There’s a serious buffet of holiday sounds being dished out this week in Connecticut. Christmas music can be sliced and spiced a thousand different ways.
The Soulful Sounds of XMas show featuring singer Will Downing and saxophonist/reedman Najee will celebrate the season with silky soul, smooth jazz and R&B takes on the eggnog-and-holly repertory.
Downing released a Christmas album in 2004, featuring quiet-storm renderings of holiday favorites. Downing makes grown-up soul music, suave and polished, with velvety beds of keyboards, reverb-y horns and backing vocals adding even more cushion to a fairly pillowy sound showcasing his toasty baritone. Najee, who has collaborated with Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Herbie Hancock, will up the overall smoothness.
If a lot of Christmas music conjures the spirit of a gaudy holiday sweater, Downing and Najee will be playing music that is more suited to a cozy blanket, a plush robe and slippers.
The Soulful Sounds of XMas lands at the Palace Theater, 100 East Main St., Waterbury, Friday, Dec. 16, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $100. 203-346-2000, palacetheaterct.org.
