“Get in the Mood” is destined to create new holiday favourites for its audience. The CD is a rich mix of R&B and soul tunes, jazz standards, romantic ballads and traditional carols that convey the excitement and anticipation of the season. Deanne Matley’s delivery is impeccable. Her warm, elegant, rich and deep vocal style and authentically engages the listener, emotionally connecting with their hearts and minds.
With original arrangements, the song selections are wide in emotional range, from the jubilant “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to the beautifully pensive jazz standard “A Child is Born.” Some of the tunes are full-on fun: “I’d Like You for Christmas” includes a ‘50s-style call and response sung by Calgary a cappella group The Heebee-jeebees.
With a Christmas album that was to include strings and horns, Deanne invited some of Calgary’s most talented musicians for the recording, many of whom are personal friends. These musicians play in her own groups, in the Prime Time Big Band, of which Deanne is also a member, and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Appearing with her on the the CD are: Bruce Petherick (Piano), Stefano Valdo (Bass), John de Waal (Drums), Ralf Buschmeyer (Guitar), Jim Murray (Trumpet, Flügelhorn), Dave Reid (Trombone), Pat Belliveau (Tenor Saxophone), Shane Statz (Alto Saxophone), Allegra String Quartet (Violins, Viola, ‘Cello) and the aforementioned Heebee-jeebees.
The album is dedicated to the special memory of Woodwind performer Ian Clayton, who in his lifetime contributed so much to the vitality of Alberta’s music community.
