The Jets
Christmas
Released December 2024
Reviewed 20th December 2024 by Rockin Rebel
Members are
Bob Cotton-Upright Bass and Lead Vocals
Ray Cotton- Lead Guitar- Backing Vocals
Tony Cotton-Drums-Backing Vocals
Review
There is not much more to be said that hasn’t already been said about this rock n roll trio. I first seen the them whilst they supported Shakin’ Stevens in the early 1980s. and they absolutely rocked the joint. although they never really had the chart success that deserved, they became well known on the rockin circle. Performing all over the world and lots of TV performances. building a fan base that continue to follow them today. The three brothers look just as happy today performing with each other as they did all them years ago. They are not just part of the British rock n roll fabric, they helped sow the whole thing together. LONG LIVE THE JETS.
Track by track
I WANT YOU BACK (Cotton)
Kicking of with this fast-paced bopper. Written by Ray who also delivers some driving force on the guitar. Great vocal as always from bob, and tony thrashing the skins. You will be twisting with the turkey this Christmas time great opener.
RUN RUN RUDOLF (Berry)
Typical chuck sound on this the first cover on the album. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without this rockin track. it features on many an artist albums, but the boys give it there very own vibe. Some stunning riffs n licks on the guitar. A most respectful cover version.
IM GONNA BE WARM THIS WINTER (Hunter,Barkan)
What a track to cover, I don’t believe I have heard any other cover version of this classic Connie Francis track. The trio provide us with a sentimental version, that really brings the Christmas feel. Bobs gives us a vocal with a slight distortion along with the guitar. Brilliant from the boys. Stunning cover.
LAST CHRISTMAS (Michael)
I must admit, I had my doubts about this one. Sometimes its best to leave some songs alone. WRONG. The cotton brothers bring this 80s classic right up to modern and beyond track. its doo wop, its Neo, its bloody brilliant. Bob gives such a powerful vocal that even George would be happy with. This track is going to get some airtime every Christmas I guarantee. I have to turn it off I still got the rest of the album to play. Boys, very well done.
A PRESENT FOR YOU.(Cotton)
Back to the high-octane rocking by the band on this the second penned track by Ray. At just over 2 minutes long it packs a whole lotta rockin. Even whilst the boys are performing, its like you can see them laughing a smiling whilst recording. Like I said previously, really brings the Christmas out.
SANTA BRING MY BABY BACK TO ME.( Schroeder- Demetrius)
Bob gets it lips in a curl and snarl in his vocal on this 1957 Christmas track. first recorded by the King himself Elvis Presley. It was released as a single in the UK of 57 and if I had my way it would be a single in 2024 by the Jets, the backing vocals are just fantastic and match every note. Bob lowers the key on some notes giving a newer modern feel.
2 CANDLES BURNING (Cotton)
Forget the Platters, Drifters. Take a listen to this wonderful harmonising vocals from the boys. Sends a shiver right down the spine. Outstanding track that really must have took some work to get that standard. A slow march beat on the snare just finishes of the track. and the best part its over four minutes long. What a Christmas smooch.
ROCKIN AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE.( Marks)
Written by the great Johnny Marks, who also wrote Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, A Holly Jolly Christmas and of course everyone’s favourite Rockin Around the Christmas Tree. The band first released this track in 1983 on the PRT Records(formally pye before changing to Precision Records and Tapes). Once again, they have taken a rocking track and gave it the Jets touch, slightly speeded up the track and rocked out on the backing, always a firm favourite.
CHRISTMAS EVERTYDAY (Robinson)
Talk about picking the cherry from the tree, what an absolute belter from the boys. This track is 61 years old, originally by Smokey and his Miracles. The boys stick to the basic rhythm but with an obvious upbeat of the rock n roll sound. Motown meets Rockabilly and both are top versions.
OH DICKENS (Cotton)
A joyfull singalong to the season’s happenings. Lots of bells and sounds of happiness to keep that joy to the world moment. This is an album filler that will defiantly bring holiday smiles.
SO HERE WE GO (cotton)
Intro is a Christmas chant of the title, some great vocals and backing during the track. its upbeat its happy, its Christmas.
THIS CHRISTMAS TIME (Cotton)
Rockin little treat for all you lovers out there. A nicely composed up tempo Ballad. Ray continues to shine with the lyrics of this the albums 6th self-penned song. And that is a task all on its own. But it still delivers that much needed lift of these troubling times.
TONITE TONITE (Cotton)
So we come to the last track on this fantastic album. The boys sings us out with a nice Christmas jiver. Vocals are great from bob and the boys back him up nicely.
Summery
WHAT an album. Full of every seasonal emotion, you get it all, the fun and the sadness of this wonderful time of year. The writing of seven great tracks along with six cover versions. 13 tracks that takes us to the past, present and future. Its such a great album showing the bands versatile styles and skills as musicians. The covers tracks like Last Christmas is so well delivered and the whole production of 2 Candles is just heart wrenching. Very well done to The Jets on this release.
Recommendation
Buy 2 copies, because you will where the first one out. The best Christmas album in years.
Links to the Band
Bio
THE JETS secured a major recording contract with media giants EMI, achieving phenomenal success. Scoring hit records around the world, " Love Makes the world go round"," Yes tonight Josephine" "Rockin around the Christmas tree" appearing on hundreds of TV shows and featuring in national BBC and ITV Dramas. The ultra talented Cotton Brothers have thrilled audiences professionally since 1980.Having performed alongside Sir Cliff Richard, Shakin Stevens, Meatloaf, the Police, Boy George, Madness and even Led Zeppelin! With over an amazing 2000 live shows to their credit, THE JETS never fail to deliver a sensational show.
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