Here's a look at new Christmas CDs this season:
ASHTON ALLEN; "The Christmas Songs" (Barnes & Noble)
Ashton Allen's music falls into a number of categories. But this collection, done exclusively for Barnes & Noble, is all about Christmas. It features five traditional favorites such as "O Little Town," "Jolly Old St. Nick" and "Joy to the World" done in his folky style. There are also six original songs, written by Ashton and Devin Moore, that cover a wide spectrum of seasonal feelings, from the novel "West Coast Christmas" to the evocative "When It Starts to Snow" and the universal messages of "When It's Christmas Time." — Carma Wadley
TONY BENNETT; "A Swinging Christmas" (Columbia Records) One of the legends of pop and jazz, Tony Bennett must be related to the Energizer Bunny — he just keeps going and going. At age 82, his latest offering is a Christmas collection that is his first holiday album in 40 years. This one was recorded live with the Count Basie Big Band, and it's vintage Bennett,albeit with an older voice that now speaks many of the lyrics as much as sings them. Fans won't care a bit; it works very well with his style. The album contains such favorites as "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Silver Bells, " "O Christmas Tree" and "Christmas Time Is Here."He is joined by daughter Antonia on a fun version of "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" and offers up a jazzy "My Favorite Things," as well as other songs of the season. — C.W.
PAT BOONE; "The True Spirit of Christmas" (Altered Music)
Pat Boone has done five Christmas albums, and, as he says in the liner notes, "thought all the good songs about Christmas has surely been written." But then he was introduced to Paul Alter. The creator of TV game shows such as "The Price Is Right" and "Family Feud" also happened to have a drawerful of Christmas songs that he had written. The result is a two-disc collection of Boone singing a number of Alter's songs, as well as a few new ones of his own.The songs are mostly lighthearted and fun, talking about "The Drummer Boy Next Door," "The 12 Days After Christmas" and "The Fruitcake." There's an interesting tribute to Orson Welles, with "Rosebud," and to the soldiers with "In Harm's Way." Boone still has a pleasant voice, although his range is more limited these days. And while there aren't any instant classics here, his fans will enjoy the collection. — C.W.
THE BOXMASTERS; "Christmas Cheer" (Vanguard)
Actor Billy Bob Thorton started his career as a musician. And with this CD, Thorton — who goes by the stage name W.R. "Bud" Thorton — adds some new twists on a classic sound. "Christmas Cheer" is a rockabilly holiday album with three originals and a couple of covers. Thorton's low-key twang highlights "Silver Bells," a new intro to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the dance-hall version of "We Three Kings." Original songs include "My Dreams of Christmas," the wryly humorous "Slower Than Christmas" and "I Won't Be Home for Christmas." The covers include John Prine's "Christmas in Prison," John Lennon's "Happy X-Mas (War Is Over)" and "Blue Christmas." — Scott Iwasaki
WAYNE BURTON; "This Night" (Huge Music)
Wayne Burton demonstrates not only a love for the season but also an ability to capture its deeper meaning on this collection of original songs, favorite carols and other seasonal offerings.His lyrics talk of how "there in a manger, true love was born," and "Wise men still seek him/They know that they need him." He sings of how Christmas can change us, and the gifts we get from heaven. The Canadian doctor/singer/songwriter invites several of his friends to join him on the CD, including Jenny Jordan Frogley, Rich Dixon, Alex Boye, Justin Smith and Cherie Call. His daughters Emmy and Azia add a fun touch on "When Christmas Comes to Town." There's nice variety that is moving and meaningful and full of Christmas spirit. — C.W.
RAY CHARLES; "The Spirit of Christmas" (Concord)
Originally released in 1985, Ray Charles' "The Spirit of Christmas" didn't chart on the Billboard 200, but the songs are timeless. Charles, who passed away in 2004, put his own big-band gospel bluesy stamp on such works as "What Child Is This" and "Little Drummer Boy." His nightclub crooning on "Winter Wonderland" and the sassy romp-and-groove version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" are highlights.Of course the duet "Baby It's Cold Outside" with Betty Carter that is still played on the holiday-season radio today. This album is only available digitally on iTunes.com. — S.I.
