Michael Underwood, 5 Fox Jazz Melange / Tidings of Comfort and Jazz
Christmas, Jazz
5 Fox Jazz Melange, led by producer and drummer Michael Underwood, brings a fresh, sophisticated twist to holiday classics with their new release Tidings of Comfort and Jazz. This four-track collection infuses timeless Christmas melodies with jazz, bossa nova, and Afro-Cuban flavors, creating a festive yet refined listening experience.
The album opens with the dynamic "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/My Favorite Things," a fusion of traditional carol and Broadway flair set to lively Afro-Cuban rhythms. "Silent Night" follows, reimagined as a soothing bossa nova that evokes a tropical holiday escape. The soulful "O Holy Night" transforms the hymn into a jazzy 6/8 ballad, filled with emotion and elegance. Rounding out the collection is "What Child Is This," a stunning solo piano performance by Noah Harmon that captures the serene beauty of the classic tune.
With standout contributions from Harmon on piano, Andy Sachen on bass, Julio Reyes on saxophone, and Daniel LeClaire on vocals, Tidings of Comfort and Jazz was recorded at Rock Garden Studios by Mark Golde. This release offers a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, making it an essential soundtrack for the holiday season.
Credits:
Daniel LeClaire - Vocals
Julio Reyes - Tenor Saxophone
Noah Harmon - Piano
Andy Sachen - Bass
Michael Underwood - Drums
Produced by Michael Underwood
Recorded and Mixed by Mark Golde
About 5 Fox Jazz Melange
5 Fox Jazz Melange is a compelling quintet that seamlessly blends virtuosity and versatility, redefining the boundaries of modern jazz. At its rhythmic core, drummer Mike Underwood offers a masterclass in precision and flair, his dynamic style both commanding and effervescent. Upright bassist Andy Sachen, a Manhattan School of Music alumnus, enriches the ensemble with an impeccable groove and harmonic depth cultivated through years of professional performance and pedagogy.
Saxophonist Julio Reyes imbues the group with a striking tonal palette, weaving together threads of jazz, Latin, and R&B traditions into a tapestry of expressive artistry. Pianist Noah Harmon, a Lawrence University graduate, delivers a blend of technical finesse and lyrical improvisation, his playing both intricate and exhilarating. Completing the ensemble, vocalist Daniel LeCaire captivates with an award-winning command of jazz, pop, and soul, channeling emotional resonance and vibrant energy into every performance.
Together, 5 Fox Jazz Melange creates a transformative listening experience—a genre-defying celebration of jazz's past, present, and limitless possibilities.