LITTLE ROCK — A quick look at some Christmas albums that might be in Santa’s bag: Il Volo, Christmas Favorites, Geffen Three Italian teenagers, winners of a TV talent show, launched their career this year with a lovely album of tunes in the Andrea Bocelli and Il Divo classical/pop vein. These five Christmas songs are lush and beautiful. Impeccable vocals. Marcus Roberts Trio, Celebrating Christmas, J Master The jazz trio plays lively renditions of “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman,” recasts “Little Drummer Boy” into a percussive, rhythmic treat and gives “O Come, All Ye Faithful” a suitably restrained, haunting rendition. Human, Under the Retro Star, Stella Artois If free is one of your favorite words, this retroimbued holiday set by the music collective Human and underwritten by the Belgian brewer Stella Artois should inspire you to head to the website, stellaartois. com, for a free download of these eight tunes. Lounge music lovers will be in heaven. Highlights include a swinging “Auld Lang Syne,” a Latinsplashed “Winter Wonderland” and a boozy “Let’s Call It Quits.”
Michel Legrand, Noel! Noel! Noel!, Verve
The French pianist and conductor gathers guests, great songs, a symphony and jazz big band for a lavish celebration of the season. Guests include Jamie Cullum on a lively “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow,” Teddy Thompson and Rufus Wainwright on “White Christmas” and the enchanting Madeleine Peyroux brings the right touch of romance to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Matthew West, The Heart of Christmas, Sparrow
Christian pop-rocker Matthew West has a savvy mix of originals and familiar Christmas tunes. “Come on Christmas” is a catchy toe-tapper that deserves widespread pop airplay. Also strong is “Jingle Bells,” which gets a swinging arrangement, and a heartfelt “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
The sweet title song and its video inspired a made-for-TV movie about 2-year-old Dan Ryan Locke and his struggle with a rare form of cancer.
Attwater, Christmas, Twenty Ten
The country band Attwater, led by the enchanting voice of Erika Attwater, has a fine, fivesong Christmas EP. She sounds soulful and country on “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and a steel guitar-tinged “O Holy Night” shines.
Karling, Christmas With Karling, Karlingmusic
Karling Abbeygate is a rootsy, rockabilly-flavored singer who brings a wink, a nudge and a cool vibe to a mix of originals and classics including “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” But it is on her originals “What’s in the Box” and “Santa’s Got a Crush on Me” where she really shines.
E-mail:
ewidner@arkansasonline.com
Style, Pages 51 on 12/04/2011