Downbeat Magazine
HOLIDAY REVIEW    by Dave Zaworski
“Tenderness for Christmas”    Kenny Stahl and Weber Iago

A perfect CD for reflective holiday souls. As the title suggests,
tenderness is the emphasis on these X-mas chestnuts featuring
West Coast flutist Kenny Stahl and pianist Weber Iago
(guitarist Steve Ezzo joins in on three cuts). Nice reharmonizaations on
“Greensleeves” provoke thoughtfulness. There’s also a pleasant swinging take
on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Stahl’s got a dynamic tone and Iago’s a
perfect foil for him, listening intently and adroitly supporting his playing.
The disc’s rubato nature gets a bit tedious, especially on
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” but ultimately if it’s
yuletide tenderness you’re looking for, this is the place.


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