Phil Driscoll

Item: Heaven and Nature Swing
Author: Julie Henry

Heaven and Nature Swing

(1993)

Reviewed by Julie Henry

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Label Word RecordsThe LighthouseNovember 1993

gospel jazz swing

If you like the big band sound, and brassy, up-beat Christmas tunes, then this latest Phil Driscoll album is right up your alley. This collection of secular and religious holiday melodies is a real showcase of the versatility of the great trumpeter. This is the guy who brought you Gabe and The Good News Gang for Kids, the beautiful symphonic Classical Hymns (Volumes 1 & 2), and who can forget his version of "The Trumpet Shall Sound" from The Young Messiah?

Driscoll's horn and voice are in fine form as he belts out this assortment of melodies, old and contemporary. There is the more relaxed "Silent Night," and the really hip "Winter Wonderland." There is a laid back "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and the very modern rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." Two of my favorites are "The Greatest Love Story" and "Over In Bethlehem." The album ends with "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Spirit of Christmas," both in Driscoll's inimitable style. There is a lot of Ralph Carmichael's influence on this unique album, too. The orchestra really blends with Driscoll well. It never overshadows his solo parts, but it stands well by itself when it carries the songs without his distinct participation in the piece.

I think I'm going to keep my copy in the car for those "I'm stuck in Christmas traffic, can't find a parking place, hate to spend money I don't have anyway" blues!