Just in time for the holidays, renowned jazz vocalist Lizzie Thomas delivers This Christmas, a fresh, soulful take on holiday classics. Known for her dynamic presence and captivating performances, this festive collection is infused with her signature blend of jazz, Neo-soul, and R&B. Featuring top-tier jazz musicians including John Di Martino on piano, Wayne Escoffery on saxophone, Dezron Douglas and Noriko Ueda on bass, Kevin Sibley on B3 Hammond, Leandro Pellegrino on acoustic guitar and Neal Smith on
drums.
These master musicians create a sophisticated sound that captures the joy and warmth of the season. The first single, a sultry and soulful cover of Donny Hathaway’s iconic “This Christmas,” was released on November 1, 2024, followed by the full album release on November 8, 2024.
This Christmas is available on limited-edition 10-inch green sparkle vinyl and all streaming platforms via Dot Time Records.
Lizzie’s version of Hathaway’s “This Christmas” features a warm, groovy B3 organ, giving the holiday classic a deep, soulful vibe.
“I believe “This Christmas” is one of the best Christmas songs. It’s hip, speaks to the present
moment, and it’s not nostalgic. It showcases my current band and soulful vibe. Written in 1970
by Nadine Mckinnor & Donny, inspired by Nat King Cole. It is Black American Music at its finest. Thank you, Donny Hathaway!”
The album continues with “Christmas Time is Here” (A Charlie Brown Christmas), with a bossa nova feel led by Brazilian guitarist Leandro Pellegrino. Thomas creates a lush romanticism featuring the flugelhorn sounds of Antoine Drye on “It’s Magic.” She delivers a lively big band rendition of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime,” featuring her fluid scat stylings and arrangement that breathes fresh vitality into the song, and Terry Roche’s “Star of Wonder” closes the album on a hauntingly beautiful note with the intimate collaboration of Di Martino and Smith.
Born in Pittsburgh and raised in the South, Thomas made her way to the New York City jazz
scene after honing her craft in Nashville. Since then, she has earned critical acclaim for albums
like New Sounds From The Jazz Age and Duo Encounters and has performed sold-out shows
at iconic venues such as Birdland, the Triad Theatre, Chelsea Table & Stage, and Blues Alley.
Over her 16-year career, she has shared the stage with jazz legends Ron Carter, the late
Russell Malone, Helio Alves, and the Harlem String Quartet. Lizzie Thomas continues to tour
globally, which she has done for 16 years. Her forthcoming European tour begins in March 2025, where she revisits Switzerland, Germany, France, England, and Ireland.
