Longtime Fayetteville jazz trio release free Christmas album

 

Christmas comes early for jazz fans this year.

Longtime local jazz piano virtuoso Claudia Burson, along with drummer Steve Wilkes and bassist Drew Packard, have released Joy, a brand new 10-track collection of Christmas songs for the low, low price of zero dollars.

The Fayetteville musicians, known locally as the Claudia Burson Trio, unveiled the new album on the band’s website earlier this month. Fans can stream the entire collection of songs, or download individual tracks for free.

Those unfamiliar with the trio – or even jazz in general – should use caution when listening, as Joy just might be the gateway into a new obsession. Burson and crew exhibit the kind of uncommon musicianship that makes folks proud to claim them as a local band.

» Click here to listen or download Joy

Peace and a winter concert

The trio also recently released a new full-length album called Peace. The album, which is also available to stream or for purchase at cbursontrio.com, is a collaboration with guitarist Ben Harris.

The group will celebrate the release of both albums during their annual winter concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Fayetteville. Admission to the event is $25, and includes a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception after the show.