - When My Heart Finds Christmas) but this one smacks of over working the standards. Typically, the production is meticulous; it's the arrangements that let it down. You get that feeling straight from the start with an over zealous Frosty The Snowman as it bounces along in an haphazard way. He does an ample job of killing some great songs, in particular, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town ( who can forget Bruce Springsteen's definitive version ), George Benson's Nature Boy, with Little Town Of Bethlehem being a total disaster. Unusually for me, I find it very grating, and the Crimbo feel good factor is virtually missing.
Ones that do work are : ballads Blue Christmas, and I'll Be Home For Christmas. Only standout track is I'm Gonna Be The First One.
Ill conceived and badly executed by one of the best in the business.
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