The arrangements captured on Christmas Joy evolved over a number of years playing gigs in the Christmas season.
“It was a pleasure to record this CD* with the fine musicians who regularly grace the bandstand when this band performs in New Orleans. What a thrill it is to hear them bring my music to life! It was especially gratifying to have my son, David Mahoney, on drums, and my son-in-law, Danny Kadar, as chief recording engineer. My Mom and Dad’s estate, meager though it was enabled me to produce this project, and I am once again indebted to them, even posthumously, for their support of my artistic endeavors. Finally, gracing the cover is the artwork of my talented sister, Nancy Mahoney, NancyMahoney.com. CD design is by Daniela Marx, designerdmarx.com.”
-John Mahoney
Selections:
- Joy to the World
- Silent Night
- Santa Clause is Coming to Town
- O Come, O Come Emmanuel
- O Little Town of Bethlehem
- Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
- Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow
The musicians on this record are some of the best and most versatile in the Southeast. The musicians on the recording are:
Saxophonists Ray Moore: lead alto, soprano and flute; Lee Hicks: alto and flute; Tony Dagradi and Larry Panella: tenor and clarinet; Paul Frechou: baritone; Jason Mingledorff: baritone and clarinet (on “Joy to the World” and Let it Snow” only).
Trumpets and Flugelhorn players Bobby Camp, lead; Brian Graber, Jimmy Weber, Dave Blask, and Riccardo Emilien (on “Joy to the World” and “Let it Snow” only).
Trombonists Rick Trolsen, lead; Greg Hicks; Jeff Albert, bass; Jerry Verges (on “Silent Night,” “Santa Clause is Coming to Town,” “Lo, How a Rose,” and “Little Town of Bethlehem”); Charlie Halloran (on “O Come, Emmanuel” only), and John Mahoney (on “Joy to the World” and “Let it Snow” only).
Rhythm Section players Brian Prunka on Guitar; Meghan Swartz on piano; Jesse Boyd on bass; David Mahoney on drums; and Michael Skinkus on percussion (on “O Come, Emmanuel” and “Lo, How a Rose” only).
*This CD was recorded June 6-9 at Loyola University New Orleans, under the Auspices of Vital Sounds Recording. It was engineered by Danny Kadar and mixed by him at Echo Mountain Recording Studio in Asheville, NC. Mastering by Mark Wilder at Battery Studios, Sony Music Entertainment.