Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch Featured on A SWINGING CHRISTMAS Album; Birdland Performances Set for 12/21-25

BIRDLAND RECORDS has just announced the release of "A Swinging Birdland Christmas" CD. The CD was recorded live in winter 2012 during a performance of this annual holiday show at historic Birdland Jazz Club in Midtown Manhattan. "A Swinging Birdland Christmas," stars Birdland regulars KLea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch with special guest jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein. In the tradition of beloved seasonal specials, Blackhurst, Caruso and Stritch perform swinging arrangements by Billy Stritch of Kay Thompson's classics "It's The Holiday Season," "Sleigh Ride," and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," among other favorites. The record also features Billy Stritch on piano, John Hart on guitar, Paul Gill on bass, Carmen Intorre on drums. The album is executive produced by Birdland's Gianni Valenti.

The album is now available for purchase on Birdland's Website and at Birdland Jazz Club.

Now in its fourth hit year, "A Swinging Birdland Christmas" begins performances live at Birdland Jazz Club December 21 at 5:30PM & 22-25 at 6PM.

TRACK LIST

1. It's The Holiday Season (K. Thompson)
2. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm (I. Berlin) Special Verse by Billy Stritch
3. Santa Claus Is Near (J. Pizzarelli)
4. The Christmas Waltz (S. Cahn-J. Styne) Special lyrics & counter-melody by Sharon Douglas & Aaron Weinstein
5. The Man With The Bag (I. Taylor-D. Brooks-H. Stanley)
6. Walking In A Winter Wonderland - Let It Snow (R.B. Smith-F. Bernard/S.Cahn-J. Styne)
7. A Child Is Born (A. Wilder-T.Jones)
8. Sleigh Ride (L. Anderson) Arrangement by Aaron Weinstein
9. What Are You Doing New Years Eve? (F. Loesser)
10. Jingle Bells Mashup (Based on the iconic arrangements of Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand and Kay Thompson) Arrangement by Aaron Weinstein

All seats are $30. There is a $10.00 food or beverage minimum per person, per show.

Named for alto saxophonist and jazz pioneer Charlie "Bird" Parker who dubbed it "The Jazz Corner of the World," Birdland opened on December 15th 1949. For 60 years it has been home to jazz legends, from Parker, John Coltrane Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Oscar Peterson, Hank Jones, Diana Krall and everyone in between. The original 52nd street location was a cultural barometer and meeting place, inspiring the songs "Birdland" and "Lullaby of Birdland," and serving as a regular haunt for celebrities and cultural figures. The modern incarnation is a state of the art nightclub featuring award winning Southern and Cajun cuisine, first rate sound and lighting and a who's who of contemporary musical artists, 7 nights a week.

Photo Credit: Bill Westmoreland/Graphic Design is by T.A. Johnson.