A much beloved fixture for the last decade playing clubs, festivals, private events and the historical Delta King Riverboat in the Sacramento area, Shawn Raiford has long called his ever-evolving ensemble the SRE (Shawn Raiford Experience) because – drawing on his passions for contemporary jazz, R&B, gospel, rock and pop – that’s what the multi-talented saxophonist promises every time he and his cohorts take the stage. His first release since making an initial impact in Smooth Jazz with his 2020 debut album MAN WITH A HORN, Raiford breathes fresh, sultry bounce into the classic “Santa Baby” with a delightfully traditional, seductive, soulful version buoyed by a lush orchestral string arrangement. Listening to this track after re-visiting his earlier collection is a great way to experience the depth Raiford’s expansive and heartfelt artistry offers.
