Holiday Shows & Music: Mann & Naylor Update the Usual

I went to two very different but equally excellent holiday-themed shows this past weekend: Aimee Mann's rock 'n roll Holiday special at The Fillmore on Friday and Jacqui Naylor's intimate jazz show at Salle Piano's on Sunday. Very different in setting and mood, they were both excellent, featuring stellar accompaniment (key players being songwriter/guitarist Ted Leo for Aimee and pianist Art Khu for Jacqui) great singing and new takes on holiday favorites.

Both Mann and Naylor have above-and-beyond-the-usual holiday albums. Check 'em out.
Jacqui Naylor — Smashed for the Holidays
Aimee Mann —  One More Drifter in the Snow

 In addition to co-leading the show with Leo — they've been performing as 'The Both'  for the past year or two — Mann called in a couple of comedians as well as Bangle member Susanna Hoffs to fill out the evening. Their video, below, albeit not Christmas-related, captures the chops and humor this bunch brought to the stage.