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Avalon (Sparrow Records)

Avalon's Christmas project, Joy, is literally a cornucopia of styles and production — so it's hardly a surprise that the results are mixed. As expected from a group of four talented vocalists, there are plenty of moments that beautifully showcase their skills. I especially enjoyed their big production of Mariah Carey's "Jesus Born On This Day," Celine Dion's "Don't Save It All For Christmas Day," and the gorgeous "Manger Medley." Avalon also shines in their jazz arrangements, drawing natural comparisons to Manhattan Transfer on "Winter Wonderland" and "The Christmas Song." Unfortunately, the project slips when Avalon reverts back to their usual programmed dance-pop sound. There's nothing wrong with their upbeat dance pop, but I found "Joy (to the World)" (not to be confused with the classic hymn) and "The Angels Medley" just a little too perky and overwhelming compared to the rest of the album. It would have helped if Avalon limited their styles more to an all traditional/jazz collection, rather than mix it up so much. Still, fans of the group's music will be pleased with Joy. It's not a landmark Christmas album, but it's very likable and has some exceptional moments.

Crystal Lewis (Metro One)

Crystal's first Christmas album is a very traditional soft jazz recording. Though not a live recording, the intimate feel of all the tracks makes it feel as though you're listening to Crystal in a jazz club. It's a soft and warm album that focuses on secular Christmas songs as much as religious, and it's a great one to decorate the tree to, or eat Christmas dinner, or curl up by the fire with. But since it is all soft jazz, the recording sounds a little too homogenous. However, the only real complaint I have about the album is the inclusion of little spoken bits called "Crystal Memories," where Crystal reminisces about past Christmases. They feel like the between-song banter you'd expect from a holiday variety special on TV, and therefore, seem a little out of place on a non-live album. Otherwise, Holiday! is a very beautiful and subtle Christmas recording sure to rekindle holiday nostalgia for Christmases past.

Various Artists (Essential Records)

This is an EP from Essential records, free with the purchase of any recent release from the record label. You'd think you can't go wrong with five high-profile artists, but again the results are mixed. On the positive side, Caedmon's Call offers a vibrant folk/acoustic version of "What Child Is This?" (almost reminiscent of Burlap to Cashmere), and V*Enna presents a catchy, likable, and very straightforward cover of "O Come All Ye Faithful." But as much as I like Third Day, and though they perform it well, their classic blues rock sound is an odd match with "O Come O Come Emmanuel." FFH's version of "The First Noel" isn't very exciting, and it has some strange musical moments in it that don't quite mesh with the traditional carol. I loved the Jars of ClayDrummer Boy EP when it first came out five years ago, and there were two different mixes of "Little Drummer Boy" on that disc already; do we really need another? (Incidentally, word on the street is that the Jar boys are planning some sort of seasonal release for next year.) One, however, can't complain about Essential Energy Christmas too much. Go out and buy the new Caedmon's Call disc, or the City On a Hill project or any other Essential Records album as a Christmas gift for a loved one, and get this collection free.

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