Harry for the Holidays

For some recording artists, holiday albums are requisite but uninspired installments in a career's catalogue aimed at fulfilling contractual obligations, filling the void between discs of original material, and of course, making tons of money. What else could unite stars as disparate as Mariah Carey, Lynrd Skynyrd, and John Tesh under the same musical mistletoe?

But ask three-time Grammy Award winning jazz musician Harry Connick, Jr., and there's a very simple reason that he's chosen to release not his first, nor his second, but his third holiday album, What a Night! - A Christmas Album.

"Christmas songs are among some of the best written," says Connick, who filled the record with both holiday classics (including "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bells," "O Come All Ye Faithful,") and his own original compositions of Christmas cheer. With his big band in tow he has been touring his show Harry Connick, Jr. - A Christmas Celebration and will stop by Boston for three performances at the Colonial Theatre Dec. 19 - 21.

Understandably, it's been a busy holiday season. But in anticipation of his Boston stop, Connick took some time to answer a few questions via e-mail. He talked about his music and his role on Will & Grace, where he played Leo Markus, seemingly one of the only (and presumably, last) straight guys to actually get it on with Grace.

We also spoke about his work restoring the culture of his native city New Orleans. More than three years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, project work continues at the Musicians' Village, an intergenerational community of musicians and their families conceived by Connick and fellow jazz legend Branford Marsalis. Supported in its construction by New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, the Musicians' Village is a testament to a hometown whose success, and appreciation for the real spirit of giving, goes beyond any one holiday Night.

On What a Night! you interpret some classic holiday songs with elements of jazz, blues, and soul that often stand apart from more traditional versions. How do you find inspiration for the approach you take?

All of these songs have great melodies and chord structures. I start each arrangement like a painter might do with an empty canvas. I just start writing, and it comes like it's supposed to, I guess.

You even duet with your daughter Kate on "Winter Wonderland." Has fatherhood changed your outlook on the season? And by the way, does this mean Kate has the showbiz bug?

I do think Kate has the bug, definitely. And being a father of three daughters has made Christmas that much more meaningful. My kids and my wife have changed my outlook on everything.

What's a typical Christmas Day like in the Connick household?

Fun... it's all about hanging with family and friends. And, of course, celebrating the meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ. We also eat too much. Jill [wife] is an incredible cook.

How are developments going at the Musicians' Village?

The latest progress reports are great. Many families are living in the homes now, and the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music is being built in 2009. Yay! [Editors Note: The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music is a multipurpose indoor/outdoor performance, development and classroom space that will serve as a centerpiece for the Musicians' Village community].

Have you had the opportunity to meet some of the musician residents?

I've met a lot of residents, and I've known many of them for many years... one of my dear friends, Bob French, a legendary New Orleans drummer, lives in the village. I've played with him since I was about seven years old. To see him now, a proud homeowner, is a wonderful thing. I can't wait for some of the young musicians to study with him at the center.

It's been three years since the initial devastation of Hurricane Katrina. What are your thoughts on the progress made to rebuild and restore the city?

The progress has been slow and steady. I don't know if people from out of town realize how bad the devastation actually was. It's certainly coming along now, though, and I think the city will bounce back.

Many of your fans in the LGBT community know you from Will & Grace. It's been over two years since the show's series finale ... what do you think about your time spent on the show?

All of my experiences were great from Will & Grace. I've heard nothing but compliments from people over the years. I think people really loved that show... I made a lot of wonderful friends when I was there.

Any favorite "behind the scenes" memories with the cast that readers might appreciate?

Once Megan Mullally [Karen Walker] was telling me a particularly intense story and about five minutes into it, I just got up and left. I could hear her howling with laughter about thirty seconds later. It was like that everyday ... everyone on that show was completely nuts.

In past interviews, I've spoken with several gay jazz musicians (for example, most recently Lea DeLaria) who have articulated that they find the jazz community to be particularly homophobic within the music industry. Do you find that to be true, and did your role on Will & Grace result in any negative feedback? Did you ever hesitate to accept the role?

None of my friends are homophobic. I've never had a negative response from Will & Grace... and I've never hesitated about anything artistic. This is 2008, you know? Things are different now... or, at least they should be. We're all God's children. Enough already with homophobic people... they just don't get it.

Harry Connick, Jr. will perform Friday and Saturday, Dec. 20 (8 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 21 (7 p.m.) at the Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St., Boston. Tickets $37.50 - $97.50 via ticketmaster.com. For more info on Harry Connick, Jr., visit: harryconnickjr.com.