Jersey Jazz Journal

Guitarist PETER CURTIS sure knows how to develop an eye-catching title for an album, Christmas with Your Jewish Boyfriend Bella Barktalk Records). This is also the title of the closing song of the album, one that he wrote for his girlfriend, celebrating their first Christmas/Hanukkah together. This on the onl of the 13 tracks on which he sings. The other selections are all pop seasonal tunes written or co-written by composers and lyricists with Jewish roots. Curtis is equally at home playing jazz or classical guitar, has a nicely swinging, straight-ahead style that he applies winningly to each selection. Among the songs are “Winter Wonderland,” “White Christmas,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Silver Bells,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Christmas Time Is Here. Curtis has come up with an interesting concept for his album, and has carried it off with aplomb.