As was I hauling out my holiday albums one long-ago December, my younger son observed that I seem to own more Christmas CDs than most people have in their entire disc collection.
I’m not too proud to admit that the pile has grown considerably since then.
Here are some favorites:
“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Vince Guaraldi Trio: This usually cues up first, with its lovely originals “Skating” and “Christmas Time Is Here” — among others. Fans should look for the brand-new five-disc set featuring outtakes, demos and rehearsals.
“Happy Xmas,” Eric Clapton: If you’ve seen Clapton perform his “Holy Mother” with Pavarotti, you know this is not that weird a mix; “White Christmas,” “Away in a Manger” and “Silent Night” seamlessly blend the Master’s signature sound with a Christmas vibe, while rarer chestnuts include “Lonesome Christmas” and “Sentimental Moments” — plus a surreal, techno-pop take on “Jingle Bells.”
“Playboy’s Latin Jazz Christmas,” various artists: Never mind the source or the mildly salacious cover; these rip-roaring versions are so sparkling and fiery, they just might set your tree ablaze.
“The John Rutter Christmas Album”: Working with choirs and symphonies, British legend Rutter has arranged more Christmas music than you could name. This album’s irresistible originals include the amazing “Jesus Child” and “Donkey Carol.” Lush, lovely, harmonious and reverent.
“The Christmas Song,” Nat King Cole: A gold standard in holiday music, including what may be the best-ever “O Holy Night,” plus the sadly neglected “Caroling, Caroling” and “A Cradle in Bethlehem.”
“Christmas Cheer,” Ken Navarro: Nothing but acoustic guitar and piano, arranged by cool-jazz master Navarro. Spry, silken and supremely seasonal.
“Holly Happy Days,” the Indigo Girls: Yes, the Indigo Girls have a Christmas album! — and it’s every bit as authentic, quirky and uplifting as you might imagine. A little country, a little bluegrass and a little indie — with some nice originals.
“Cool Yule,” United States Air Force Band: Audacious, brassy big-band arrangements melding songbook standards with Christmas classics: “Jing Jing Jing,” “Santanooga Choo Choo,” and “We Three Chipmunks,” which somehow combines Alvin, John Henry Hopkins and Dave Brubeck; unbelievable.
“This Is Christmas,” Luther Vandross: Infectious, under-the-mistletoe pop from the silky-smooth singer who left us too soon. What a voice!
“Personal Christmas Collection,” Andy Williams: My fave among Williams’ six Christmas records, including “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and a seldom-heard but tender “Bells of St. Mary’s.”
“Bossa Nova Christmas,” Jack Jezzro & Friends: As a bona fide bossa junkie, I just love the gentle, sweet and swinging syncopation on these Brazilian-flavored classics. A real gem.
“The Jethro Tull Christmas Album”: The veteran British rockers — my all-time favorite band — cue up classics and originals on this beautifully engineered masterpiece. Though seven of these tunes appeared earlier, Tull laid down fresh versions for this collection; highlights include the medley “Holly Herald,” plus “We Five Kings,” honoring the quintet of musicians — in five-beat time.
“Remembering Christmas,” David Benoit: Speaking of five beats: This winter winner from the jazz-keyboard legend includes a duet in five with Dave Brubeck (of “Take Five” fame). He also offers two Guaraldi covers and a sizzling rendition of “Do You Hear What I Hear?”
“A Renaissance Christmas,” the Waverly Consort: I bought a $3.99 cassette of this from the discount bin many years ago and simply wore it out. Mostly unfamiliar pieces, yet with an unmistakable yuletide feel — on such period instruments as recorder, viola da gamba, shawm and sackbut.
“Holiday Fanfare,” United States Coast Guard Band: Standard but impeccable renditions, with some rare picks; in particular, this is the only commercial recording of the soul-stirring Hanukkah piece “Eighth Candle,” by PA composer Steve Reisteter. If you’d like to hear that song live, come to the Repasz Band’s free holiday concert tonight: 7:30 at the CAC in Williamsport.
