Ray Brown Trio turns Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer into a sly, swinging holiday staple. Right now, it sounds less like a chestnut and more like a fresh cue for the season’s first real cold snap.
The bass walks with authority, the piano snaps with clean little jabs, and the drums keep everything light on its feet. Nothing feels overdecorated; the trio leaves room for bounce, wink, and a little room noise that makes the room feel close.
For a coffee run, a late-night wrap-up, or trimming the tree with half the lights already working, it lands exactly right. Jazz keeps the sleigh bells off the windshield and lets the melody cruise.
