"Christmastime in Rio" is my hands-down favorite new Christmas album of the 2024 season. Filled with joyous, happy renditions of old favorite Christmas songs and two original compositions, this album is a happy place for me, a smile with every song.
Romero Lubambo and Pamela Driggs are husband and wife, each with long histories as jazz musicians, especially in the Brazilian jazz genre. They made this into a true family venture, with their daughter Luisa joining in on background vocals and taking the lead vocal part on "Silent Night". Add in masterful piano accompaniment by Peter Martin and an outstanding band, and you've got a beautiful Christmas album.
I got to see Mr. Lubambo perform in Columbia, MO in October, with Peter Martin and Anat Cohen. I had pre-ordered "Christmastime in Rio" for a November 8 release day arrival. After the show I got to meet and chat with Mr. Lubambo and Mr. Martin (as well as Ms Cohen [my favorite musician]). I mentioned this album, and he seemed shocked and very pleasantly surprised that someone knew about it, weeks in advance of its release. Peter Martin called the piano solos beautiful, with a wink wink 😉 It was a pleasure to see them perform and have a quick meet 'n' greet afterward.
Runners-Up
Two other albums stand out to me as a measure of excellence in Christmas music this year. During the season when I listen to maybe 25% of my collection (on CD - nevermind the digital and vinyl), any album that gets multiple plays is pretty darned good. Both of these were excellent new albums this season.
"Tree Jazz The Shape of Christmas to Come" by Matt Wilson's Christmas Tree-O
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