Former Stray Cat Brian Setzer was inclined to make a Christmas album because his friends have been bugging him about it for the past year.
"I had recorded songs for that movie 'Jingle All the Way' ('Deep in the Heart of XMas,' 'Sleigh Ride' and 'So They Say It's Christmas')," Setzer said during a telephone interview from his Southern California home. "Friends of mine were telling me that I had to do a Christmas album and kept telling me until I got off my butt and did one."
He wanted a holiday album that was fun. "I knew I wanted to do a duet and called Ann-Margret. She said, 'Yes.'
"I also knew I wanted to do a choir number, and I arranged 'O Holy Night.' And I had to put some Elvis in there. So I did 'Blue Christmas.' But I didn't want to veer too far from the roots-rock sound. So I didn't. If you take out the orchestrations, it would sound like a Stray Cats album."
When Hilary Weeks started thinking about a Christmas album, she hoped to "create something people would listen to year after year; that it would bring back memories of Christmases past."
Music is a powerful connection to the holiday, Weeks said during a telephone conversation from her home in Colorado (where she is getting ready for a move to Utah). "So many of my memories of Christmas are associated with music."
Weeks, who has won numerous Pearl Awards for singing and songwriting, tends to sing mostly her own material, so it was different singing Christmas songs, she said. "Usually, in the middle of a recording project, I'm still madly writing. This time, I thought, 'Where's all the work?' This is really fun.'"
But deciding which Christmas songs to include was a challenge because she likes so many of them. She sent e-mails to all the people on her list, asking them to rate their top-five favorite songs. "We took that into account. 'O Holy Night,' for example, was on almost everyone's list. But then I included 'Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella' because it's my mom's favorite."
She also wrote two original songs for the CD. "Christmastime," Weeks said, sums up "what Christmas means to me."
And these are just a couple of the new Christmas CDs this season has to offer — a list that covers the gamut from wild and wacky to elegant and refined.
Holiday music galore for your listening enjoyment
AMERICA; "Holiday Harmony" (Rhino). — America fans rejoice! The group — at least the duo of Dewy Bunnell and Gerry Beckley — is still doing music. This time it's one of the better Christmas albums of the year. Americanized takes on "Winter Wonderland" (which brings to mind refrains from "Horse with No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair") and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" are mixed with a couple originals — "Winter Holidays" and "Christmas in California." "Sleigh Ride" and "Silver Bells" ring with acoustic riffs that bring "Ventura Highway" to the holidays. The album was produced by long-time collaborator Andrew Gold. — Scott Iwasaki
KURT BESTOR; "A Kurt Bestor Christmas by Request" (Pinnacle Music). — At his annual concert, Kurt Bestor always plays a number of songs that have not been recorded on his earlier albums. He brings together some of the most popular of those on this new collection. Included are his musical "12 Days of Christmas," showcasing members of the orchestra; a movie-themed " 'Twas The Night Before Christmas," with Roma Downey reading the story; and a bluesy version of "Deck The Halls," among others. His flugel-horned "O Holy Night" is about as pretty a version of this carol as you'll hear, and his smooth "Let It Snow" almost makes you wish it would. Featured guest artists include Eyvonne Williams, Michael Dowdle, Jenny Froggly, David Osmond and others. Bestor's daughters Kristin and Erika join him on the pretty "A Mother's Christmas Lullaby." Not quite as good as the live concert, but the next best thing. — Carma Wadley
CHRIS BOTTI; "December" (Columbia). — Contemporary jazz trumpeter Chris Botti will put you in a reflective mood with this collection of Christmas songs old and new. From "The Christmas Song" to "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" to such carols as "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "Silent Night," Botti demonstrates mastery of his instrument, as well as soulful feeling for the holiday. He teams up with other instrumentalists to add nice variety. The one vocal number describes his idea of "One Perfect Day." His "Hallelujah" is also pretty and poignant. — C.W.
