This Christmas jazz album has a wide variety of generally enjoyable performances by 16 different groups. High points include a funny version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by singers Dianne Reeves and Lou Rawls, a Herbie Hancock-Eliane Elias piano duet on "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and Holly Cole's "Christmas Blues." The other performers include ...

This Christmas jazz album has a wide variety of generally enjoyable performances by 16 different groups. High points include a funny version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" by singers Dianne Reeves and Lou Rawls, a Herbie Hancock-Eliane Elias piano duet on "I'll Be Home for Christmas," and Holly Cole's "Christmas Blues." The other performers include Herb Alpert with Jeff Lorber, Fourplay (featuring Lee Ritenour), Diana Krall, Stanley Clarke, Michael Franks, the Brecker Brothers, Cassandra Wilson, John McLaughlin, Steps Ahead, Anita Baker (out of place but okay on "The Christmas Song"), Dave Koz, and Dr. John. Although not a classic release, most of the performances are rewarding. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi