Putumayo Presents A Family Christmas | CD Review

Few things evoke more holiday spirit than festive Christmas songs. On A Family Christmas, Putumayo offers a collection of yuletide favorites by a fascinating array of artists that every family is sure to enjoy while trimming the tree or sharing a holiday dinner.

Seattle-based Johnny Bregar delivers an acoustic rendition of the time-honored “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” recorded especially for this album. Sleigh bells jingle in singer-songwriter Martin Sexton’s stripped down version of “Holly Jolly Christmas.” Incorporating quirky vocals with a jazzy flare, California-based Big Bad Voodoo Daddy adds its signature retro-swing style to the Louis Armstrong hit “Is Zat You Santa Claus?,” bringing to mind images of Santa stealthily delivering presents to an eager household. And Leon Redbone’s heartwarming interpretation of the holiday standard “Let It Snow” will keep you cozy on the coldest of Christmas nights.

Tracks include:

• Johnny Bregar – Santa Claus is Coming to Town
• Martin Sexton – Holly Jolly Christmas
• Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – Is Zat You Santa Claus?
• Leon Redbone – Let it Snow
• Deana Carter – Winter Wonderland
• Sam Bush – Sleigh Ride
• Kate Rusby – Here We Come A-Wassailing
• Brave Combo – Jolly Old St. Nick
• Debbie Davies & Matt Perrine – Mele Kalikimaka
• The Christmas Jug Band – Boogie Woogie Santa Claus
• Lars Edegran and his Santa Claus Revelers – Frosty the Snowman

My kids are used to me playing Swing music and we just loved the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy track. But this whole album was one of the most enjoyable Christmas collections I have heard in a very long time and I can’t wait to share it with my family and friends during all of the wonderful holiday parties that will be coming up. Definitely a great family Christmas album that I recommend to everyone!