Numerous new CDs have been released in the past few weeks to celebrate Christmastime. Here's a roundup of those that have come our way, reviewed by music editor Scott Iwasaki and other Deseret News staffers.
From the spiritual to the secular, from new songs to age-old carols, from jolly Santas to seasonal atmosphere, there should be something on this list for everyone.
ROBERTO ALAGNA & THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA; "The Christmas Album" (EMI Classical). With Robin Smith conducting the London Symphony Orchestra, tenor Roberto Alagna — winner of the 1988 Luciano Pavarotti International Competition — brings big, sweeping life to such holiday classics as "Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful)" and "Silent Night." There are also some original tunes, such as Alagna's own "Gentil Pere Noel" and the Russ Ballard-penned "The Love of a Child." Most of the arrangements work, but there are some lush pieces like the "Christmas Medley " (featuring snippets from "I Saw Three Ships," "We Three Kings" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"), which sound too big for their own good. — Scott Iwasaki
CHRISTINA AGUILERA; "My Kind of Christmas" (RCA). Pop diva wannabe Christina Aguilera's kind of Christmas takes itself way too seriously. She can't sing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" all the way through without adding moans and "uh-huhs." And then there's "Angels We Have Heard on High," which Aguilera's voice could have handled well, but it's too over the top. Aguilera, who also recorded four new holiday songs, which were touted as being "new classics" by the plugger sticker, also goes so far as to title one song "Xtina's Xmas." Go get Mariah Carey's 1994 album "Merry Christmas" if you want a nice pop-diva holiday album. — S.I.
BING CROSBY & THE ANDREWS SISTERS; "A Merry Christmas With Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters" (MCA/Decca). There are no less than 20 tracks on this jolly collection of duets (or is that quadruples), with Crosby teamed up with Patty, Maxine and Laverne ("12 Days of Christmas," "Poppa Santa Clause," etc.), and, of course, the Andrewses and Der Bingle each get their fair share of solo tracks as well (he does "Is Christmas Only a Tree," they do "Christmas Island," etc.). Fans of either (or both) won't want to miss this one, which includes familiar standards mixed with the less familiar, and all are winners.— Chris Hicks
FIDDLESTICKS; "Cold Fusion: Fiddlesticks Christmas" (Fiddlesticks). The Orem-based Davis family, also known as Fiddlesticks, has some fun ideas on this Christmas album. The group — composed of three daughters and their father — have a flair for Celtic and American folk music. While there are some great tunes ("Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella," "Away In a Manger"), there are some (like a "Take Five" arrangement of "What Child Is This") that don't quite sound right. The music of others ("Good King Wenceslas," "Auld Lang Syne") can be very ear-pleasing, but there are also times when the vocals overpower the arrangement and get in the way. Too bad they kept the laugh track in the spontaneous jam "Drummer Boys" at the end; the percussion was intriguing. — S.I.
HAMILTON SINGERS; "Home For Christmas" (Hamilton Singers). On their sophomore album, the Hamilton Singers continue the tradition of harmony and breath that made their first CD popular (see accompanying story on Page W18). The 13 singers show incredible range and talent on songs such as "Calypso Carol," "This Is Christmas," "Come All Ye Shepherds," "Riu, Riu Chiu," and others — 18 cuts in all. They have a lot of fun with "Throw the Yule Log On, Uncle John," a PDQ Bach tune; add beautiful refrains to "Rock Him in the Manger"; and showcase the softness and beauty of Kurt Bestor's "Prayer of the Children." Their version of "Ding Dong Merrily On High" is especially nice. (More information on the liner notes would have been helpful, so you know which singers are showcased on particular numbers.) The voices blend well, the harmony is tight and the spirit of the season is abundant. — Carma Wadley.
