Need some suggestions for new holiday music?  It’s that time of year, when the world falls in love, every song you hear seems to say…”Merry Christmas”….and it’s also the time when we often invest in some new music for the season.  I thought I would share with you some of my favorite Christmas CD’s in the hopes that you might enjoy them also.

1) Clint Black — “Christmas With You.”  When my friend Mark Mobley suggested that I get this album, I was skeptical to say the least.  But Mark is a fine music critic with impeccable taste so I took the leap.  Now it’s the first holiday CD I grab when the season arrives.  This album of all original music is beautifully crafted and symphonic in nature.   Just hearing the first notes of this album causes my muscles to relax and my breathing to ease, and Mr. Black’s husky baritone makes me want to cuddle up by the fire with the one that loves me best.  Take a chance on this and send me the thank you note later.

2) Kristin Chenoweth — ” A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas.”   More traditional than the last selection, this album is chock full of terrific arrangements and gorgeous lush sounds that seem to dip your Christmas decorations in chocolate.  Ms. Chenoweth’s Broadway roots give her the uncanny ability to seem heart-felt and poignant while simultaneously filling us with her infectious love of the season.  The playful and jazzy rendition of “Sleigh Ride / Marshmallow World” sung with jazz artist John Pizzarelli is worth the price of the album alone, and it’s one of the best holiday “mash-ups” of all time.

3) The Manhattan Transfer — “The Christmas Album.”  Pure jazzy joy, with those great lush harmonies we love from this group.  I defy you to listen to the super jazzy “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” or “Happy Holiday / The Holiday Season” without leaping off the sofa to dance around.  And the thick vocals on slower selections like “Snowfall” and “Goodnight” are a music lover’s dream.

4) GLEE cast — “The Christmas Album.”  I’m a total sucker for GLEE’s cheerful and brilliantly over-produced tracks and this album does not disappoint.  Their version of “We Need a Little Christmas” is quite possibly the happiest and most joyful version of a song that is arguably the happiest and most joyful Christmas song ever.  Throw in a clever version of  “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year” (the song sung by the island of misfit toys) and a cool rendition of  “Baby It’s Cold Outside” sung by two men and you have a CD to treasure.  Really fun addition to your holiday library!

4) The Carpenters — “Christmas Portrait.”  These super-familiar versions still fill me with great feelings and make me tingle.  What can compare to Karen’s special vocals?

ALSO—whatever you do, find a version of Ella Fitzgerald singing “Sleigh Ride” which comes as close to stylized vocal perfection as you’ll find.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, and Happy Listening!