Another Dave December Breeze CD

WARNING: Do NOT operate heavy machinery while listening to this CD!December Breeze is a collection of soothing piano & sax instrumental Christmas music by Another Dave (David Cudo on soprano and alto sax, & Suzannah Doyle on keyboards & synths). Special guest vocalist Mark Kershner appears on two songs, so, okay, it’s *mostly* an instrumental album!Originally released in 1996, the album resulted in Another Dave being asked to perform at the White House in Washington, D.C. the next holiday season. The duo said "yes," and sashayed back East to do so. They didn't get to meet the Prez or First Lady, but they did meet Buddy, President Clinton's chocolate lab puppy, who had more secret service agents than any of the musicians there that day (Buddy, six, Musicians, zero). And Dave & Suz were gifted with boxes of signed presidential "M & M's."For photos and commentary on Another Dave's visit to the White House, visit:http://suzdoyle.com/performing/white-house/But back to December Breeze. The album has just been re-released in 2007, with a new album design and the same great music. (Hmmm, could this be a cheap attempt to get more free presidential M & Ms??)The CD has a tasty mix of easy listening, light jazz versions of such holiday classics as Silent Night, Away in a Manger, and O Holy Night.Vocalist Mark Kershner lends his signature crystal clear voice to a thoughtful retelling of "There's No Place Like Home" (a Sammy Cahn update of the classic "Home Sweet Home" by Rowle --Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home . . . ), and to a haunting, spacious version of the classic jazz Christmas lullaby "A Child is Born" by Thad Jones.Kershner is a seasoned vocalist with 12 albums to his credit. Even though December Breeze is primarily an instrumental soprano sax & piano album, Dave & Suz were delighted to feature Mark on two tunes, just because!But back to more about the songs!The CD sashays around the world with fresh interpretations of Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella (French Carol), Norwegian Christmas (a homage to Dave's ancestors from Norway), and new spins on the European classics Still, Still, Still, What child is This?, and Coventry Carol.Then it travels waaaay outside the box with an combination Afrikan/ Klezmer rendition of the traditional hymn "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen." Just a bit sassy, to be sure, but somehow it works.Then the musical journey returns home with 2 original tunes by Another Dave, Gracewinds (dedicated to Suz's favorite music store), and December Breeze, based on a a lovely melody that kept haunting Dave to be written and recorded.TRIVIA: Even though December Breeze is ostensibly a Christmas Album, many people tell us they listen to this album year round, because it is so relaxing (again, keep away from the power tools while giving it a listen.)So, if you're looking for something nourishing this year for the holidays, check out December Breeze.It's cheaper than Prozac! (Did we mention how soothing it is?!!)For more info on December Breeze, feel free to visit:http://suzdoyle.com/december-breeze “Of all the musicians who performed [at the White House], you [were] the closest to sublimity,” - Cody Petterson, White House Intern.