Gabriel Latchin - piano
Joe Farnsworth - drums
Jeremy Brown - bass
Recorded in London on the 5th of May 2022

A Song For Herbie

Just The Ticket

Rest And Be Thankful

Mr. Walton

O Mito

Bird In The Hand

A Stitch In Time

Train Of Thought

A Mother's Love

Prim And Proper

Says Who

Polkadots and Moonbeams

Poor Butterfly

The Moon And I

Arthur Go

New arrangements of beloved Christmas songs by the Gabriel Latchin Trio, a jazz piano trio based in London, U.K.

https://www.gabriellatchin.com/epk

LINER NOTES:

The celebration of Christmas has a timeless and unwavering connection to music. The rich history linking them goes back many centuries and is ever evolving: new songs are continually being added to the cannon. The beloved music of this winter festival is deeply linked to our social and family traditions, whilst also reflecting the changing cultural tapestry of our times. Speaking personally, becoming a father has brought the magic of the season to the fore, and is one of the reasons I wished to make this album. 

As a jazz musician, my choice of Christmas repertoire, unsurprisingly, tends towards the American Songbook-style tunes that have proven to be perfect vehicles for improvisation for generations. In fact, many of these festive songs were written in the 1930s and ‘40s, the same era as the classic jazz standards themselves, and by some of the same composers. I have no doubt that melodies as beautiful as “The Christmas Song” or “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” would be enjoyed year round were Christmas not in the title. To this selection I have added two perennial carols that are personal favourites of mine, and one original composition, a dedication to friendship.

If Christmas is the principal narrative of this record, then the subtext would be my approach to each song. I set myself the exciting challenge of presenting these well-known tunes through the eyes of my musical idols. For example, how might Bill Evans approach “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”? What would Ahmad Jamal do with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”? Others include Herbie Hancock, Phineas Newborn, Barry Harris, Cedar Walton and Thelonius Monk. 

The extent to which this was successful remains for the listener to decide. The influence of the masters of the jazz piano tradition upon my own playing is overt. But, the shades of their music that appear here come from a place of honesty, love and deep study, and I cannot help but be a product of all the music that I have absorbed over the years. 

There are many people to thank for helping me to realise this album. Firstly, the wonderful musicians with whom I’m fortunate to work, Josh and Dario. Their contribution to this music goes well beyond the record date. Special thanks also to Simon Hendry, Sue Edwards, George Woodger, Sam Braysher and everyone else involved along the way. 

Most importantly, of course, thank you to my loving wife, Brigid, without whose support and encouragement this record would have remained merely an idea. Finally, I would like to dedicate this album to our three young children, Arthur, Oscar and Mairi. May their days be merry and bright. 

Gabriel

10 Rudolph The Red - Nosed Reindeer

09 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

08 God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

07 White Christmas

04 I'll Be Home For Christmas

03 Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town

01 Winter Wonderland

British pianist, composer and bandleader, Gabriel Latchin has made a name for himself as one of the UK’s finest musicians, praised by critics and world renowned musicians alike. Known for his effortlessly swinging feel, deep repertoire and compelling performances, Jazzwise recently described his playing as “impeccable... the clarity of his lines evoking something of Hank Jones or Tommy Flanagan”. 

2020 sees the release of "I’ll Be Home for Christmas", his third album as a leader. The collection of songs features new arrangements of beloved classics, including “White Christmas”, “Silent Night” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. This builds on the success of Latchin’s 2019 album "The Moon and I" - over 9 million streams so far - which was met with critical acclaim worldwide: “this is a masterpiece that shows the true skill of his composition” - Jazz Japan.


Recognised as a talented composer and arranger, Latchin’s writing is fresh and original, whilst reflecting his serious study of the jazz piano tradition. On "I’ll Be Home for Christmas" Latchin presents well-known songs through the eyes of his musical idols. For example, how might Bill Evans approach a Christmas song? What would Ahmad Jamal do with “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”?


An in-demand sideman, Latchin was personally invited by Christian McBride to perform with himself and Renée Fleming at Wigmore Hall in London. "Gabriel is an excellent musician and one hell of a nice guy" - Christian McBride.

Gabriel Latchin Trio

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