THE IRISH ROVERS; "Songs of Christmas" (Hip-O). For 36 years, the Irish Rovers have been entertaining audiences around the world. This Christmas take a bit of that boisterous joy and play it in your living room — loud. "Bells Over Belfast," "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen," "The Christmas Traveller" and "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" are the party tunes. Those are balanced by "Silent Night," "Away In a Manger" and "All Through the Night," the more reverent and sentimental of the bunch. — S.I.
CRYSTAL LEWIS; "Holiday! A Collection of Christmas Classics" (Metro One). There is a line between lounge and smoky jazz. Sometimes singers and producers inadvertently cross it. This is what happened to Crystal Lewis. While the idea for smoky jazz covers of "Joy to the World," "Winter Wonderland" and "O Holy Night!" are neat concepts, Lewis' voice isn't strong enough or rich enough to carry them. And how many times have you heard a smooth rendition of "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On an Open Fire)"?— S.I.
OTTMAR LIEBERT; "Christmas: Santa Fe" (Epic). Southwestern Christmas isn't all about kitschy pastel paintings. New Mexico-based flamenco guitarist Ottmar Liebert's second Christmas album (see accompanying story on Page W18) was made on his own terms with his own ideas. By mixing traditional carols with new Latin-influenced arrangements and songs, the German-bred guitarist has found an unobtrusive way to get in his trademark licks. "Santa Dancing/Deck the Halls," "Canyon Road on Christmas Eve/Hark the Herald Angels Sing" are some of the reverent but groovy arrangements on this disc. — S.I.
LONESTAR; "This Christmas Time" (BMG). Michael Britt, Keech Rainwater, Dean Sams and Ritchie McDonald — collectively known as Lonestar — have been dominating the charts with hits from their "Lonely Grill" album. They bring that same country style and energy to Christmas with this collection of standards and originals. They say it's their biggest challenge yet — how many times have these songs been recorded, and how can they make them different? But this album is true to their quest, flled with creative instrumentation on songs such as "Little Drummer Boy" and "O Holy Night," and adding fresh guitar licks to "Winter Wonderland" and "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," the sound is truly their own. Throw in "Reason for the Season," co-written by McDonald, and the title cut, co-written by Sams and they have a package sure to please their legions of fans — and maybe a few other folk as well. — C.W.
MICHAEL LUCARELLI & KELLY PARKINSON; "Romantic Christmas" (LMS). For the sentimental side of Christmas, this is one of the more intimate albums that can be played while cozying up to a fire and sipping hot cocoa. Locally based guitarist Michael Lucarelli and violinist Kelly Parkinson have teamed for this album, which is very good at times. "What Child Is This" features the perfect blend of the strings, as does "O Holy Night." Still, there are times when the two string-masters don't quite mesh — "Sleigh Ride" and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" sound a bit whiny at worst and shrill at best. — S.I.
LYNYRD SKYNYRD; "Christmas Time Again" (CMC International). Thankfully there isn't a song called "Freebird Christmas" on this album. Instead the band hailing from Jacksonville, Fla., has been able to release a new album without overdoing any vintage tunes — unless you consider the band's reworking of "Run Run Rudolph" and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and guest Charlie Daniels' take on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." But for the most part this album is filled with originals, such as "Santa's Messin' With the Kid" and "Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'," which will make this album a fun rocker to put some Southern boogie blues into your holidays. But "Mama's Song" and "Greensleeves" might bring a tear to your eye. — S.I.
ROSIE O'DONNELL & VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Another Rosie Christmas" (Columbia). The formula's the same, but the tunes have changed. Rosie O'Donnell follows up last year's "A Rosie Christmas" with "Another Rosie Christmas," again with the talk-show host/comedienne singing duets with some of today's more popular pop stars — with Ricky Martin ("Ay, Ay, Ay It's Christmas"), Sugar Ray ("Silver Bells") and Macy Gray ("Winter Wonderland"). But she also backs off when it comes to Donna Summer ("Rosie Christmas") and the Destiny's Child ("Spead a Little Love On Christmas Day"). The best is O'Donnell's duet with Smash Mouth ("Nuttin' for Christmas"), while the worst is a tie between the Destiny's Child cut and the live Dixie Chicks and O'Donnell's take of "Merry Christmas From the Family." — S.I.
MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR; "Christmas" (Telarc). From the first "Joy to the world" to the last "Sleep in Heavenly peace," this new collection is filled with power, tradition and beauty. The Choir, under the direction of Craig Jessop, with the Orchestra at Temple Square, continues a long-standing practice of holiday recording and does it well. Jessop has opted for many of the folk carols, with their simple, elegant messages, and the mix includes well-know favorites such as "The First Noel," "Pat-a-Pan" and "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing." Each has been given a new life in arrangements by Mack Wilberg and Barlow Bradford. And there are some lesser-known carols, such as "Whence Is That Goodly Fragrance," "How Far Is It to Bethlehem?" and "One December Bright and Clear" — which are rich and lovingly presented. In fact, the love of this music shows through clearly. When it comes to choral interpretations of Christmas, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir continues to raise the bar. — C.W.
MARK MOTHERSBAUGH: "Joyeux Mutato" (Rhino). An interesting idea gone awry, this offbeat album of yuletime (mostly) original songs by the former Devo vocalist/songwriter simply goes on too long. It's not that the quirky synth-pop instrumentals are unappealing (though the somewhat lurid liner illustrations make it fit for adult consumption only), but only two of its 11 songs are three minutes long, while the monotonous "Midnight Wind-up Toy" rambles on for 11 tedious minutes. — Jeff Vice
O'NEILL BROTHERS; "Coming Home" (Shamrock-n-Roll). The O'Neill Brothers, from New Prague, Minn., play the piano and play it well on this album of piano duets featuring Christmas favorites and original compositions. The sound is melodic and soft, and the mood is mellow and sweet. Songs include "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "I Wonder As I Wander," "Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mild," "The Christmas Song," and "O Come Little Children." The original songs, "Forgotten," and "Coming Home" capture the feeling of the season as well. The spoken introduction is a bit over the top but the the rest of the album comes together nicely. — C.W.
CAROLINE PEYTON; "Celtic Christmas Spirit (Green Hill). Celtic instrumentals and meditating voices might be passe to some, but Caroline Peyton's "Celtic Christmas Spirit" is a nice little album that, like her voice, brings a freshness to the genre. Peyton, who has sung on various Disney soundtracks, ranging from "Pocahontas" to "Beauty and the Beast," takes the mesmerizing "Ramelton Air" and "Once In Royal David's City" and integrates them with 14th and 16th century carols like "Angelus ad Virginem" and "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree." The highlight of the album is "Coventry Carol" and the medley that includes "I Saw Three Ships," "Baloo, Lammy," "Lough Sunlly Lilt" and "Lord of All Hopefulness." — S.I.
SALT LAKE SYMPHONIC CHOIR; "A Christmas Jubilee (Salt Lake Symphonic Choir). For those who have all but worn through their Christmas recordings of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, there is good news. The Salt Lake Symphonic Choir has released a new CD for its 50th anniversary, filled with seasonal favorites, such as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "White Christmas." This CD ought to be a welcome addition to most holiday music collections. Of course, some new things have been added, as well, such as John William's "Somewhere in My Memory" (from the film "Home Alone") and a less familiar setting of "Brightest and Best." The choir presents a crisp and clean performance of traditional-style arrangements of carols. It's a good traditional mixed-choral sound — solid without being heavy, and very clean. This would be a great CD for getting in the mood for a good, old-fashioned Christmas. — Rebecca Cline Howard
SHeDAISY; "Brand New Year" (Lyric Street). SHeDAISY's Christmas CD is an inventive, playful and melodic compilation of original and traditional holiday songs. The sister-trio take the classic carols of "Deck the Halls," "Jingle Bells," "Sleigh Ride," "What Child Is This?" "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Carol of the Bells," and place them in novel settings that could be considered a bit unrecognizable at first. This CD is more than putting a new spin on old tunes — the three sisters of SHeDAISY have made these songs their own. — Lucy Campbell
SLIM MAN; "All I Want for Christmas" (Bona Fide). Jazz bassist Slim Man's first Christmas album is what a jazz album should sound like — funky, smooth and very cool. It also helps that guitarists Marc Antoine and Peter White make guest appearances, as does trumpeter Randy Brecker. The album comes dangerously close to run-of-the-mill when considering "Winter Wonderland," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "The Christmas Song," but then the music takes a solid turn with "Carol of the Bells." — S.I.
KATIE THOMPSON; "Connie Lou's Christmas" (Shadow Mountain). Constance Louise Chamberlain is a character in Michael McLean's "The Forgotten Carols" who has little room in her heart for Christmas. People often ask McLean what happened to Connie Lou, as she came to be known, and this album is an attempt to portray her transformation, her sense of discovery as she sings some of the "Forgotten Carols," as well as some traditional favorites. Katie Thompson, who has played Connie Lou on stage, provides the rich, smokey vocals on the album. Included are "Away In the Manger," "The First Noel," a particularly nice "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" along with McLean favorites such as "Joseph (I Was Not His Father, He Was Mine)" and "I Cannot Find My Way/Three Kings." Thompson's "What I Need" is especially beautiful, and "Arise and Shine Forth" puts a nice exclamation point on the album's end. — C.W.
DAVID TOLK; "Holiday" (Old World Records). Locally based pianist/keyboardist David Tolk's "Holiday" album is a balanced trip through yuletide sentimentalism and new Americana folk. With some help from other well-known Utah musicians, including Ryan Shupe and Steve Lemmon, Tolk brings out the peaceful beauty of "Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella," "By the Hearth" and "Angels We have Heard on High." "A Winter's Tale" and "Through Her Eyes" are a couple of original small-town Christmas themes composed by Tolk. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "All-Star Christmas" (Epic). From the thundering schmaltz of Celine Dion ("The Christmas Song") to the blues guitar of Jeff Beck ("Amazing Grace") and the honky-cat work of Billy Gilman and Ray Benson from Asleep at the Wheel ("Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"), this album is a smorgasbord of music. But choosing the wonderful voice of Charlotte Church to do the mundane "Little Drummer Boy" was a mistake; "Angels We Have Heard on High" would have been better. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Ally McBeal: A Very Ally Christmas" (50-50/Epic/Sony/Fox). The TV series' resident vocalist Vonda Shepard has taken a lot of hits for her bland versions of pop tunes, which may explain why this album is chock-full of other warbling "Ally" regulars. Most are pretty bad, which makes Shepard's tracks seem that much better, and she dominates, with seven of the album's 14 cuts, while assisting on some others. Shepard is good on most, capped by her best, "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve." And Jane Krakowski isn't bad on the overproduced "Run, Rudolph, Run" and "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus." But Lisa Nicole Carson ("Santa Claus Got Stuck in My Chimney") and Calista Flockhart (on "Santa Baby," no less!) should stick to their day jobs. Even worse is Robert Downey Jr., who seems to be trying to do Tom Waits, especially on Joni Mitchell's "River." — C.H.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Believe: A Christmas Collection" (Giant). Designed to help listeners "believe in the holiday spirit of country music," this collection is an interesting blend of old and new. Featuring contemporary hitmakers Neal McCoy and Clay Walker, country greats Don Williams and Kenny Rogers and newcomers Keith Harling, Georgia Middleman and the Johnny Staats Project, it serves up some Western swing, a bit of honkey-tonk, a slice of bluegrass and lots of tradition. Seven of the 11 cuts have been previously recorded but the new songs and the mix of artists gives it a fresh feel. The Johnny Staats Project's bluegrass take on "What Child is This" is particularly nice, as is Williams' "Pretty Little Baby Child." McCoy is at his mellow best, and Walker's rich vocals add a lively touch. William's recitation of "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" rounds things out in fine country storytell-
ing fashion. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Candlelight Christmas" (Shadow Mountain). VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Happy Holidays" (Shadow Mountain). These two collections take previously recorded material from some of today's most popular LDS artists and package it in fresh and exciting ways. Kenny Hodges, who did the compiling, is to be commended for his artistry in pulling together songs that complement and enhance each other, while holding individual appeal. Featured artists include Brett Raymond, Michael Dowdle, Merrill Jenson, Jennifer Jordan Frogley, Michael McLean, Jon Schmidt, Lex de Azevedo with the Millennium Choir, the Mark Small-Robert Torres guitar duo, the Gibbons Family and Sen. Orrin G. Hatch and Janice Kapp Perry. "Happy Holidays" has a bit more of a pop flavor and leans toward the more secular songs, although the spiritual side is included as well. Raymond's "Toyland" is a lot of fun; Dowdle's "Little Drummer Boy" has a soft, jazzy feel; the Gibbon's Family's "Candlelight Carol" is elegantly beautiful; and Schmidt's original "Christmas Morning" captures the spirit of the season perfectly. "Candlelight Christmas" leans more toward the traditional, religious side and does so elegantly, beautifully, meaningfully. From the first "Triumphant Christmas Medley" from Merrill Jenson to the soft, somber "In the Bleak Midwinter" by the Small-Torres duo to Schmidt's "Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella" and the Gibbons Family's moving "Breath of Heaven," this compilation shines. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Christmas Classics" (Peter Pan). VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Christmas Past" (Peter Pan). And now for something different. When was the last time a Christmas album of strait-laced carols was released? You know, no fancy arrangements, no over-the-top vocals and no forced sentimentality? Well, the wait is over. These two compilations take listeners back about 40 years ago when things were a little simpler. "Christmas Classics" and "Christmas Past" are exactly what the titles say. Songs like "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "It Came Up On a Midnight Clear" and "Go Tell It On the Mountain" are on "Past." And "Classics" features "Snoopy's Christmas," "Frosty the Snowman" and "I'm Just a Little Elf," to name a few. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Christmas Songs" (Nettwerk America). All these artists are managed by the same agency, Nettwerk America. Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, Dido, Kendall Payne and Maren Ord are some who offer different angles to such seasonal ditties as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Songs for a Winter's Night," "Christmas Day," O Come O Come Emmanuel" and "The Christmas Song." There's also the haunting "Goudete" by the Midval Bbes. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "A Country Superstar Christmas III" (Hip-O). The title pretty much says it all — these are seasonal songs delivered by some of today's biggest country stars. Most are taken from previous recordings, compiled in a nice blend of styles and voices, which holds interest. Included are Alan Jackson's "Holly, Jolly Christmas," George Strait's "Christmas Cookies" and Randy Travis' "Pretty Paper." Vince Gill serves up a pretty version of "O Come All Ye Faithful," Alicia Elliott and Reba McEntire also do traditional carols. Chely Wright, Mark Wills, Alabama, Martina McBride, Sammy Kershaw and Toby Keith all contribute to the country flavor with old favorites and contemporary tunes. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Dr. Seuss' 'How the Grinch Stole Chrsitmas' " (Interscope). Seen the movie? Now you can hear the songs. The good ones are Barenaked Ladies' "Green Christmas," Little Isadore & the Inquisitors' "Christmas of Love," Smash Mouth's "Better Do It Right" and Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Whoville Medley (Perfect Christmas Night/Grinch)." Then there's star Jim Carrey's reworking of "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch." But stay away from Faith Hill's "Where Are You Christmas" and 'NSync's "You Don't Have to Be Alone." In addition to the songs, the CD contains James Horner's original motion picture score. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Lifetime Presents Christmas Belles" (Lifetime/Rhino). As the title indicates, these are holiday tunes by "girl singers," as they were once called — and every track by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald ("Sleigh Ride"), Julie London ("Warm December"), Rosemary Clooney ("Christmas Time Is Here"), Pearl Bailey ("Jingle Bells Cha-Cha-Cha"), Peggy Lee ("Christmas Carousel"), Doris Day ("Silver Bells") and more, is a gem. Fourteen cuts in all capped by Eartha Kidd's sexy "Santa Baby." — C.H.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Looney Tunes Kwazy Christmas: Christmas Tunes with a Looney Twist" (Kid Rhino). Can you imagine Christmas with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Tweety, Taz, Speedy Gonzalez, Pepe Le Pew and Sylvester? The gang's all here destructing Granny's house with "Double Deck the Halls" and taking a road trip "Over the River." Taz gets to play his drums on "Little Drummer Boy" and a fun sound-effect laden " 'Twas the Night Before Christmas." And when it seems that it can't get any more lively, out comes "Carol of the Looney Tuney Bells." — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Mambo Santa Mambo: Christmas From the Lounge" (Rhino). Latin big bands from the '40s and '50s like the Joe Loco Quintet doing "Jingle Bells," Billy May & His Orchestra and Hernando Hopkins swinging out two different versions of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and The Skip-Jacks with Esquivel & His Orchestra doing "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)." — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Martha Stewart Living: Home for the Holidays" (Living/Rhino). If you believe Stewart really chose these songs, you'll also believe she invented the cheesecake brownie recipe in the liner notes. But that's OK; the song selections are good and a bit more offbeat than the usual holiday samplers. From Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby" (also on the "Lifetime: Christmas Belles" album listed above) to the odd-couple pairing of Bing Crosby and David Bowie on "Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy" to Ray Charles' heartfelt "Christmas Time" to Melissa Manchester's original spin on "White Christmas," this album is a treat.— C.H.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Radio Disney Holiday Jams" (Walt Disney Records). Skip the 'N Sync cut "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays" and Myra's pretentious and too smooth shuffle of "Frosty the Snowman." Instead, revel in Alvin & the Chipmunks' "The Chipmunk Song (Chipmunks Don't Be Late)" and the Singing Dogs' "Jingle Bells." Other fun tracks are the Jackson 5's "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and Burl Ives' classic "A Holly Jolly Christmas." And "Macarena Christmas" by Los Del Rio is something that will raise the eyebrows. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Simple Gifts: A Windham Hill Collection" (Windham Hill). Ever since pianist George Winston's "December" album back in 1983, contemporary instrumentalists have been trying to capture the softer, quieter side of the holidays. And what better record label than Windham Hill — Winston's musical home — to get that job done. This is the most recent and one of the best of the many Windham Hill Christmas collections that have been released in the past. Winston is here ("Greensleeves"), as is Jim Brickman ("Joy to the World"). Suzanne Ciani ("Adeste Fideles" and "O Holy Night") and folk guitarist Janis Ian ("Winter Fire") add their musicality to the collection. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Sleighed: The Other Side of Christmas" (Hip-O). Much like Rhino's "A Punk Rock Christmas" a couple of years ago, this Hip-O release is a compilation of punk-inspired bands. Local H takes on "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," Sonic Youth sings its anti-drug call "Santa Doesn't Cop Out on Dope" and Less than Jake does "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer." Another tune that's guaranteed to cause laughing fits is the faux group Spinal Tap (from the mockumentary movie "This Is Spinal Tap!") singing the ultimate dysfunctional holiday quibble, "Christmas With the Devil." — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Yule B' Swingin' Too!" (Hip-O). Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters are all on one Christmas Collection, along with Dean Martin, Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra and Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra. They've all been placed side by side by side doing "Christmas In New Orleans," "Shake Hands with Santa Claus," "Santa Claus Came In the Spring," "Here Comes Santa Claus," "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus," among others. Once the music starts, everyone will be moving. — S.I.