Etta James - 12 Songs of Christmas (1998)

It's a little surprising to realize that after decades of recording, Etta James finally released her first holiday album, 12 Songs of Christmas, at the late date of 1998. Thankfully, she decided to make the record something of a special occasion. Working with arrangers Etta and Cedar Walton, producer John Snyder and a terrific lineup of musicians – including Red Holloway, John Clayton, Billy Higgins, Cedar Walton, Josh Sklair and her son, Sametto – James has created a terrific Christmas record, one that is firmly in her style yet contains surprises. First of all, she sings "O Holy Night" in both English and French. She also reworks "Silent Night" into a plaintive, bluesy plea. Each song on the album doesn't sound like a traditional carol, even if they're very familiar – it all sounds like James, and it all sounds good. James fans may not feel like they need a Christmas album from her, but after hearing 12 Songs of Christmas, they'll be quite pleased indeed. - by Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AMG

Tracks:
1. Winter Wonderland (Dick Smith/Felix Bernard) 4:26
2. Jingle Bells (James Pierpont/arr. Etta James) 5:26
3. This Time of Year (Jesse Hollis/Cliff Ovens) 5:47
4. Merry Christmas, Baby (Lou Baxter/Johnny Moore) 6:10
5. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane) 4:45
6. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (Haven Gillespie/J. Fred Coots) 6:22
7. White Christmas (Irving Berlin) 5:52
8. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) (Robert Wells/Mel Torme) 4:23
9. The Little Drummer Boy (Carol of the Drum) (Katherine K. Davis/Henry Onoraty/Harry Simeone) 4:59
10. Silent Night (Joseph Mohr/Franz Gruber/arr. Etta James) 4:49
11. Joy to the World (Georg Friedrich Handel/arr. Etta James) 5:30
12. O Holy Night (J.S. Wright/Adolphe Adam/arr. Etta James/Joseph Sklair) 4:49

Personnel:
Etta James (Vocals)
Cedar Walton (Piano)
Josh Sklair (Guitar)
John Clayton (Double Bass)
Red Holloway (Alto and Tenor Saxophone)
Ronnie Buttacavoli (Trumpet and Flugelhorn)
George Bohanon (Trombone)
Billy Higgins (Drums)
Sametto James (Bass Guitar) - 10

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