Jimmy Buffett Christmas Island CD

Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band: Jimmy Buffett (guitar, vocals); Melanie Prestidge, Claudia Cummings, Tina Gullickson, Nadirah Shakoor (vocals); Peter Mayer (guitar, ukulele, vocals); Mac McAnally (guitar, vocals); Greg "Fingers" Taylor (harmonica); Amy Lee, Tom Mitchell (saxophone); John Lovell (trumpet); Michael Utley (keyboards); Jim Mayer (acoustic bass, bass); Roger Guth (drums); Robert Greenidge (steel drums, percussion); Ralph MacDonald (percussion).

Jimmy Buffett is home for the holidays, occupying his usual laid-back, Caribbean-influenced, folky territory, this time with a Christmas twist. Parrotheads and regular folks alike will enjoy these mellow, witty versions of old favorites (Buffett's "Jingle Bells" includes the line, "A day or two ago/I thought I'd make a run/To Port Antonio/I be cruisin' in the sun") as well as Buffett originals such as "A Sailor's Christmas" and "Ho Ho Ho And A Bottle Of Rhum."

Most of CHRISTMAS ISLAND is lighthearted fun, but the final track, "Merry Christmas, Alabama," provides a touch of nostalgia. Buffett was born on Christmas day 1946, and the song includes thanks to "my saints and guardian angels/Who protect me as I roam."

Largely comprised of original material, Jimmy Buffet's Christmas Island is a holiday album that also features rearrangements of classic carols. Buffet is relaxed and entertaining throughout. ~ Thom Owens

Largely comprised of original material, Jimmy Buffet's Christmas Island is a holiday album that only parrot heads will need bother with. Though Buffet is relaxed and entertaining, few of his new Christmas songs are remarkable and his rearrangements of classic carols are rather forced. Still, Christmas Island remains a pleasant diversion for his dedicated fans, even if it isn't a particularly memorable one. ~ Thom Owens

Recorded at Javelina "The Big Pig" Studio, Nashville, Tennessee.

Personnel: Jimmy Buffett (vocals, guitar); Peter Mayer (vocals, guitar, ukulele); Tina Gullickson, Nadirah Shakoor, Claudia Cummings (vocals); Greg "Fingers" Taylor (harmonica); Tom Mitchell , Amy Lee (saxophone); Michael Utley (keyboards); Jim Mayer (upright bass, bass guitar); Roger Guth (drums); Robert Greenidge (steel drum, percussion); Ralph MacDonald (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Rob Eaton.

Liner Note Author: Jimmy Buffett.

Recording information: Javelina "The Big Pig" Studio, Nashville, TN.

Photographers: Milton Dean; Brad Wilson; Alvin Booth; Abi Hodes; Jean Pagliuso.

Unknown Contributor Role: Joe Hayden.

Arrangers: Jimmy Buffett; Michael Utley.