BROOKS & DUNN; "It Won't Be Christmas Without You" (Arista). — The award-winning country duo infuses Christmas with a honky-tonk feeling and cowboy flavor with their renderings of traditional Christmas songs ("Winter Wonderland," "The Christmas Song," "White Christmas") and country offerings ("Blue Christmas," "Hangin' Round the Mistletoe," "Rockin' Little Christmas"). They get in lots of guitar-lickin', boot-scootin' energy on such songs as "Santa's Coming Over To Your House" and "Who Says There Ain't No Santa Claus?" And their own title cut adds some bluesy lamentin' to the mix. The collection is true to the duo's trademark sound. — C.W.
ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY; "This Christmas" (N-Coded Music). — If "This Christmas," you're looking for some traditional jazz, you'll find it here. Ann Hampton Callaway offers such songs as "Jingle Bells," "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (with Kenny Rankin), "The Carol of the Bells" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" with feeling and flavor straight from a smoky piano bar. She mellows out on "White Christmas" and her own "God Bless My Family." Callaway has a breathy, sophisticated sound well-suited for the songs she has chosen. — C.W.
DR. ELMO; "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" (Laughing Stock).
Dr. ELMO; "Up Your Chimney" (Laughing Stock). — This is Dr. Elmo's kind of Christmas: multi-colored smoke drifting up your chimney, while spotlights revolve on aluminium trees, and family and friends gather to eat fruitcake and sing off-key. You expect wacky from this self-styled "twisted troubadour," and he delivers with "Grandpa's Gonna Sue the Pants Offa Santa," "Texas Chainsaw Christmas," "Grandma's Killer Fruitcake." And, of course, "the one that pays the rent," "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer." There's some nice banjo picking mixed in, but the tone of both CDs is slightly off-kilter. — C.W.
HILARY DUFF; "Santa Claus Lane" (Buena Vista Records. — Hilary Duff is the cute, perky star of the Disney Channel's "Lizzy McQuire." And, as you might expect, this debut album is cute and perky, too. She brings a teeny-bopper pop sound to "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," "Jingle Bell Rock," "When The Snow Comes Down in Tinseltown," "Same Old Christmas" and "Tell Me a Story (About the Night Before)." Young fans of the show (and some of their parents) will undoubtedly enjoy this trip down Santa Claus Lane. — C.W.
MARK GESLISON and GEOFF GROBERG; "A Timeless Christmas" (Covenant). — With the same simplicity and style that have graced their folk-hymn CDs, Geslison and Groberg interpret Christmas songs. With mandolin, guitar, banjo, fretted bass, tumbadora and bodhran drums, they serve up traditional carols: "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," "Away In The Manger," "The Wexford Carol" and "Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant." Included are a couple of Danish tunes (a tribute to Geslison's ancestry), and they are joined by a variety of artists (including national fiddle champ Malinda DeBry) to add richness to these well-loved songs. Arrangements that are both compelling and beautiful call for repeated listening. — C.W.
JONELLE GODDARD; "Star Carols" (Songbird Productions). — "Elegant" is the first word that comes to mind for this collection of traditional favorites. It describes Goddard's voice and delivery as well as Kurt Bestor's arrangements, and the rich orchestral accompaniments to "The Star Carol," "The First Noel," "Coventry Carol," "I Wonder As I Wander" and "Ave Maria." There are especially nice arrangements of John Rutter's "Candlelight Carol" and "O Holy Night," as well as two of Bestor's original carols, "Savior, Shepherd and King" and "A Mother's Christmas Lullaby." For sheer grace and beauty, this one's hard to beat. — C.W.
WARREN HILL; "A Warren Hill Christmas" (Narada Jazz). — Get some funk into "Frosty the Snowman" and find the blues with "Santa Baby" when you put this CD in your player. Saxman Hill plays with emotion and brings his off-the-cuff band along. Easy takes on "White Christmas" and "O Holy Night" bring the mellowness to nighttime listening — and the Latin romp of "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town." — S.I.