KRISTIN CHENOWETH; "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas" (Sony Classical)
Her role of Olive Snook in TV's "Pushing Daisies" gave Kristin Chenoweth the opportunity to do musical numbers. But there's nothing like hearing a full-length album from the cute and spunky soprano. "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas" is a perfect CD. It not only shows off her voice, but her lively personality as well.On each song, whether it's "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "Do You Hear What I Hear?," "Silver Bells" or "What Child Is This," Chenoweth's heartfelt delivery will give listeners warm fuzzies. She can bring tears as well as laughs. The latter is especially true in the ad-lib fade out of "Sleighride/Marshmallow World," which she sings with John Pizzarelli. — S.I.
NATALIE COLE; "Caroling, Caroling: Christmas With Natalie Cole" (Rhino Records)
A re-release of previously recorded material, the collections shows off Cole's style, flavor and crystal clear voice. The album features her wonderful duet with her father, Nat King Cole, on "The Christmas Song." There are also a poignant story/song, "The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot" and a variety of carols., including "O Tannenbaum," "Hark The Herald Angels Sing," "The First Noel" and "Silent Night." — C.W.
HARRY CONNICK JR.; "What a Night! a Christmas Album" (Columbia)
Harry Connick Jr. outdid himself this time. For his new Christmas CD, the jazz singer/arranger and band leader spins his musical gold with a be-bop version of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and gets low and bluesy with "Please Come Home for Christmas" and hits the backalley boogie with and instrumental "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies."His lush and moody "O Come All Ye Faithful," big band jump-up "Jingle Bells" and syncopated steps of "Zat You Santa Claus" makes way for his original's "What a Night!," "Christmas Day," "Stanarrific" and "Songs for the Hopeful." — S.I.
SHERYL CROW; "Home for Christmas" (Hallmark)
Sheryl Crow has teamed with Hallmark stores for an exclusive Christmas CD release. Buy stuff at Hallmark and get the CD at a reduced price. Crow reworks "Go Tell It on the Mountain" in a New Orlean's strutt, and "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" arrangement seems to have come straight from Chicago — the band. In fact, most of the CD's uptempo tunes, such as "Blue Christmas" and "Merry Christmas Baby," sounds as if Crow is fronting vintage Chicago.The more subtle songs — "All Through the Night" and O Holy Night" have that bluesy Crow touch. This CD is definitely for fans. — S.I.
ENYA; "And Winter Came" (Reprise)
Irish singer/composer and Celtic New Age artist Enya has released Christmas collections in the past, and she returns with "And Winter Came." With her ethereal voice and dreamlike compositions, the artist caresses traditional works such as "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "Oiche Chiuin." Her original works, co-written by longtime lyricist Roma Ryan, include the contemplative title track, the flowing "Journey of Angels" and the celebratory "White Is in the Winter Night."and the poignant "One Toy Soldier," which features Enya's trademark chanting rhythms. "And Winter Came" sets the winter mood and is a great CD to get cozy to on a stormy night. — S.I.
FLAMING LIPS; "Christmas on Mars" (Warner Bros.)
Santa Claus forgot the 10th reindeer, Tripper. Fortunately space-rockers the Flaming Lips have it covered. With "Christmas on Mars," the band, featuring lead guy Wayne Coyne, has outsoared Pink Floyd and Arthur C. Clarke with this CD/DVD set. The CD is the blissful soundtrack to the extremely artistic visual experience about Major Syrtis and the birth of the Christmas Baby, who saves a dying crew stationed on Mars.Fans who have waited long for this release will find nirvana, while others will get lost in the haze. — S.I.
GLORIA GAYNOR; "Christmas Presence" (Koch)
Gloria Gaynor may never shake her connection with the 1978 No. 1 hit "I Will Survive," but she has since moved on. After becoming a born-again Christian, she has used her music and her status to "bring people to Christ." With her new Christmas CD, she sings about the holiday for the love of singing."God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "O Holy Night," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "Joy to the World" are sung with TV-special worthy broad arrangements. Sprinkled among the set are originals "All I Want Is You for Christmas," "Happy Time of Year," "Joy Came to the World and "Christmas Prayer." — S.I.
FAITH HILL; "Joy to the World" (Warner Bros.)
Faith Hill is at the top of the country music field, but this Christmas collection is not overtly in that genre. Rather, it's classy and elegant, like the singer herself. There are beautiful arrangements that showcase her voice on favorite carols and Christmas songs such as "Joy to the World," "What Child Is This," "Holly, Jolly Christmas" and "O Holy Night."Included is Hill's latest single, "A Baby Changes Everything," which tells a tender story on several levels. — C.W.
