James Taylor at Christmas

The baritone songsmith, James Taylor, brings his calming voice to holiday classics with James Taylor at Christmas. On "Winter Wonderland," Taylor has help from trumpeter, Chris Botti, which makes the merry lyrics such as, "Sleigh bells ring, are you listenin'/Beautiful sight, I'm happy tonight, walkin' in a winter wonderland," resonate even more. "Go Tell It on the Mountain" has luscious piano play and lines like, "Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus is born." "Jingle Bells" has mellow piano play which brings a sweetness to this festive staple. Natalie Cole joins Taylor on "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Some pensiveness breaks through as Taylor cover's Joni Mitchell's heartbreaking tune, "River." The track has Taylor on guitar, Dave Grusin on piano and Dave Carpenter on bass. "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" has harmonica virtuoso, Toots Thielemans, tooting away. A New Year's favorite, "Auld Lang Syne" has Taylor's gentile voice along with more piano playing by Grusin, John Pizzarelli on guitar, Carpenter on bass and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. James Taylor at Christmas is a relaxing collection of jovial tunes that will brighten up any listener's festivities.