ALAN JACKSON; "Let It Be Christmas" (Arista). — The man who swept up a ton of this year's Country Music Awards plays it pretty straight when it comes to Christmas. He throws in a bit of Western swing on "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" and tosses in a soulful "The Christmas Song," but for the most part, there's simple, heartfelt emotion on "Winter Wonderland," "Silent Night," "Silver Bells," and "Away In a Manger." His own title cut is also a lilting and nostalgic look at holiday meaning. — C.W.
CLEDUS T. JUDD; "Cledus Navidad" (Monument). — Cledus T. Judd, the "Weird Al" Yankovich of country music, will make you laugh with "Tree's on Fire," his rib-tickling spoof of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." And he goes one step further with such original works as the big-star name-dropping "Cledus' Christmas Ball," a countrified version of Ray Stevens' "Santa Claus Is Watching You." Then there's a hip-hop "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth," which takes on the moniker "All I Want for Christmas Is Two Gold Front Teef." It's a fun album without a lot of offensive stuff. — S.I.
ROBERT EARL KEEN; "Merry Christmas From The Family" (Dance Floor Books). — Some people have way too much time on their hands, and Robert Earl Keen may just be one of them. To turn this one song into a CD, book and video seems a bit excessive. On the other hand, if "white Texas trash" is your thing, you might be happy to have it all. There is a certain campiness that will appeal to some. — C.W.
KAREN LARSEN with MARVIN GOLDSTEIN; "Once Again It's Christmas Time" (KBL). — Karen Larsen, a former Miss Utah, teams up with pianist Marvin Goldstein on this collection, which showcases both their talents. Goldstein's deft touch at the piano adds interest. Larsen has a rich voice with nice range on "O Holy Night," "I Wonder as I Wander," "Mary Did You Know?" and other familiar carols. One of the most intriguing things, however, is the variety of medleys she offers, combining songs such as "Once Upon A December" and "My Favorite Things" into a "Movie Medley," or putting together several songs of home or lullabies or bells into seamless and fun arrangements. Her own "Be Of Good Cheer" also carries a nice message. — C.W.
CRAIG LARSON TRIO & FRIENDS; "Holiday Songbook" (LarsonJazz). — Pianist Craig Larson gives new meaning to old holiday standards in this entertaining album that contains 12 perennial Christmas favorites. Joined by his son Matt Larson on bass and by several other local jazz musicians including drummer Jay Lawrence and guitarist Tully Cathey, "Holiday Songbook" is one of those albums that you'll never tire of hearing. The CD has a nice mix of tempos and arrangements, from the upbeat opening track, "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" to a mellow "The Christmas Song" and a smooth "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep." In between, there is a bright, syncopated arrangement of "Winter Wonderland" and a dreamy "I'll Be Home for Christmas," with a fabulous tenor sax solo by Brian Booth. Even "White Christmas" sounds fresh and new. This is definitely a must-have album. — Edward Reichel
LORIE LINE AND HER POP CHAMBER ORCHESTRA; "The Big Band Sharing the Season Vol. 4" (Time Line). — If you're looking for the same sentimental Lorie Line piano and orchestral pieces that are found on her previous three Christmas albums, you won't find it here. This album is what the title says — big band. Her piano isn't as prominent as on the other discs, and the arrangements are predictable. But that doesn't mean it's not a fun album. In fact, the addition of "Blue Danube" and "Blue Christmas" shows the band in top form. There is a dreamy version of "Toyland" that will become a family favorite — especially as the kids are getting ready for bed on Christmas Eve. — S.I.
LOS STRAITJACKETS; " 'Tis the Season for Los Straitjackets" (Yep Roc). — Those crazy surf musicians in the wrestling masks are loony for Christmas. And this 13-song album is filled with yule spirit. The cha-cha version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the surf-noir of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" are bound to bring a smile to your face. Then there's the dancehall version of "Frosty the Snowman" and the "Wipe Out"-style "Sleigh Ride" to get you dancing during these groovy holidays. — S.I.
