This Christmas
"Vocalist Clairdee has come up with one of the best new Christmas albums in years, a winning blend of soul and swing that's full of interesting choices. THIS CHRISTMAS opens with a gospel version of Charles Brown's Bringing in a Brand New Year and moves to a samba-tinged Winter Wonderland and funked-up Merry Christmas, Baby. In other words, this isn't the same old holiday cheer. The inspiration lasts all the way to the finale, Horace Silver's Peace, beautifully played by trumpeter Glenn Appell and pianist Jon Herbst. Absolutely beautiful. Put this one on your list."
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Daily News
Clairdee: vocals
Ken French, piano / keyboard (3, 5, 6, 7, 9)
Jon Herbst, piano / keyboard (1, 2, 4, 8, 10)
Ron Belcher, bass (2, 7, 9)
Ruth Davies, bass (1, 4, 5)
Deszon Claiborne, drums (2, 7, 9)
Jim Zimmerman, drums (1, 4, 5)
John Hoy, guitar (2, 3, 8, 9)
Brian Pardo, guitar (1, 5)
Glenn Appell, trpt / flugelhorn / harmonica (1, 4, 8, 10)
Sheldon Brown, flute / soprano / alto sax (1, 4, 5)
Marty Wehner, trombone (1)
Charles McNeal, alto sax (1)
Dmitri Matheny, flugelhorn (6)
Brenda Boykin, vocals (1)
Nicolas Bearde, vocals (1, 3, 4, 7)
1. Bringing In a Brand New Year
2. Winter Wonderland
3. Merry Christmas, Baby
4. A Child Is Born
5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
6. The Christmas Song (instrumental)
7. Baby, It's Cold Outside
8. Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
9. This Christmas
10. Peace (instrumental)