I’ve written about Graham Reynolds, the virtuoso pianist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, arranger, and jokester. That last bit is new to me as I discovered his wit as a raconteur at his show How to Ruin the Holidays, performed at the Rollins Center for a two-night engagement. Now in its 7th year, this untraditional show has become somewhat of a tradition, and you would be amiss not to see it next year. Mark your calendars for 2025!
Now on with the show!
A ten-piece orchestra of some of Austin’s stellar musicians whooped up some brand new renditions (while others were new to a first-time audience, Reynolds tweaked those to refresh last year’s show) of the Christmas classics. Starring with The Nutcracker- probably because at the same time we were privy to the wildness ensuing onstage at the Rollins, another audience was watching The Nutcracker upstairs at the Long Center.
One of the special guests helping to kill the holiday vibes this year as a first-time Ruiner was Carolyn Trowbridge (vibraphone)! Some returning favorites included Alexis Buffum (violin), Nick Montopoli (violin), Luis Bellorín (viola), Ilia De La Rosa (cello), Rachel Thomas (trumpet), Andre Hayward (trombone), and Jeremy Bruch (drums).
Turned on their head in a kaleidoscope from ska to Mexican mariachi, Chinese flute-like classic background music to swing, Glenn Miller-ish 1940s significant band era to eclectic horror/comedy soundtrack music. It was a wild ride indeed and thoroughly entertaining. What Reynolds excels in is improvisation. What improv is to jazz, he takes and masters the art form in almost any musical genre, including electronic. That leaves a wide berth of creation not only for the bandleader himself but also for the musicians to collaborate. The orchestra played everything from Jingle Bells to Silent Night, to a Ukranian song w/DMX, and a humorous wazoo added to Deck the Halls. Dreidl was incredibly touching due to Reynold’s telling of his childhood belief that the world was split into two religions, Christianity and Judaism, due to the neighborhood where he grew up where Christmas and Hanukkah were celebrated.
I didn’t want the show to end as Reynold’s original take on these so-called classics of American folklore was as yummy as a hot toddy on a snowy night in December, [just like the sprinkled fake snow descending on the audience’s head]; they were just my brand of Christmas tunes. I deflect whenever I’m asked to participate in carol singing at holiday parties. If you missed this year’s performances, I’d recommend everyone who wants real cheer and jolliness to attend the show in 2025.
For more information check out https://www.grahamreynolds.com/
