Pairs of Christmas selections that I think segue well:
1. Away In A Manger-Oscar Peterson
2. O Holy Night-The Lettermen
(I used to think "Away In A Manger" was an average Christmas carol until I heard Peterson's sublime rendition. Peterson's piano and Jack Schantz's flugelhorn set the mood perfectly, conveying a perfect blend of solemnity and intimacy. The Lettermen's version of "O Holy Night" conveys a similar reverence.)
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3. The Peace Carol-John Denver & The Muppets
4. Light One Candle (live)-Peter, Paul & Mary
(Denver & company evoke the peace of Christmas Day convincingly, while Peter, Paul & Mary illustrate why it's prudent to be peaceful.)
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5. He Is Born-Holiday Brass featuring Susan Slaughter
6. Ding Dong! Merrily On High-Irish Philharmonic Chorus
(The St. Louis Symphony's brass, winds, and percussion sections offer an appropriately regal, joyous take on "He Is Born," and the Irish Philharmonic Chorus contributes a compatible from-the-mountaintop arrangement.)
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7. The Borning Day-The Brothers Four
8. Mary Had A Baby-Pete Seeger
(The birth of Christ, conveyed compellingly in two different styles of folk music.)
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9. It Doesn't Have To Be That Way-Jim Croce
10. Angels We Have Heard On High-Bob Rafkin
(Croce's tale of hope segues into Rafkin's enjoyable instrumental in the same key.)
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11. Here We Come A Wassailing-Kate Rusby
12. In Dulci Jubilo-Mike Oldfield
(Rusby's angelic voice fits this slightly unusual rendition of "...Wassailing," and Oldfield's instrumental take on "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" builds on Rusby's upbeat vibe.)
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13. Light Of The Stable-Emmylou Harris
14. Little Road To Bethlehem-Shawn Colvin
(Different stages of the Christmas story, sung equally movingly.)
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15. Bring A Torch, Jeannette, Isabella-Philadelphia Brass Ensemble
16. Sussex Carol-Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields/Neville Marriner, director
(The joy of Christmas, conveyed effectively through horns and vocals.)
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17. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing-Take 6
18. Angels From The Realms Of Glory-Arturo Delmoni & Friends
(Perfect harmony meets a perfect string quartet in this pairing.)
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19. Gloria, In Excelsis Deo-Paul Mauriat & His Orchestra
20. I'll Be Home For Christmas-The Mills Brothers
(Two forms of excellent easy listening.)
