How do you transition from a stately Christmas instrumental to a more free-spirited one? iTunes shuffle mode accomplished this with two tracks from my library this morning. By pairing Philadelphia Brass Ensemble's version of "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" with Two Times True's rendition of "Away In A Manger," the transition flows gracefully. An authoritative version of one carol segues into Carolbeth True's piano-led carol, with modest embellishments at first but putting its own stamp on things when the bossa nova beat kicks in.
A Classical brass piece to a jazz/bossa nova transition doesn't have to be a train wreck. In this instance, it's plausible to mix and match genres.
