Album Review: A Jennifer Madsen Christmas from Jennifer Madsen

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Album:  A Jennifer Madsen Christmas
Artist:  Jennifer Madsen
Label:  Grand Central Artists
Release Date:  November 6, 2026
Website:  www.JenniferMadsen.com
www.grandcentralartists.com

Jennifer Madsen has the voice of a magnetic cabaret singer, born with a vocal style that is made for audiences.  Her Christmas-themed release entitled A Jennifer Madsen Christmas is filled with a delightful repertoire of classic favorites that welcome the holiday season, inviting the listener to be as enamored of the joyful occasion as she is.

She welcomes guest trombonist Brian Woodbury on the track "I'll Be Home for Christmas" with the pair complementing one another's calling.  Their exchange clutches the listener's sense of bonding with family and friends.  The glistening atmosphere of "I Wonder as I Wander" is haloed in the swirling tweets of Sean Jones's trumpet with pianist Brent Edstrom boosting the elevating vibration.  His keys turn solemn and reflective through "Some Children See Him," as Madsen's vocals illuminate a pensive tone over the placid beats.

Switching to a bluesy bopping groove along "Go Tell It on the Mountain," featuring the fiery wails of Jeff Coffin's saxophone, Madsen is partnered with a choir of gospel singers as the flaring keys enliven the spirited experience.   The recording slows to a warm ballad along "Touch the Hand of Love" as Madsen's vocals are contoured by a chorus of silky strings, cloaking her in films of gossamer.  Conversely, the swinging rhythm of "Sleigh Ride" radiates merriment and a fancy-free demeanor that sprints into the smooth bluesy beats of "Winter Wonderland," as Edstrom's frolicking keys correspond enthusiastically with the cool jazz pulsations of Clipper Anderson's bass.

Collaborating with her arranger and pianist, Brent Edstrom, Jennifer Madsen amplifies elements of swing, cabaret blues, gospel, and orchestral tones, as guest musicians input their individual voices, deepening the storylines and the listener's connection to the songs.  She presents a Christmas program that speaks to the bonds between family and friends,  delivered in her personalized way.

Musicians:
Jennifer Madsen - vocals
Brent Edstrom — piano
Clipper Anderson — bass
Phil Kuehn — bass on "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
Mark Ivester — drums
Lysa Ritting — harp on "I'll Be Home for Christmas", "Some Children See Him" and "Touch the Hand of Love"

Special Guests:
Sean Jones — trumpet on "Sleigh Ride" and "I Wonder as I Wander"
Howard Levy — chromatic harmonica on "Silent Night"
Jeff Coffin — saxophone on "Go, Tell It on the Mountain"
Clipper Anderson — bass on "Winter Wonderland" and "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm"
Brian Woodbury — trombone on "I'll Be Home for Christmas"
Czech Symphony Orchestra on "I'll Be Home for Christmas", "Some Children See Him", and "Touch the Hand of Love

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