“This is charming stuff”

Based on Jason’s 2012 album, Lovers Holiday

Washington D.C.-based crooner Jason Paul Curtis came to a realization, during a series of holiday shows in 2011, that the same old Christmas songs wouldn't cut it if he wanted to keep things interesting for his listeners. Curtis found balance by mixing in some season-appropriate standards and, as soon as the holiday season had departed, he started writing some new holiday songs to use in 2012 and beyond.

Curtis visits all three musical arenas on Lovers Holiday. He tackles holiday classics like "The Christmas Waltz" and Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown-associated "Christmas Time Is Here," season-appropriate standards, like "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" and "Let It Snow," and originals tailor-made for the occasion. The best of the bunch prove to be "Winter Wind" and the title track, which has a Michael Buble-esque charm to it. While the arrangements, whether delivered by small group (Swinglab) or big band (Swing Machine), occasionally have a generic ring to them, they're all classy and well built. This is charming stuff to be inhaled while sitting next to the fireplace, with a drink in hand.

-Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz