i'm listening to christmas...

I'm listening to Christmas music a lot lately. It makes me sing. It makes me happy. It makes me smile. Here are some of my favorites this year:

A Steinway Christmas Album: Piano Music for the Season



available here

  I'm a sucker for good piano music and this is GREAT piano music. I love the arrangements. They're orchestral (yes! on a piano), and beautiful. This is great background music for Christmas dinner or reading. I just keep listening over and over. It has one of the best arrangements of Sleigh Ride I've ever heard and so here for your listening pleasure...

The Oak Ridge Boys: Christmas Cookies



available here

I'm also a sucker for a good musical storytelling and a low bass voice, and this album has it all. Great vocals with lots of personality and beautiful storytelling. Their song "Christmas Cookies" is sure to bring a smile, "Uncle Luther Made the Stuffing" will make you laugh, and "From Love to Love" will make you pause for a moment. I love the Oak Ridge Boys and this album justifies my love. (Wish I could find a preview song.)

The Colors of Christmas, John Rutter



available here

John Rutter is my choral idol. If I ever attended one of his concerts or got to sing under his direction, I would die a happy, completely fulfilled woman. The choral work by The Bach Choir on this album is gorgeous, lush and a gift for my ears. Full of traditional carols to contemporary favorites, it brings the spirit of the season in all its auditory glory. A few favorites: "Ding Dong! Merrily on High", "I Wonder as I Wander", "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "A New Year Carol". Gorgeousness abounds!


So, Merry Christmas and all that jazz! I'd love to hear what you've been listening to, so please share in the comments.