This cool jazz Christmas card from the Nations' Capital features Craig Fraedrich on his Pujé trumpet/cornet hybrid, Jim Roberts on guitar, Regan Brough on bass and Larry Ferguson on drums playing nine updated and swinging arrangements of classic holiday fare. The album opens with a swinging version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" that features a "Killer Joe" style intro and extension and some rather challenging chromatic harmonies that are adroitly and melodically negotiated by all. "Silent Night" follows and the performance is anything but silent on this "All Blues" influenced rendition. The Leroy Anderson classic "Sleigh Ride" here is a medium swinger - a relaxing trot to the end of the ride. The traditional trumpet horse-whinny near the end is replaced by an impeccably appropriate bass flourish by Regan Brough - whoa Nellie! "Mary Did You Know" is given a very relaxed Latin treatment that highlights the unique sound of the Pujé as well as Jim Roberts' subtle and refined guitar work. The instrumental holiday classic "Carol of the Bells" is reworked as a cool jazz waltz minor blues. Room to stretch on this one for all! New harmonies in this 3/4 Bossa Nova style highlight this melodic rendition of "The First Noel." "Coventry Carol" opens with a rubato Pujé/guitar duet statement of the melody which segues smoothly into a straight-ahead medium tempo, modal swinger. Lots of great solo development and interaction here before returning to the melody and a "Piccardy 3rd" with a sharp 11th ending. The classic "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" is presented with obvious and intentional nods to the consummate jazz lullaby, "Little Darlin'." The album closes with an up-tempo version of "Good King Wenceslas" that features Larry Ferguson on brushes throughout. Check out the Pujé and drum trading before Jim Roberts closes out the solos with his own Pat Martino influenced stylings. A fitting signature to this Christmas card from the Capital! "Fraedrich is one of those players, known by those in the know, as a swinging, technically superior, jazz artist" Nicholas Mondello, All About Jazz "Yes there is good jazz in Virginia; no, New York has no corner on the good players. Craig Fraedrich and his compatriots are case in point." JAZZTIMES