The Colbys are a New Orleans style band with influences from jazz to down home blues, featuring vocalist Bev Rohlehr and keyboardist John Colby. Their CD Christmas Gumbo delivers with big band arrangements of "Santa's Comin'," "White Christmas," and "Winter Wonderland." "Twas The Night Before Christmas" is a slow jam with a New Orleans hook. The fun, jazz fusion arrangement of "My (Bev's) Favorite Things" delivers a creative lyrical twist. "Santa's Hideaway," a funky New Orleans tune that answers the question, "Where is Santa to be found when he's off work?" Gospel interpretations of "Joy To the World" and "Silent Night" complete the package. Finally, the album includes a spare reading of "The Christmas Song," featuring Larry Etkin (James Brown, Bette Midler) on trumpet.
Christmas Gumbo's all-star cast of gospel and R&B musicians includes Adrian Harpum (The Nevilles, Dr. John, Henry Butler) on drums, Lincoln Schleifer (Levon Helm, Donald Fagen) on bass, Cris Cioe (James Brown, Rolling Stones) on baritone sax, Larry Etkin (Bette Midler, Rolling Stones, Sam Moore) on trumpet, Curt Ramm (Bruce Springsteen, They Might Be Giants) on trumpet, Bill Holloman (Nile Rodgers' Chic, Blood Sweat and Tears) on tenor sax and trumpet, and Gary Sieger (Donald Fagen, Maxine Brown) on guitar.
Join us Friday at noon for some fun with Christmas Gumbo.
