Released November 1st on Yamasongs
Musicians: David Yamasaki (guitar), Robert Shinoda (guitar), Shoji Ledward (guitar, ukulele), Rachel Gonzalez (vocals, one track), Abe Lagrimas Jr. (drums, one track), Sean Conley (bass, one track)
David Yamasaki Trio‘s A Christmas Wish, out November 1st on his own Yamasongs label, is a warm, unhurried take on the holiday songbook, told through the voice of the acoustic guitar. Joined by Robert Shinoda and Shoji Ledward, Yamasaki weaves nine tracks of traditional carols, beloved seasonal standards, and one original composition into a collection that is rooted in jazz but carries a relaxed, easy-listening spirit. Melody and chemistry take center stage, making for a reflective offering that feels made for quiet evenings by the fire… or, perhaps, on the beach.
The album opens with its title track, written by Aaron Aranita, and it is a gentle, contemporary introduction. Spare in the way a jazz record should be, it features Rachel Gonzalez’s plaintive vocals and a soothing quality that pushes back against the anxiety some people feel when the annual round of Christmas music begins. “Frosty the Snowman” follows with a hint of relaxed Hawaiian charm, its melody decorated with occasional flourishes of notes, and Shoji Ledward’s ukulele acts like a little Hawaiian tinsel on the Christmas tree of the song.
“Christmas Time Is Here” is a direct, pure rendition in which the melody takes precedence, and it serves the song well. “My Favorite Things” is not strictly a Christmas song, since “brown paper packages tied up with string” could be any parcel, but in the context of a holiday jazz album it fits perfectly. It also gives us our first chance to hear guests Abe Lagrimas Jr. on drums and Sean Conley on bass, who add a new dimension to the sound. “A Child Is Born” shows how the simplest of tunes can evoke an emotional response: it is simple but very effective, full of moments of longing that resolve into a musical blanket of tenderness.
“O Christmas Tree” is a lovely opportunity to hear the musicians simply play together, and they are in sync on both a technical and an interpretive level. “Silent Night,” credited as traditional, plays a little with the rhythm, which keeps such an oft-performed tune interesting. “We Three Kings” has an almost improvisatory feel, a song in the hands of very experienced musicians where every choice seems right. And when you think about it, those three kings are the David Yamasaki trio.
A Christmas Wish is a graceful, assured collection that trusts melody and musicianship over spectacle. From its plaintive title track to its tender centerpiece and its sweetly played closer, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” the album offers comfort without fuss. As for that final track, when it’s played this sweetly, all I can say is: “Mele Kalikimaka!” And if you’re coming home, bring your instruments with you!
