While vocalist India.Arie and keyboardist Joe Sample worked on new songs that, in Arie's words, "weren't coming together as quickly as I wanted," Arie had the idea to shift direction and record a Christmas album -- something her mother had been wanting her to do. Sample's own family members had been asking the same from him, so he was happy to go along. In September 2014, while Christmas with Friends was being completed, Sample -- whose importance to jazz and R&B is difficult to overstate -- died of mesothelioma. He plays ...
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While vocalist India.Arie and keyboardist Joe Sample worked on new songs that, in Arie's words, "weren't coming together as quickly as I wanted," Arie had the idea to shift direction and record a Christmas album -- something her mother had been wanting her to do. Sample's own family members had been asking the same from him, so he was happy to go along. In September 2014, while Christmas with Friends was being completed, Sample -- whose importance to jazz and R&B is difficult to overstate -- died of mesothelioma. He plays piano on four of the ten songs: the opening "Let It Snow," "Silent Night" (featuring Brandy), "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (featuring Kem), and "The Christmas Song." It's unfortunate that Sample isn't heard more frequently, but the whole album is loose and lively, supported by drop-ins from contemporary gospel, jazz, pop, R&B, and rock artists, including Michael McDonald and Trombone Shorty. The backing musicians, such producer Aaron Lindsey, Jeff "Tain" Watts, and Nathan East, are top-notch as well, and Arie ties it all together, switching between the spiritual and playful material with natural ease. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi
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Add this copy of Christmas With Friends to cart. $4.10, fair condition, Sold by Service First Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Taylorsville, KY, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Motown.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, and artwork. May be missing booklet. Disc(s), case, and artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. ARTWORK IS UNORIGINAL AND PRINTED BY LIBRARY. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
Add this copy of Christmas With Friends to cart. $6.99, very good condition, Sold by Spike706 rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Poughkeepsie, NY, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Motown Records.
Add this copy of Christmas With Friends to cart. $6.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Motown Records.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
