A Merry Bari Christmas
Artist: RYAN MIDDAGH JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Release Date: October 30, 2026
Catalog Number: EUR0456
RELEASE DATE: 10.30.26
Composer, bandleader, and saxophonist Ryan Middagh presents A Merry Bari Christmas, a big band tribute to the holiday season built around the distinct voice of the baritone saxophone.
RYAN MIDDAGH JAZZ ORCHESTRA:
Vocalists:
Vinéecia Buchanan (track 3-5)
Chris Walters (track 7)
Saxophones:
Mark Douthit - Alto Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone (track 4)
Jovan Quallo - Alto Saxophone
Jeff Coffin - Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone (track 1 & 7)
Jimmy Bowland - Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone (track 2)
Ryan Middagh - Baritone Saxophone
Michael Dease - Baritone Saxophone (track 7)
Trumpets:
Steve Patrick (tracks 1-4, 6, 8)
Tyler Jaeger
Jeff Bailey (tracks 1, 8)
Emmanuel Echem (tracks 2-7)
Jose Sibaja (tracks 5, 7)
Olivia Achcet
Trombones
Jonathan Salcedo
Michael Dease
Barry Green
Matt Jefferson, Bass Trombone
Rhythm Section
Pat Coil - Piano
Steve Kummer - Piano (track 5)
Brian Allen - Bass
Jordan Perlson - Drum Set (tracks 1, 3, 5-8)
Marc Widenhofer - Drum Set (tracks 2, 4)
Glenn Caruba - Congas (track 5)
Track Listing :
1. (If I Were Giant) Jingle Bells
Composed: James Lord Pierpont
Arr. Ryan Middagh
Soloists: Pat Coil, Piano
Jeff Coffin, Bari Sax
2. The (Cute) Little Drummer Boy
Composed: Katherine Davis
Arr. Ryan Middagh
Soloists: Jimmy Bowland, Bari Sax
Marc Widenhofer, Drums
3. Un Flambeau Jeannette Isabelle
Composed: Marc-Antoine Charpentier
Arr. Ryan Middagh
Solists: Vinéecia Buchanan Voice
Jeff Coffin, Tenor Saxophone
Jordan Perlson, Drums
4. Christmas Time Is Here (Killer Joe)
Composed: Vince Guaraldi
Arr. Ryan Middagh
Soloists: Vinéecia Buchanan, Voice
Mark Douthit, Bari Sax
5. I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (In Havana)
Composed: Irving Berlin
Arr. Ryan Middagh
Soloists: Jose Sibaja, Trumpet
Emmanuel Echem, Trumpet
Mark Douthit, Alto Sax
Jordan Perlson, Drums
6. (Not So) Silent Night
Composed: Franz Xaver Gruber
Arr. Ryan Middagh
Soloists: Pat Coil, Piano
Michael Dease, Trombone
Jonathan Salcedo, Trombone
Emmanuel Echem, Trumpet
7. Santa Digs Me
Composed: Chris Walters & Jeff Coffin
Arr. Ryan Middagh
Soloists: Chris Walters, Voice
Michael Dease, Bari Sax
Ryan Middagh, Bari Sax
Jeff Coffin, Bari Sax
8. Have Yourself a Merry (Bari) Christmas
Composed: Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane
Arr. Ryan Middagh
Soloist: Ryan Middagh, Bari Sax
RECORDING INFO:
Executive Producer: Ryan Middagh
Produced, Recorded, Mixed: Dan Rudin
Asst Engineer: Shane Burgess
Mastering: Mike Haynes
Recorded @ Dan Rudin Recording & Production
Nashville, TN - November 13th & 14th 2025
Composer, bandleader, and saxophonist Ryan Middagh presents A Merry Bari Christmas, a big band tribute to the holiday season built around the distinct voice of the baritone saxophone. Inspired by his own family traditions, Middagh drew a parallel between the camaraderie of a big band and the bonds of a family gathering, using that connection to guide the record's spirit.
The album brings together five baritone saxophonists, including Middagh himself alongside Jeff Coffin, Michael Dease, Mark Douthit, and Jimmy Bowland, each featured throughout in solos, textures, and ensemble writing. Rather than offer a conventional holiday record, Middagh reworks familiar songs with fresh arrangements that highlight his skill as a writer, giving well known material new character while still honoring its roots. The result is a collection that Middagh hopes captures the warmth and joy of the season for listeners.