Al Jarreau; "Christmas" (Rhino Records)
Seven-time Grammy-winning pop, jazz, R&B vocalist Al Jarreau does Christmas for the first time — something he's been promising his fans for years — on this collection of holiday favorites. Those fans will be pleased, as he sings to the beat of a different drummer on songs such as "Winter Wonderland," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" "Gloria In Excelsis" and "Some Children See Him," among others.He notes that there are some "Jarreau-isms that stretch the boundaries of traditional a little bit, but its all with the greatest respect and reverence." — C.W.
LEDISI; "It's Christmas" (Verve Forecast)
Ledisi Anibade Young hails from New Orleans and with "It's Christmas," it is easy to hear why she was nominated for two Grammys. Her dynamic voice can be angelic and sassy in the vein of Aretha Franklin and early Whitney Houston, without getting in the caterwauling area."Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "What a Wonderful World" and "Silent Night" are seasonal favorites flow well with "Please Come Home for Christmas," with Keb' Mo', her co-written songs "Be There for Christmas," "Thank You" and "It's Christmas" and the Motown hit "Give Love on Christmas Day." This CD could have been called "Joyful Grooves." — S.I.
LOS LONELY BOYS; "Christmas Spirit" (Epic)
When the opening blues chords of the original "I've Longed for Christmas," fans know they are about to enter the holiday world of Los Lonely Boys. The three brothers from San Angelo, Texas, get the Yuletide flowing with another original "She'll Be My Everything for Christmas" and then slide into a string of sing-along favorites. A typical take on "Run Run Rudolph," a flamenco-flavored rock version of "Carol of the Bells," a swing blues take on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" and a rousing version of "Feliz Navidad" are among others that are given a red-hot shot of the LLB's style. — S.I.
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER; "Christmasville" (American Gramaphone)
Mannheim Steamroller has teamed with Universal Orlando resort in Florida for an original holiday stage show of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." MS founder and leader Chip Davis reworked the classic Whoville songs "Welcome Christmas" and "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," for the production. He also "Steamrolled" "Where Are You Christmas?" and "The Man With the Bag." He wrote original songs "Something You Should Know," "Humbugs," "The Fruitcake Song" and "Sign of Love." This outing is quite a change ... but a welcome one. — S.I.
MARTHA'S TROUBLE; "This Christmas" (Aisling Music Group)
Americana folk duo Martha's Trouble has a treasure in its hand with this eight-song extended-play CD. The lullaby-swing version of the Beatles' "Wonderful Christmastime" highlights the other tracks — "Away in a Manger," "O Holy Night," "Jingle Bells," "We Three Kings," "What Child Is This?" and two originals, "This Christmas" and "Christmas in the City."Pleasant arrangements and sweet vocals by Jen Slocumb are the main draws. — S.I.
LOREENA McKENNITT; "A Midwinter Night's Dream" (Verve/Quinland Road)
Loreena McKennitt's new holiday release, "A Midwinter Night's Dream," features five remastered tracks originally released on 1995's "A Winter Garden: Five Songs for the Season." The rest of the listing includes a haunting version of "The Holly & the Ivy," a beautiful Celtic lamenting version of "In the Bleak Midwinter," a rousing instrumental version of "Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle" and a the French carol "Noel Nouvelet!"All of these songs, that feature McKennitt's blend of world and Celtic music, finds a mystical magic when heard in the dark of night. — S.I.
BRIAN McKNIGHT; "I'll Be Home for Christmas" (Razor & Tie)
Rhythm & blues crooner Brian McKnight goes for jazz and even country on his Christmas CD. The singer teams with big-voiced Josh Groban on "Angels We Have Heard on High," Noel Schajris on "Silent Night" and Vince Gill on "Christmas You and Me." Nightclub versions of "The Christmas Song," "Silver Bells," "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Adeste Fideles" work nicely with McKnight's voice, although those who are used to his hits such as "Back at One," will miss his extended croons. Hearing "Let It Snow," sung with sons Nikolas and Brian Jr. is enough to bring some yuletide joy to the listener. — S.I.
MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR and ORCHESTRA AT TEMPLE SQUARE, featuring THE KING'S SINGERS; "Rejoice and be Merry" (Mormon Tabernacle Choir)
An aptly titled collection, "Rejoice and be Merry" makes you want to do just that: revel in the joy of the season with gratitude and love. It's everything that a Christmas album should be.There are wonderful songs, wonderful arrangements, wonderful voices united in the spirit of the season. Recorded at last year's Christmas concert, the album includes numbers performed by the choir and orchestra, including Mack Wilberg's beautiful arrangement of "The First Nowell," and a lovely "What Child Is This"; pieces by the King's Singers, the stellar a cappella group from England, including "Rise Up Shepherd and Follow" and "Little Drummer Boy"; and songs that combine all their talents — "O Holy Night," for example. This is one to listen to again and again; you'll hear new things each time. — C.W.
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK; "Merry, Merry Christmas" (Columbia/Legacy)
In 1989, the New Kids on the Block jumped on the holiday bandwagon and released "Merry, Merry Christmas." This year, Columbia/Legacy jumps on the NKOTB reunion bandwagon and reissues the release. It's exactly what it professes to be — a collection of Christmas pop tunes aimed at teens. But the teens have grown up and this CD still will make them smile."The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," "White Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy" are arranged and produced for the NKOTB style. And when "Funky, Funky, XMas" plays, it's hard not to imagine the boys dancing in unison in front of screaming adolescent and grown women. — S.I.
JOSH ROSENTHAL; "Narratives: A Christmas Album" (Black Manor Cooperative)
Utah-based singer/songwriter Josh Rosenthal's five-song holiday CD is not your typical Christmas release. This is evident once the dynamic acoustic-laden, road-trip jam of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" begins. Rosenthal's clean production can be heard throughout on original works "This Changes Everything" and "Before I Go," and Steve Weisbergs' "Christmas for Cowboys" and Lyle Lovett's "Christmas Morning." "Narratives" is a fresh collection of holiday music available on iTunes. Also check out www.myspace.com/joshrosenthal for a list of free local performances. — S.I.
NEIL SEDAKA, "The Miracle of Christmas" (Razor and Tie)
Neil Sedaka's career spans five decades, and he's still going strong. This latest offering is a two-disc set that includes 12 original songs (Disc 1) and 10 arrangements of traditional carols and songs (Disc 2). He made a conscious effort to vary the tempos, sentiments and styles, so you get everything from lonely("A Lonely Christmas in New York") to longing("A Christmas Prayer") to love("A Christmas Miracle") to a bit of lunacy("What A Lousy, Rotten Christmas"). But they are all very listenable and will please the fans who have been asking for Christmas songs.His traditional carols are pretty standard, but are also worth a listen. — C.W.
SPYRO GYRA, "A Night Before Christmas" (Heads Up)
If it's jazz you want, particularly jazz fusion that mixes in pop, funk and R&B, Spyro Gyra's "A Night Before Christmas" will put you in the holiday groove. The sometimes mellow, somewhat bluesy collection includes popular songs such as "Winter Wonderland," "Baby It's Cold Outside," "The First Noel" and "The Christmas Song."There's an original song: saxophonist Jay Beckenstein co-wrote "It Won't Feel Like Christmas," and the mix of vocal and instrumental numbers adds interest. — C.W.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER; "Holiday Spirits" (Atco/Atlantic)
This 10-man a cappella group gives quite a bit of yuletide cheer when it comes to their energy, creativeness and delivery. The fun starts with "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and soars through "Jingle Bell Rock," "The Christmas Song" and "Angels We Have Heard on High." The split-second timing of the collage of "12 Days of Christmas" and a vocally loyal performance of the Beach Boys' "Little Saint Nick" are seasonal pleasers.The group does settle down for the reverent "Silent Night" and the soulful "Sweet Little Jesus Boy." — S.I.
THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH SINGERS, BRADY R. ALLRED, CONDUCTOR; "Carol of Joy" (University of Utah Singers)
Under the direction of Brady Allred, the University of Utah Singers have blossomed into a world-class ensemble. One expects nothing less from these talented singers than flawless performances, and that is exactly what one finds here on "Carol of Joy." The album's 23 tracks range from wonderful arrangements of standards such as "Here We Come A-Caroling," "Sing We Now of Christmas" and a delightful version of "Jingle Bells," to newer pieces by John Rutter and Stephen Paulus. But it's a haunting reworking of "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" by Jan Sandstrom that makes this album magical.This is the group's third Christmas album and one of its best. It makes a great addition to anyone's holiday collection. — Edward Reichel
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Christmas a Go-Go" (Wicked Cool)
E Street Band guitarist Little Steven does for Christmas what he did for Halloween with his Underground Garage productions. "Christmas a Go-Go" is a 20-track compilation of novelty holiday tunes. Keith Richards' "Run Rudolph Run," Joe Pesci's "If It Doesn't Snow on Christmas," the Electric Prunes' "Jingle Bells" and the Kinks' "Father Christmas" are part of the act, and so are some other works, including Soupy Sales' "Santa Claus Is Surfin' to Town" and the Brian Setzer Orchestra's "Santa Drives a Hot Rod" — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Essential LDS Christmas" (Shadow Mountain)
The "essential" in this case refers to artists who record on the Shadow Mountain label and while it is not all-encompassing, it's still a nice collection offering varied styles and voices. Featured artists are Hilary Weeks, Michael McLean, Katherine Nelson, Eclipse, Jon Schmidt, Cherie Call, Kenneth Cope, Michael Dowdle, Jericho Road, Katie Thompson, Enoch Train, Mindy Gledhill and Jenny Oaks Baker. The songs are mostly traditional carols and are all beautifully done. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "FM100 Christmas, Volume VIII" (Bonneville International)
Continuing it's tradition, the FM 100 radio station has released another holiday album that showcases mostly local(Jim Brickman always manages to get a spot) talent while benefitting a good cause. Proceeds go to The Road Home homeless shelter. This year's version offers a nice mix. Artists include Abe Kaelin, Peter Breinholt, Sam Payne, Jessie Clark Funk, Joshua Creek, Michael Dowdle, One Clear Voice, Voicemale, Peter Tolk and more. It's a good spirit-builder. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "A Foggy Holiday: Carols from the SF Scene, Vol. 2" (Talking House)
Last year, Talking House Records compiled at 15-track Christmas CD with songs of popular bands from the San Franciso music scene. The label does it again this year with 14 new Christmas tracks. Making return appearances are the Trophy Fire with Wham's "Last Christmas" and Scissors for Lefty doing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." First-time bands include the Matches doing "Happy New Year," The Federalists performing "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)" and Eoin Harrington doing a nice folk number on "O Holy Night." — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "A Princeton Christmas: For the Children of Africa Vol. 2" (Princeton Christmas)
The CD, "A Princeton Christmas," which was released last year on iTunes and Amazon.com, raised money for the World Food Program, which focused its efforts on the sub-Saharan Africa. It was a huge success. This year, the choral community for Princeton, NJ., is back with Vol. 2, also available iTunes and Amazon.com. The American Boys Choir, the Princeton Girlchoir and the Princeton University Tigertones, naming a few, are among the artists who sing 18 arrangements. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "A Sexy Christmas" (Time Life Records)
This compilation of previously recorded material covers quite a range of artists, styles and songs that share one thing: a bit of romance. It may be love lost ("Please Come Home for Christmas" by Aaron Neville) or love found ("Baby It's Cold Outside"). It may be classic (Elvis' "Blue Christmas" or Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby") or modern ("Merry Christmas Baby" by Christine Aguilera and Dr. John). But if you're in the mood, it will add some warmth to your holiday season. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Sharing Christmas: Songs for the Season" (Shadow Mountain)
This collection features 14 new recordings of Christmas songs both old and new. No performers are listed, but the songs include traditional favorites such as "Let It Snow," "Jingle Bells" and "Sleigh Ride" as well as a variety of new songs mostly written by Phil Naish, Lowell Alexander and Orrin Hatch, including "Christmastime Around the World," "Skatin' With My Baby" and "'Round the Old Upright Piano." You get nostalgia and spirit — and some awfully cute pictures. — C.W.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Ten Out of Tenn Christmas" (Ready Set Records)
Tennessee singer/songwriters Butterfly Boucher, Griffin House, Jeremy Lister, Trent Dabbs, Katie Herzig, K.S. Rhoads, Erin McCarley, Andy Davis, Tyler Majes and Matthew Perryman Jones find themselves on "Ten Out of Tenn Christmas" CD. Griffin House's sincerely does "O Holy Night" and McCarley plays her slow hand on "Little Drummer Boy." Tongue-in-cheek, but thoughtful "Why Are Mommy and Daddy Fighting on Christmas?" by Ten Out of Tenn producer and arranger Rhoads is one of the standout tracks on this charming CD. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Tesoros Navidenos: Time Life's Treasury of Latin Christmas" (Time Life/Sony/BMG)
While it's true this CD features all Latin-music artists, not all the songs have that Latin spice. And in doing so, the CD feels like it tries to do too much with only 12 tracks. Jon Secada's soulful "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and the salsa rhythms of the late Tito Puente's "El Tamborilero (Little Drummer Boy)" almost clash because of the diverse style jumps.Jose Felieciano's "Feliz Navidad" and Sheila E's "Santa Baby" seem a good paring on paper, but audibly they have issues. That doesn't mean the album is bad. It just seems Time Life could have had more leeway if they made a box set and separated the songs into genres. — S.I.
