CHARLES XAVIER - XMAS VIBE

Happy Note Records has just released Charles Xavier’s Xmas Vibe DVD in 5.1 surround sound, allowing listeners to enjoy rich layered, 3D audio sensations. The new age Christmas music album, which was released in stereo last year, is an eclectic and hip perspective on classic and contemporary holiday music.

Captivatingly jazzy and relaxing, Xavier’s Christmas album is a mix of vibrant vocals, rock guitar riffs, piano, iridescent vibes, as well as a technology sampling of chimes and bells. Called enchanting, mystical, and abstract, Xmas Vibe takes the listener on a creative harmonious musical journey through a magical winter landscape in style. "I wanted to create music that uplifts the soul and brings new dimension to the holiday season," said Xavier. “It's not a typical approach to Christmas music, but I think it's innovative. I approached these songs with the intent of doing something new."

Reviews are positive. Longtime DownBeat columnist Frank-John Hadley has reported, “Playing vibes, keyboards, and drums, joined by guitarist Russell Golub and Tina Murray on vocals, Xavier fills his wassail bowl with electronic sounds, samplings, Gary Burton-like abstractions, elements of world-music, quirky allusions to, maybe Gong’s vibes player Pierre Moerlen. A dozen carols and holiday favorites drift together as one trippy soundscape. Recommended.” DownBeat has elsewhere called Charles Xavier a “Rara Avis,” which is Latin for rare bird. Music of our Heart blogger Edward David Jennings called Xmas Vibe “a total sensory experience that immerse audience members in layers of textured sound, allowing the mind to escape to new realms of serenity.”

Lee Mergner of JazzTimes wrote “Xmas Vibe features eclectic and creative interpretations of many traditional and contemporary Christmas songs, such as of John Lennon’s Happy Xmas (The War is Over) and the classic God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.” Happy Note Records will donate some of the proceeds from the DVD and CD sales to benefit the Bread & Roses Community Fund, KCSM Jazz Public Radio, and The Boys and Girls Clubs of America. “Through my music and performances, I hope to encourage others to get involved in their communities to help others rise up to their potential,” said Xavier.