Artists

Jennifer Grimm is a stunningly beautiful woman, and she has the pipes to match. Possessed with the vocal instrument of a sultry jazz diva from the 1940s, Grimm sashays through 14 contemporary Christmas classics. The final cut captures the essence of Grimm's personal message; it is a nostalgic recording of Grimm's friends and family chatting and laughing, then joining to sing "Joy To The World/Silent Night" together. Entitled "A Christmas with Family and Friends", the album truly is a family affair. Grimm's brothers, sister, and mom all appear on the CD, and their vocals on two tracks sound natural and professional. One brother (Trey) provides distinctive organ instrumentation throughout the disc; it is not accompaniment that I would usually associate with jazz, and the combination is quite unique. The same is true regarding the accordion that provides an interesting twist on two tracks ("I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?"). Family and friends aside, the focus of "A Christmas with Family and Friends" is emphatically on Jennifer Grimm and her sweet 'n sexy voice. Grimm has a smokin' cabaret swinger feel for her material, then adds a dollop of innocence to complete the package. Just one cut, "Skater's Waltz," is an instrumental). The CD opens brilliantly with a super cool "Cool Yule." Although "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" is not usually a personal favorite, Grimm's interpretation is a fantastic, jazzy revelation. Her gentle "Silver and Gold" is an understated delight, and she was born to sing numbers like "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" and the bittersweet "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Jennifer Grimm is a sensational jazz singer, and her "Christmas with Family and Friends" can make your holiday season sensational, too. --Carol Swanson

Jennifer Grimm's Website