Christmas Songs (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Diana Krall (vocals, piano); Diana Krall; Jeff Clayton (flute, alto saxophone); Keith Fiddmont (clarinet, alto saxophone); Rickey Woodard, Charles Owens II (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Adam Schroeder (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Clay Jenkins, Gilbert Castellanos, William Barnhart, Rick Baptist, Sal Cracchiolo (trumpet); Joe Meyer , Rick Todd, Brad Warnaar (French horn); George Bohanon, Ira Nepus (trombone); Tommy Johnson (tuba); Tamir Hendelman (piano, Fender Rhodes piano); Alan Broadbent, Gerald Clayton (piano); Randy Waldman (keyboards); Stefon Harris (vibraphone); John Clayton, Robert Hurst , Ben Wolfe (double bass); Joe Porcaro, Emil Richards (percussion); Anthony Wilson , Russell Malone (guitar); Jeff Hamilton (drums).

Audio Mixer: Al Schmitt.

Recording information: Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA; Ocean Way Studios, Hollywood, CA; Schnee Studios, North Hollywood, CA; Sony Music Studios, New York, NY.

Photographer: Sam Taylor-Wood.

Arrangers: Diana Krall; John Clayton; Johnny Mandel.

On her first full-length Christmas album, pianist/vocalist Diana Krall delivers a smoky, sophisticated, and slightly melancholy album perfectly suited to accompany egg nog cocktails and romantic afterglow holiday affairs. Although there isn't anything unexpected on Christmas Songs -- Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" is as close to obscure as it gets -- Krall coos life into such standards as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve," and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." It also doesn't hurt that she gains top-notch support from the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, whose urbane arrangements help bring to mind similar works by such iconic vocalists as Nat King Cole, June Christy, and Frank Sinatra. But it's not all deep sighs and bedroom eyes; on the contrary, Krall keeps things swinging with such uptempo numbers as the joyous "Jingle Bells," "Winter Wonderland," and the Blossom Dearie-inflected "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." If you like your holiday albums cool and classy, Christmas Songs is a stocking stuffer that's sure to please. ~ Matt Collar

On 2005's CHRISTMAS SONGS, Diana Krall applies her sultry vocals and nuanced piano lines to a strong set of holiday classics. In addition to turning in a stirring performance of "The Christmas Song" that would make Nat "King" Cole proud, Krall eases into a swaying version of "Winter Wonderland" and a lush rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." With its dynamic arrangements and pitch-perfect mix of pop and jazz, this album stands alongside other timeless Yuletide outings. minimize