PATTY LOVELESS; "Bluegrass & White Show: A Mountain Christmas" (Epic). — If you like your holiday hymns with a twang, Patty Loveless gives you that and more with her renditions of familiar carols — "The First Noel," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Silent Night" — that are enhanced by some wonderful acoustic arrangements. There are also three tunes Loveless and husband Emory Gordy Jr. have composed, and they're also quite good. — Chris Hicks
BARRY MANILOW; "A Christmas Gift of Love" (Columbia/Concord Jazz). — On his second Christmas album, Barry Manilow makes like Andy Williams. The big-band sound and Broadway-style lush arrangements sparkle on "My Favorite Things," "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and the "Happy Holidays/White Christmas" medley. Manilow, who had to fend off criticism after releasing 1990's "Because It's Christmas" (he's Jewish), sings these new songs with exuberance and enthusiasm. He even takes on Joni Mitchell's haunting "River" and gives it some Manilow flash. — S.I.
JOHNNY MATHIS; "The Christmas Album" (Columbia). — Johnny Mathis brings in the holidays with his third Christmas album, called "The Christmas Album." But this one features songs that weren't on his others: "Joy to the World," "Away in a Manger," "Frosty the Snowman" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Mathis' soothing voice is perfect for these holiday tunes. — S.I.
JO DEE MESSINA; "A Joyful Noise (Curb). — Jo Dee Messina brings the distinctive sound and style that have made her one of Nashville's hottest female artists to sounds of the season in a collection that includes mostly the old standards. She adds a bit of twang, bit of country gospel to "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Winter Wonderland," "O Holy Night" and "The Christmas Song." Vice Gill lends backup on "Silver Bells," and Kenny Rogers chimes in on "What Child Is This." The two new songs are the title cut, a lively, spirited anthem, and her own "Keep the Faith," a gospelesque offering that goes beyond the season. — C.W.
PATTI PAGE; "Sweet Sounds of Christmas" (C.A.F.). — There are already two Patti Page holiday CDs available, both titled "Christmas With Patti Page," with most of the same songs but a few different selections. Likewise, this new release has most of the songs from those two albums, plus a couple of others. Page's sweet vocals enhance the familiar ("Silent Night," "Silver Bells") and make the less familiar ("I Wanna Go Skating With Willie," "Little Donkey") most enjoyable. — C.H.
PLUS ONE; "Christmas" (Atlantic). — Bubblegum boy band Plus One's Christmas album is a good one for the kids. Youngsters will be lip-syncing by the fireplace hearth or in front of the mirror to "O Holy Night," "What Child Is This?" and the big-band version of "It's the most Wonderful Time of the Year." And the new songs, "This Is Christmas" and "I Won't Forget Christmas," will be added to the repertory after your kids learn the words. A nice production with nice harmonies, but nothing spectacular for adults. — S.I.
RAFFI; "Raffi's Christmas Album" (Rounder). — Every holiday season someone releases a no-frills Christmas album that hits all the basics with a good, straight-forward, simple approach. This year, the artist is Raffi, the singer who has made a career of children's albums. His down-to-Earth and approachable voice and arrangements get back to the basics with "The First Noel," "Frosty the Snowman" and "Petit Papa Noel." There's even "Must Be Santa" added for good measure. No rippling vibrato and no overproduction, "Raffi's Christmas Album" is one the whole family can enjoy. — S.I.
BOB RIVERS; "White Trash Christmas" (Atlantic). — What Cledus T. Judd is doing to country music this Christmas, Bob Rivers is doing to the rest of pop music. His parodies on the progressive-rock anthem "Aqualung" (which becomes "Aquaclaus"), the lyrical "Have Yourself an Ozzy Little Christmas" and a roots-rock take on "Shoppin' Around For a Christmas Tree" (originally Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree") are funny and catchy. With a song like the side-splitting "What If Eminem Did Jingle Bells," this is comedy for adults. — S.I.
