“Jazz pianist David Ian treats the classics with a deft hand on "Vintage Christmas," seamlessly melding some traditional compositions with the perfect hint of lounge-meets-jazz phrasing. There is a way to botch this approach, to make it too kitschy. Ian knows better and meanders from the traditional approach just enough to keep it interesting, but without too many extra instruments mucking up the arrangement. His minimalist piano work delivers a clean approach here. Ian's best work is evident on his vocal-free rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas," with just some soft bass notes and drum work to back him up. His explorations with the melody are mild and it's nice that he doesn't meander off into a jazz jungle of unrelated riffs."

- Ron Harris, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

“Pianist David Ian, gives us Vintage Christmas Trio, his third and best holiday release. Supported by the fine acoustic bassist Jon Estes and the agile drummer Josh Hunt, Ian explores the strengths of “Silver Bells,” “Good King Wenceslas,” “Up On Te Housetop” and seven more tunes. Ian has an intelligent playing style, always avoiding the weak emotion that plagues less thoughtful musicians."

-Frank-John Hadley, DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE

“Mr. Ian, Toronto-born pianist, seasons five familiar songs with jazzy downtown sophistication… fireplace snap from a postmodern Vince Guaraldi.”

-Marc Myers, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

“This is one of those Christmas discs that honor the traditional songs of the season while giving them a slightly hip little tune-up. Ian is a jazz pianist in the vein of the greats like Dave Brubeck, Vince Guaraldi and Thelonius Monk. Bassist John Estes and drummer Josh Hunt bring that sophisticated mid-century vibe to classics like “Deck the Halls” and “Joy to the World.” Ian is a great leader and interpreter of these holiday delights in his tasteful use of block chords, elegant solos and inventive key modulations and arrangements. Think “A Charlie Brown Christmas” meets Brubeck’s “Take Five” for inspiration."

-Eric Harabadian, MUSIC CONNECTION

“David is a terrific jazz pianist from Toronto who plays with gorgeous chord voicings. It’s a very hip album with a downtown feel.”

- Marc Myers, JAZZWAX

“If you are looking for a more old-school musical celebration of the holiday season, pianist David Ian has chosen a number of lovely vintage Christmas songs to play for you. Here is a double-fisted handful of wonderful and familiar songs including the beautiful Christian hymns, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away in a Manger” and “We Three Kings.” 

David Ian and his trio offer us familiar melodies, but they infuse these songs with their own unique jazz cadences, swings, shuffles, and improvisations. Every song is flavored with jazz beauty, in a very easy listening way. Pop this into your CD player while curled on the couch in front of a roaring fireplace or enjoying a family dinner. David Ian’s sophisticated take on tunes like “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem” or “Silent Night” are pleasing to the ear and soothing to the spirit. When his trio goes from a sweet arrangement of “The First Noel” into a slow swing with Jon Estes walking his double bass with gusto and Josh Hunt driving them ahead with percussive confidence, you will start tapping your toe and smiling.

This is peaceful music from three talented musicians to remind us musically of the meaning of Christmas: peace, joy and love.”

- LA JAZZ SCENE