Reviewed by Brendan O'Regan

If there's a musical genre called Chilled Out Winter Jazz this album would have to be the prime example. I can understand why artists bring out winter albums as distinct from Christmas ones (though I'm not too enthused about the idea) as the themes can be broader and the sales window more extensive. This is a standout album in a crowded field of sometimes ho-hum albums for the season. This one by the increasingly popular Korean American grabbed my attention right from the opening track "Fall Leaves", with its subtle percussion-driven reflection on the early stages of winter. The earlier tracks are largely secular, but by the fourth track "Who Would've Thought", the Christian heart of the collection is very evident ("I celebrate my Lord in every way") and some very fine fresh spiritual songs follow. "Ever Celebrate" is an infectiously joyful celebration of the coming of Jesus at Christmas and is enhanced by a particularly catchy chorus. Finally "New Year" starts off with a nod to "Auld Lang Syne" but shifts gear into a funky and worthy addition to the canon of new year songs, a small enough pool. This is melodic jazz, with no self-indulgence evident, and through it all Ock's voice is delightfully expressive, actually reminding me of Jamie Collum.

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.