On Jazzy Christmas with Jeff Sparks, the versatile saxophonist expands on the infectious and powerful blend of gospel, funk and R&B that drove the success of his 2010 Arrow Records release Love.Life.Soul. He brings fanciful twists to five familiar Christmas classics, including a high octane horn driven funk/jazz/rock romp through “Carol of the Bells”; a fiery and percussive New Orleans-styled “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”; the brassy gospel rocker “Mary Did You Know”; and colorful, exotic takes on “Feliz Navidad” and “Little Drummer Boy” (featuring vocals by Dria). Sparks complements these with two compelling original tunes, the gospel fired yet sensually romantic “This Christmas” (with lead vocals by Monique Dansby) and the soaring emotional ballad that closes the set, truly making Christmas a “Wonderful” experience. Sparks takes a fascinating and cool moodswing approach—with one of the freshest urban jazz arrangements ever—on the collection’s sizzling lead single, an emotionally stirring rendition of “Do You Hear What I Hear.” The track opens with a bright, funky brass section and bubbling bass motif that burst in and set fire to the saxophonist’s cool, laid back and soulful soprano lines between each verse. Later in the tune, Sparks lights up with some exciting, unpredictable improvisations that join the high energy brass for a major holiday jam session. Riffing on the song’s title, yes, everyone’s gonna want to hear this!