Diana Krall Christmas Songs
by Diana Krall, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
from Verve

Editorial Review:

As the song goes, "Merry Christmas" has already "been said many times, many ways." Diana Krall's Christmas Songs is a worthy--though not particularly unique--addition to the holiday catalog. On it, she excels with an approach mastered long ago: elegant delivery that gives extra polish to a very familiar lineup. Some might find her style frosty at times, but that will come as a relief to those who want their carolers to cut through some of the holiday treacle and create a festive, yet grown-up vibe. And Krall does show off her playful side with little, personal touches. In "Winter Wonderland" she promises to "frolic and play the Canadian way," which should draw smiles from her native land. (That'll mean toasting the holiday with Molson, eh?) Elsewhere, she ends "Jingle Bells" with the girlishly giddy statement, "I'm just crazy about horses." Well...can't argue with that. --Leah Weathersby

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

• My definition of that GREAT Christmas feeling!
  You know those few things that just encompass your idea of Christmas???? Well, this CD is definitely one of them for me. I love, love, love this CD. It's the perfect mix of jazz instrumentals and vocal, upbeat and mellow, crispness and gentleness. I don't quite remember how I came across this album, but I've had it for some years now, and I absolutely love it! It never fails at getting me in the Christmas spirit. The entire album is great. I can play the whole thing without having to skip a dud. I... more info

• I'm just crazy 'bout horses.
  I hadn't been familiar with Diana Krall when my sister gave me this CD. It turns out she's a jazz singer and pianist. On this album she sings and plays familiar Christmas songs. I don't know enough about jazz to get into any serious analysis of the music on this CD, but it sounds pretty good to me. Miss Krall has a very nice voice and she knows how to tickle the ivories, too. If you're looking for a jazzy Christmas album, this should do the trick.

• Very Disappointing
  I would really recommend previewing this album first before buying. I've tried to like this album for two years now, but it really doesn't capture the Christmas spirit; it's very flat, unambitious, and uninteresting. Many of the songs feel forced, like she sung this album out of contract obligation as opposed to wanting to make a Christmas album (probably not true, but it does sound that way).
  There are a few good songs on here, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" is very nice, but if you have the... more info

• A must for any Christmas Collection
  OK, so I purchased this at random not really know what to expect. This is a must for anyones Christmas CD collection. I popped in for our 45 min drive to Hamilton Place Mall in Chattanooga on black friday and the entire car was singing. Her voice accompanied with the music is just so happy and fun. I swear when "let it snow" cam on I almost wrecked my Audi.

Tracks:

1. Jingle Bells - Diana Krall, Pierpont, James
2. Let It Snow - Diana Krall, Styne, Jule
3. The Christmas Song - Diana Krall, Torme, Mel
4. Winter Wonderland - Diana Krall, Bernard, Felix
5. I'll Be Home For Christmas
6. Christmas Time Is Here - Diana Krall, Guaraldi, Vince
7. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town - Diana Krall, Coots, J. Fred
8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Diana Krall, Blane, Ralph
9. White Christmas - Diana Krall, Berlin, Irving
10. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve - Diana Krall, Loesser, Frank
11. Sleigh Ride - Diana Krall, Anderson, Leroy
12. Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep