by Magda Katz, Times Square Chronicles

Wishing You a Swingin’ Christmas! was performed by the New York Pops this Holiday Season featuring John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey along with Essential Voices USA under the direction of Judith Clurman.

After catching several Christmas programs this season, I felt that no one had a new take on Holiday Songs. I was pleasantly surprised by the New York Pops renditions of these songs that are played to death every December. I should have known, because the New York Pops concerts are always full of wonderful surprises. With Steven Reineke at the helm, the New York Pops delivers an unforgettable evening.

There were many gems that were embraced by the audience such as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker performed as a Klezmer piece brilliantly arranged by Steve Cohen.  Weaving the Hanukkah song “Rock of Ages” with the music of the Nutcracker was delightful. ”Go Tell It on the Mountain” arranged by Steven Reineke had Carnegie Hall rocking.  The lush arrangement of a swinging “Silver Bells” was reminiscent of the late great orchestrator Nelson Riddle.

John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey beautifully blended their voices for “Count Your Blessings “ and “Seasons of Love. Mr. Pizzarelli brought along his jazz trio featuring Larry Fuller at the piano, Martin Pizzarelli on Bass, and Tony Tedesco on drums.

I am looking forward to the next NY Pops concerts to see what Maestro Reineke has up his sleeve.  I want to thank him for breathing new life into some old songs, allowing for a new enjoyment of them once more.