Released 30 years ago
Remembering Christmas
David Benoit · 1996
50 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A soothing blend of jazz elegance and holiday cheer, evoking warmth and nostalgia through timeless Christmas melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Christmas Time Is Here — This track beautifully captures the essence of childhood nostalgia associated with Christmas, showcasing Benoit's delicate piano touch over serene harmonies.
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Silent Night — An emotive interpretation that highlights Benoit's ability to convey deep feeling through minimalist arrangement, making it resonate powerfully during the holidays.
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Angels We Have Heard on High — This rendition features lush instrumentation that elevates the traditional carol, demonstrating Benoit's skill in blending jazz with classic themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's soothing arrangements and cohesive flow make it a notable entry in holiday jazz music.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of smooth piano melodies layered with gentle strings and soft percussion throughout its twelve tracks.
- Each track is arranged to maintain a relaxed tempo, with several pieces incorporating call-and-response elements between the piano and other instruments.
- The last three tracks create a reflective atmosphere, gradually reducing the tempo and intensity as the album concludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for cozy gatherings
- nostalgic warmth for holiday reflections
- serene background for festive activities
- inviting soundscapes for family time
- gentle melodies for peaceful moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification songs
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, Remembering Christmas is David Benoit's fifth studio album and marks a significant entry into seasonal music. At this point in his career, Benoit had already established himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, known for his smooth piano work and arrangements. This album showcases his ability to reinterpret classic holiday songs with a jazz-fusion twist, further solidifying his reputation.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bob James· David Sanborn· Chick Corea
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Skating 4:40
- 2 Santa Claus Is Coming to Town 4:47
- 3 Angels We Have Heard on High 4:32
- 4 Christmas Time Is Here 4:09
- 5 Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring 3:07
- 6 Hark, the Herald Angels Sing 4:28
- 7 Do You Hear What I Hear? 4:36
- 8 Christmas Is Coming 3:53
- 9 Silent Night 4:02
- 10 Remembering Christmas 4:35
- 11 The First Noel 4:16
- 12 The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) 3:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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