i have a pretty extensive collection of contemporary Christmas music (~50 CD's) but i just came across this gem after hearing a track on the local 'smooth jazz' radio and had to share:

Grover Washington Jr's "Breath of Heaven." simply outstanding. amazing range and phrasing, wonderful arrangements, spot-on production.

in a week, this CD has quickly risen into my 'Top 5' ranking.

i was very glad to have had the opportunity to see Grover in his last appearance at the Playboy Jazz Festival.

If you like smooth jazz, particularly jazz piano, make sure you check out the Beegie Adair Trio's "Jazz Piano Christmas". I happened on it quite by surprise, great for the trip to Grandma's Christmas dinner, classic piano/bass/drums. Not too easy to find, but I think Amazon is a source.

You can check out some clips at:
http://www.beegieadair.com/music.htm

(ain't the internet wonderful?!?)

If you like Jethro Tull, they have just released "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album". Very nicely done renditions of traditional english Christmas tunes, along with remakes of some Christmas sounding songs of their own. Has a jazz sound and a humor to it that is definitley english. Tull is one of those bands that has gotten better with age. I am more of a classical listener these days, and I suppose it is the blending of the classical elements in Tull's music that keeps me listening to them.

-Thomas

If you like a rock edged Van Halen style X-mas try the "Trans-Siberian Orchestra". Great screaming guitars and rock beat.

Samples:

http://www.content.loudeye.com/scripts/hur...0102_00_0002.ra

http://www.content.loudeye.com/scripts/hur...0101_00_0002.ra


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/clipserv...7919109-3387209

Okay, maybe more like "Meat Loaf"

I'm waiting for the new Nine Inch Nails or Metalica Christmas CD to come out. contemporary Christmas music at it's best.

In all seriousness...my family has "Star Wars Christmas" and "John Denver and the Muppets Christmas" records on rotation every year for the past 20+ years. Was on reel-to-reel tape, now we're into the 20th century w/ CD, ooooooo

Where's the .mp3's?

Anybody heard Porky Pig sing Blue CHristmas? I've heard it about 100 times and I still laugh. Here it is.

Don`t forget DR. John & Leon Redbones "Frosty the snowman",Joan Jett & The blackhearts "Little drummer boy"and how about "Santa Baby" by Marilyn Monroe