ROCKAPELLA; "Comfort & Joy" (Amerigo). — Rockapella makes its own music from top to bottom, and the tight harmonies, lively beat and exceptional percussion effects that have made the group famous are clearly evident here. In this collection, Rockapella focuses on home: going home, coming home, staying home, with "I'll Be Home For Christmas," "Please Come Home For Christmas, "Home for the Holidays," "Merry Christmas Darling" and "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree." Original songs include "Little Mary Snowflake," "This Christmas Day" and "Snowstar." Nothing deep, but light and bright's not bad. — C.W.
BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA; "Boogie Woogie Christmas" (Surfdog). — The former Stray Cat has some Christmas up his sleeve. His foray into happy holiday tunes reflects days of Christmas past. Big band, rockabilly workings of "Jingle Bells," "Sleigh Ride" and the album's title track are all fun and games (and no one gets an eye put out). But his rendition of "Blue Christmas" and "Baby It's Cold Outside," featuring Ann-Margret, are all the rage. — S.I.
SHA NA NA; "Rockin' Christmas" (Golden Label). — Original members "Dirty Dan" McBride and Jon "Bowser" Bauman aren't on this fun, high-spirited album, but Donny York and Jocko Marcellino are still with it. This doo-wop Christmas album features "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," "Run Run Rudolph" and "Blue Christmas." "Jingle Bells" and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" are also here, as well as the group's ode to Hanukkah, "The Rockin' Dreidel Song." — S.I.
CARLY SIMON; "Christmas Is Almost Here" (Rhino). — Carly Simon has herself a merry little Christmas with this excellent collection of simple arrangements and surprising choices, which is a delightful mix of the expected and the unexpected. Among the former are "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night" and the title track (by Livingston Taylor, Simon's former brother-in-law), as well as a very nice duet with her son Ben Taylor on "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen." The latter include wonderfully effective renditions of "Twelve Gates to the City," "Pretty Paper" (a duet with Willie Nelson) and John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." — C.H.
SMALL TORRES GUITAR DUO; "Winterlight II" (Shadow Mountain). — Mark Small and Robert Torres pick up right where their last Christmas CD left off — with a piece from Handel's "Messiah" ("For Unto Us A Child Is Born"). You'll hear a variety of other Old World carols, all centered around the Nativity, on this soft and warm album. The guitarists play duo and solo arrangements and are also joined by chamber ensembles and artists to create a sound that is varied and exciting. Felicia Sorensen contributes the vocals on "The Way Through Heaven's Gate." It's all very rich and reverent music for the season. — C.W.
SOUNDTRACK; "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town/Frosty the Snowman" (Turner Records/Rhino) — The Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass holiday TV specials can now be found on audio CD. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and "Frosty the Snowman" have been culled from the TV soundtracks and remastered. Each show can be heard on its entirety here, as Fred Astaire sings and narrates "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," and Jimmy Durante tells the tale of "Frosty the Snowman."— S.I.
SOUNDTRACK; "Santa Clause 2" (Walt Disney Records). — The music to the Tim Allen holiday sequel has a smooth flow by default. Usually soundtracks are uneven because the songs are used to create different moods in the film. The tunes on "Santa Clause 2" are all Christmas songs that complement each other. Hilary Duff's "Santa Claus Lane," SHeDAISY's "Santa's Got a Brand New Bag" and Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run" make way for the Shirelle's "Blue Holiday," Smokey Robinson's "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and Brenda Lee's "I'm Gonna Lasso Santa Claus." — S.I.
