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This year's selection of holiday discs is as varied -- and colorful -- as the lights on a Christmas tree. Along with the traditional styles of Christmas carols are smooth jazz, country, hip-hop, Latin, and orchestral productions.
Together with the diversity and high expectations from such bankable artists as Josh Groban and Michael W. Smith come a few surprises.
Joan Osborne, for example, is best known for her 1995 hit single "One of Us," but sounds at the top of her game despite not appearing in the charts for awhile. The fact that the Captain & Tennille are still recording new music is also a surprise, although the 1970s duo's new disc sounds like a retread.
Here's a roundup of some of the notable new holiday releases:
"PETER WHITE CHRISTMAS," with Rick Braun and Mindi Abair (Artizen Music). Joy and good tidings abound on these 12 smooth-jazz gems, featuring the wonderfully balanced artistry of White on guitar, Braun on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Abair on soprano and alto sax, with all three taking turns with lead and background vocals. The three musicians have been touring together during the last five Christmas seasons, and their familiarity breeds brilliance.
The upbeat Latino strums of "Greensleeves" and Abair's sultry original, "I Can't Wait for Christmas," stand out in this stellar collection. The bouncy fun of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" takes a surprise leap into the big band classic, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." One of the finest, most enjoyable holiday albums to come out in years.
"IT'S A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS," Michael W. Smith (Reunion). This is more like a movie soundtrack than are most movie soundtracks, creating a Christmas experience that ranges from quiet, reverent ballads to soaring orchestral crescendos. One of the most accomplished stars in Christian music, Smitty clearly has been studying his craft during his 24-year recording career. His keyboards and vocals are backed by the 67-piece London Session Orchestra, conducted by David Hamilton, as he takes listeners on an unparalleled audio journey. With Smith's knack for pop melodies and the orchestra's multifaceted expressions, this spectacular holiday disc is truly one of a kind.
"NOEL," Josh Groban (Reprise). Studio legend David Foster masterfully paints the backdrops for Groban's operatic voice, ranging from soft...