Reviewed by Tony May

Can't think offhand of too many blues albums on the subject of Christmas, especially from legends like this man. One of the leading lights of early R&B, he's also highly esteemed in the jazz and blues fields as writer and performer. This set includes his self-penned classics "Please Come Home For Christmas" and "Merry Christmas Baby" (remember Elvis' version?). His arrangement of "Silent Night" features his piano and Clifford Solomon on tenor sax, with a very sensitive jazz-orientated vocal. It works surprisingly, specially the rippling piano solo. A lovely sound. "Christmas In Heaven" is a lowdown, shuffling, late night blues. The set closes with "Bringing In A Brand New Year", which swings along gently and smoothly. Charles may be a veteran, but he can still work the blues, this recording may prove a valuable antidote to the seasonal mush.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.