VARIOUS ARTISTS; "We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year" (Armoury)
Motorhead's Lemmy growls out "Run Rudolph Run," Ronnie James Dio cranks out a doom-and-gloom version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and Testament's Chuck Billy does a lot of damage on "Silent Night." Musicians featured on the CD include ZZ Top's Billy F. Gibbons, L.A. Guns' Tracii Guns, Rob Zombie drummer John Tempeta, as well as guitarists Steve Morse and Tony Iommi, bassists Rudy Sazo and Billy Sheehan and drummers Simon Wright, Greg Bissonette and Vinny Appice.
DANIELLE VAUGHN; "Noel" (Mountain Song Productions)
There's a softness, sweetness and a slight country sound to this debut album by Huntsville singer/songwriter Danielle Vaughn. The album was produced for the Christmas Tree Jubilee sponsored by the Weber School District Foundation, and proceeds go to help children with special needs get supplies and devices. Included are four new songs that demonstrate Vaughn's writing ability, including "The Shepherd's Way," "Christmas Time Blues" and "He Will Come Again."She also shows a knack for combining melodies with her "What Child Is This/Carol of the Bells" and "Sleigh Ride/Jingle Bells." There are also appealing arrangements of other traditional carols such as "The Holly and the Ivy" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." — C.W.
DAN WALDIS; "A Little Jazz with Your Mistletoe" (Tempo Records)
Local jazz pianist Dan Waldis has got himself a hit item here. "A Little Jazz with Your Mistletoe" puts nice energetic and improvisational spins of much-loved holiday ditties as "Santa Claus Is Coming," "Jingle Bells," "Joy," "O Christmas Tree" and "Little Drummer Boy."But there's more. "We Five Kings," "Let It Snow," "What Child Is This/Greensleeves," "Sleigh Ride" and "The Christmas Song" are also given the jazz-club treatment. Waldis recruited singer Melissa Pace, saxophonist Scott Harris, bassist Jim Stout and drummer Mark Chaney to round out his group. — S.I.
ANNA WILSON; "Yule Swing" (Transfer Records)
Jazz singer Anna Wilson took a different road with her Christmas CD. Instead of remaking holiday favorites, she wrote or co-wrote all 10 songs on "Yule Swing." And swing you will when you hear them. Her crisp, bright vocals highlight the sometimes joyful and sometimes poignant songs with such titles as "Christmas is Coming to Town," "Through Their Eyes," "Light Me Up" with country singer Chuck Wicks, and "Mrs. Claus." Jazz trumpeter Rick Braun makes an appearance on "A House, A Home (For the Holidays)," which was inspired by Habitat for Humanity. In fact, a portion of the CD sales will benefit the organization. Wilson will also be singing for the Park City Jazz Foundation on Dec. 21 and 22. Stay tuned for more details. — S.I.
YO-YO MA AND FRIENDS; "Songs of Joy and Peace" (Sony Classical)
This is the kind of album cellist Yo-Yo Ma enjoys making — connecting with colleagues from the fields of pop, jazz and folk for some inspired and, in this case, inspirational music making. Joining him on "Songs of Joy and Peace" are artists such as Renee Fleming, Diana Krall, Dave Brubeck, James Taylor, Alison Krauss, Chris Botti and a dozen others. And, as one would expect, all give top-notch performances. This time Ma crosses over with Christmas music and the result is an eclectic mix of styleswith "Dona Nobis Pacem" unifying everything. Among the songs that are especially enjoyable are "Joy to the World" (with Brubeck), "Here Comes the Sun" (with Taylor) and "The Wexford Carol" (with Krauss).There is something for every taste here, and it's one of Ma's most appealing CDs in many years. — E.R.