Join us for a one-of-a-kind live performance of A Very Christmas — the bold, jazz-infused holiday album by Portland jazz legend Alan Jones and acclaimed singer-songwriter Taylor John Williams, brought to life on stage in its entirety.
A Very Christmas has been praised for its fresh take on the seasonal soundtrack, blending rich jazz textures with soulful vocals and inventive arrangements. The album transforms familiar holiday favorites into something timeless yet contemporary, balancing tender ballads with lively, swinging grooves that capture the season’s joy and complexity.
Best known for his haunting, soulful performances as a finalist on The Voice (Season 7), Taylor John Williams brings his signature blend of emotional depth and raw artistry to this intimate, cinematic album. His voice — expressive, nuanced, and unmistakably his own — brings new light to seasonal standards. The music journeys through tender sweetness with his Buckley-esque rendition of “Ave Maria,” dips into smoky, sinister tones on “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” launches into a beat-poet fever dream on “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and lightens up with a playful touch in the Christmas breakup anthem “Our Very First Christmas,” which he wrote for the album.
Anchored by Alan Jones’ dynamic drumming and backed by a stellar jazz ensemble, the performance fuses world-class musicianship with deep personal connection — Jones, the album’s primary arranger and a foundational force in Portland’s jazz scene, is also Williams’ stepfather.
This is more than a holiday concert — it’s a family affair, a collaborative celebration, and a fresh, heartfelt take on the music of the season.
Featuring,
Taylor John Williams – vocals
Alan Jones – drums
Mike Gamble – guitar
David Goldblatt – piano
Garrett Baxter – bass
