Here’s a collection of stocking stuffers, both big and small, to get you into the right spirit of things.
The Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet consists of Ginny Carr Goldberg, Robert McBride, Holly Shockey and Lane Stowe, teaming up with Frank Russo/dr, Max Murray/b, Alan Blackman/p, Donato Soviero/g, Chuck Redd/vib 
and guest Keith Carr/bouz. The album is a mix of tradition and new compositions, with Goldberg leading the way on her nostalgic “It Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas” and swaying to the sambo for “L’Amour Nous Entoure Ce Soir”. The harmonies are delightful on a shuffling “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” and bright on “Winter Wonderland”. Fireside glowings.
Famed electric violinist and vocalist L. Shankar brings some curry into the egg nog on this melding of Indian sounds with traditional Yule tidings. Shankar also plays the keyboards along with partier Jeffery Jonathan on 
keys and programming, with synthy sensations on “The First Noel” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”. Shankar’s voice has the traditional Indian inflection and tone, but is plaintive and calm for the inviting “Christmas Tree” and his own “Savior”. Turmeric tidings.
Legendary drummer Jeff Hamilton brings in his working team of Tamir Hendelman/p and Jon Hamar/b for some bopping takes of the season. His brushes are deft on “The Little Drummer Boy” and he digs a deep groove for “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year”, creating a hip waltz on “Carolling Carolling”. Hamar delivers a glowing intro to “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and is classy on “Bright Bright the Holly Berries” with Hendelman cozy on “Let It Snow!” and striding right on “Here Comes Santa Claus”, putting Saint Nick in blue on “Santa Baby”. Swinging season.
Vocalist CeCe Gable teams with Harvie S/b, Alan Broadbent/p and Matt Wilson/dr for a bluesy glide on a slow and breathy single, reflecting on the meaning of the seasons on this single song release.
The Acute Inflections team of Elasea Douglas/voc and Sadoki Pierre/b deliver a heartfelt single with Douglas passionately delivering a message of hope around Pierre’s bowing and bopping pulse. Roasting by the open fire.