TALIESIN ORCHESTRA; "Sacred" (Compendia). — Perhaps not as traditionally Christmas as some, this collection has a tone and flavor fully in keeping with the holidays. The Taliesin Orchestra creates an ethereal sound with instruments, synthesizer and voice on such songs as "Amazing Grace," "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," "Glory to God" and "The Lord's Prayer." There's an unusually soft interpretation of Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man." And the a cappella treatment of Kurt Bestor's "Prayer of the Children" is especially moving. — C.W.
STEVE TYRELL; "This Time of Year" (Columbia). — Leading off with "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" from the "Santa Clause 2" movie, Steve Tyrell swings through more of his favorite holiday songs, including "Winter Wonderland," "The Christmas Song," "Merry Christmas, Baby" and "Here Comes Santa Claus." He notes that Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles have inspired his Christmas music, and you hear those influences with some contemporary pop flare on this neon collection. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "A Windham Hill Christmas" (Windham Hill) — The holidays are sometimes a time for quiet meditation, to get away from the bustle of shopping and relatives. "A Windham Hill Christmas" has picked some of the more reverent musicians to play soft and inspired works of the season. Jim Brickman on "O Holy Night," fellow pianist George Winston on Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Is Coming" (from "A Charlie Brown Christmas"), violist Tracy Silverman teams with flutist Thea Suits for "Silent Night"; the only work that drags is pianist Liz Story's "Deck the Halls." But guitarist Alex de Grassi's version of "Christ the Apple Tree/Once In Royal David's City" more than makes up for that lull in this made-for-cuddling-by-the-fire CD. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "An FM 100 Continuous Soft Hits Christmas, Volume II" (Simmons).— Featuring some of the artists heard on FM 100, this album is a benefit for The Road Home, which helps homeless groups along the Wasatch Front. It highlights local artists, including Thurl Bailey, Peter Breinholt, Paul Cardall, Hilary Weeks, Cherie Call, Jon Schmidt, Eclipse, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Viva Voce, David Tolk, Voice Male and Kurt Bestor. Included in the 18-song mix are also songs from national artists — Pat Benetar, Jim Brickman and Mannheim Steamroller. It's soft and smooth, with nice variety. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Celebrate Hanukkah" (Craig 'N Co.). — "Hanukkah," "Chanukah" or "Hanuka" — however you chose to spell it (and it's done all three ways here) — came early this year. But the traditional Jewish celebration of light continues with this blend of instrumental and vocal offerings (mostly in Hebrew) from Alan Eder & Friends, Judy Frankel, Peter Yarrow, Yom Hadash and Linda Hirschhorn. Traditional songs "I Have a Little Dreidle" and "Eight Candles (Ocho Kandlekas)" "Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages)" are included, as are some originals. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "I Can See My Breath" (TSSA). — The Timpanogos Singer Songwriter Alliance is a group of local musicians who have "banded together to build a local scene with top quality innovative music, create venues for musicians and provide a support network for upcoming and established artists." This Christmas compilation is a nice introduction to the group, with an eclectic mix of mostly original songs. Peter Breinholt & Big Parade start things off with a tribute to "Jerusalem." Julia Davis Allen's pop "Feeling Like a Merry Christmas" contrasts with Dylan Schorer's Celtic guitar version of "Little Drummer Boy." Fiddlesticks contributes a lively "Good King Wenceslas," Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband add a bit of frenzy in "Christmas Mayhem." Bonnie Jae Egbert, Russ Kendall, Jeff Hinton, Jeanine Lasky And Quint Randle are among the others who add nice music with nice messages. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Maybe This Christmas" (Nettwerk America). — EMO bands Sense Field, Jimmy Eat World and Phantom Planet are doing their thing with "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)," "12/23/95" and "Winter Wonderland," respectively. Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan's "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," and Loreena McKennitts' ethereal "Snow," serve as a balance for wacky works — Ben Folds' "Bizarre Christmas Incident" and the lame version of "Greensleeves," done by a seemingly complaining Vanessa Carlton. