At this point, there’s just no denying that the holidays are upon us. Whether you celebrate the solstice or Christmas or the return of Xenu to Earth, your halls are probably already decked and your one horse is yoked to its sleigh. Still, if you’re like me, you find yourself putting the finishing touches on a holiday music mix that will keep the whole family — from crotchety grandpa to pristine infant — entertained throughout the feasting and festing of Christmas day. If you’re still looking for that last tune to round out your playlist, consider streaming this track from Denver jazz geniuses, the .
Regular Reverb readers might recognize Jon Wirtz’s name from . Fans of mainstream pop might know him better as the ivory tickler for bands . In recent years, the 31-year-old performer and composer has distinguished himself as one of Denver’s finest pianists, and it’s an absolute delight to hear him injecting his unique musical flavor into well-worn holiday tunes on his new EP, “Christmas Tunes for Christmas Time.”
With characteristic grace, subtle harmonies and reverence for the original compositions, Wirtz and his trio pay homage to the classic tunes while imbuing them with new, jazzier life. The improvisations and solos are tasteful and sedate, without being saccharine, and the phrasing on the ubiquitous melodies has just the right balance of originality and familiarity. You can steal the whole EP in high-quality digital audio for just $3 from . Before you do, we strongly recommend streaming the trio’s take on the timeless Bob Wells and Mel Tormé tune, “The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire).”
Please note that downloads offered via Steal This Track are intended to whet your appetite, and are NOT CD-quality recordings. If you want those, please support the artists by buying their music and/or seeing them live.
If you’re a band or musician ready to expose your fresh sounds to the readers of Reverb, email your tracks — along with any interesting facts about them, as well as a photo or album art — to Eryc Eyl for consideration.
Eryc Eyl is a veteran music journalist, critic and Colorado native who has been neck-deep in local music for many years. Check out for local music you can HEAR, and the for stories about Denver musicians doing extraordinary things. Against his mother’s advice, Eryc has also been known to . You can also follow Sorry, Mom.
