Recommended Christmas Albums

I can't believe it's been more than a month since I updated this blog. Life has been busy and I'll try to update everyone as the month progresses.

As far as this post goes, I wanted to tell you about three Christmas CD's that I really enjoy. The first was a gift (and a surprise) that I recieved a few years ago. The album is called "A Jazzy Wonderland" and is filled with various jazz versions of popular holidays songs. What I like about this compilation is that many varying style of jazz are on display from straight-ahead bop-style jazz to emo-influenced pieces. My favorite on this album is "The Little Drummer Boy" by Karl Lundenberg & Full Circle. It's just a stunningly beautiful and eery version to this song.

For the last two years I have bought one holiday CD on iTunes each. Last year I bought the amazing version of "The Nutcracker" by Velery Gergiev and the Kirov Orchestra. It was recommended by customers of Amazon.com and some other sources I checked. The recording is very clear and present - on headphones the orchestra is very much "in your face". The pace is supposedly a bit fast for this work which I think works very well for the material.

This year I bought Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song" compilation. I just love his voice and he brings a real classic-ness to the holidays.

Talk to you guys later!