Mandy Barnett
Winter Wonderland
Rounder Records
www.rounder.com

Oliver Jones/Ranee Lee/Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir
A Celebration In Time
Justin Time Records
www.justin-time.com

Elisabeth Lohninger Band
Christmas In July
Jazz Sick Records
www.jazzsick.com
By George W. Harris

Boy, Christmas time sure brings out every style and sound. No matter
what your concept of “traditional” means, you’re likely to find it here!

Mandy Barnett gives a Patsy Cline vibe to this collection of secular
Yuletide songs. No baby in a manger here-the music twangs to
“Marshmallow World” and “Jingle Bell Rock” as you envision Santa in
chaps as he rides his Chestnut Mare along the Cumberland Gap. Good
feelin’ versions with twangy guitars make “Here Comes Santa Claus” and
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” a real hit for the Cracker Barrel
crowd.

For those wanting a bit more Christ in Christmas, the album lead by
Oliver Jones’ piano is a must. Ranee Lee’s rich and fervent vocals are
glorious on “What Child Is This” and “Hymn To Freedom.” The Daphnee
Louis Singers sound like a heavenly choir on “Gras Bondye/Seigneur
J’eleve Ton Nom,” which will get you shouting Hosanna’s in no time.
Jones himself is as crystal clear as a star in Bethlehem on his
“Christmas Medley” and the trio brings the reason for the season on
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” A real treat for the King!

And if you want a REAL mix of traditional with something new, try the
disc with vocalist Elisabeth Lohninger, who leads a jazz team of Axe &
Walter Fischbacher/g & p, Johannes Weidenmuller/b and Ulf Stricker/dr.
Together, the mix traditional Christmas songs from nine different
countries. Japan, Brazil, Sweden, Italy and Austria are just a few of
the countries that celebrate the birth of the King of Kings, and this
team mixes the country’s respective melody (and language) with some
extra jazz kick, as the “Giant Steps” intro to “The Christmas Song”
well demonstrates. A Noel worth remembering!