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "O Christmas Tree: a Bluegrass Collection for the Holidays" (Rounder). — For some good down-home holiday tunes, take this CD for a spin and feel the warmth of Americana Christmas. Hot bluegrass artists Rhonda Vincent, the Cox Family and Jeannie Kendall sing and play from the heart on "Christmas Time's a Coming," "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "Smoky Mountain Christmas," respectively. Acoustic fingerpicking and twangy harmonies also highlight Tony Trischka's "O Come All Ye Faithful" and Open Road's "Blue Christmas," just to name a few. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Radio Disney Holiday Jams 2" (Walt Disney Records). — Hearing Gene Autry ("Here Comes Santa Claus") on one track and then Hilary Duff, the star of Disney's "Lizzie McGuire" ("Santa Claus Lane") on another, might seem to be a strange juxtaposition, but this album is for old and young. Jos Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad" comes on the heels of Jump 5's "Wonderful Christmas," and Johnny Mathis' "It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas" is a good foil for the Backstreet Boys' "Christmas Time." This is a little pop album that has something for everyone. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "School's Out! Christmas" (Hip-O). — This is one of the weaker holiday albums out there. Young TV and movie stars play their hand at singing, and, frankly, there's no life. Ashlee Simpson (Cecilia on "Seventh Heaven") tries out "Christmas Past, Present and Future," and Taylor Momsen (Cindy Lou Who in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas") does a little "Rudolph." But they're all a little bland. — S.I.
HILARY WEEKS; "Christmastime" (Shadow Mountain). — Hilary Weeks demonstrates both the singing and the songwriting abilities that have won her numerous Pearl Awards on this collection. She starts off with a tender recounting of what it is that makes the season so nice, then brings a new perspective to the manger story in "God Bless Your Way," the two original songs. The others are among her favorites, delivered with beauty and style, including "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "Sleigh Ride," "Silver Bells," "O Holy Night" and "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen." Her version of Michael W. Smith's "Shine On Us" adds a final flourish. — C.W.
ANGELA WINSTON "Christmas With Angela Winston" (AWE). — Salt Lake singer Angela Winston brings some soul and R&B flavor to traditional Christmas songs both familiar and lesser-known. The selections showcase her range and style well, as she moves from mellow and smooth ("These Are The Special Times," "With a Christmas Day") to rousing ("King Jesus Is His Name"). She uses unusual phrasing and style to give a new twist to "O Holy Night" and "Breath of Heaven." It's a nice introduction to an artist beginning to make a name for herself locally. — C.W.
JIM WILSON; "My First Christmas with You" (Hillsboro). — Smooth jazz pianist Jim Wilson has the Holiday spirit. And he's asked a few friends — singers Dan Fogelberg, Stephen Bishop and Marilyn Martin, as well as saxophonist Everette Harp — to help spread the cheer. "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" (with Fogelberg), is the highlight of the album, with Joni Mitchell's "River," featuring Harp, a close second. Martin and Wilson sing a duet on the title track and Stephen Bishop brings the reverence back to "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The original instrumental "Aspenglow" and the arrangement of "O Holy Night" are also some of the bright spots on the album. — S.I.
LEE ANN WOMACK; "The Season for Romance" (MCA Nashville). — Salt Lake audiences didn't see Lee Ann Womack because her Kingsbury Hall date was canceled. But they can still hear her yuletide works on her new album "The Season for Romance." "Silent Night," "The Christmas Song" and "White Christmas" offer nothing new, but her duet with Harry Connick Jr. on "Baby It's Cold Outside" is worth a spin. — S.I.
JESSE COLIN YOUNG; "Songs for Christmas" (Liquid). —Guitarist Jesse Colin Young brings his own style to "White Christmas," "Some Children See Him" and "Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella," with help from vocalists Betsy Curtis and Vito Truglio. The mix is full and lush, and not quite as acoustic as the cover would indicate. But "O Holy Night" and "What Child Is This?" are glorious and simple. — S.I.
E-MAIL: scott@desnews.com; carma@desnews.com