Nov. 29: "Sleigh Ride," Boney James - Grammy Award-winning saxophonist James turns it loose on this track from his 1996 album "Boney's Funky Christmas." I bought this album on a lark last year, and this track kept my 2008 Christmas in full, funky swing. It will get your 2009 holiday season off to a bouncing start, too.

Nov. 30: "Do You Hear What I Hear/Drummer Boy," Vanessa Williams - This is another song that I couldn't get enough of in 2008. A friend of my wife's introduced me to this track on a gift CD at her Christmas party. I love the beat and Williams' voice. This is from "20th Century Masters: The Christmas Collection, The Best of Vanessa Williams (1996)."

Dec. 1: "O Come, Come Emanuel," Sixpence None the Richer - With a name inspired from the C.S. Lewis novel "Mere Christianity," this Christian band offers a sweet, uncluttered approach to Christmas music on its 2008 album, "Dawn of Grace." Lead singer Leigh Nash has the perfect voice for this song.

Dec. 2: "My Favorite Things," Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass - Alpert's trumpet was a staple of my childhood; it was always on the stereo. The group's 1996 "Christmas Album" was ruined by overproduction that pushed the star - Alpert's sterling trumpet - to the background. Still, this song will stick with you.

Dec. 3: "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," Jethro Tull - Has anyone every played the flute like Ian Anderson of this 1960s rock group? He gives every tune its all, including this jazzy instrumental adaptation of my favorite Christmas carol. You'll enjoy the piano and guitar work as well on this track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album."

Dec. 4: "How Many Kings?" downhere - Another Christian rock group, downhere's lyrics on this song really hit home - the idea that God sent his son to join man at the first Christmas. This track is from their 2009 album "How Many Kings: Song for Christmas." This one will stay with you all day.

Dec. 5: "First Noel," Chris Botti - In his 2002 album "December," Botti turns his trumpet loose on a contemplative set of holiday songs, running toward the quiet side of the holiday. Some critics have called Botti's sound "chill," meaning smooth jazz with a touch of cool jazz. Enjoy this artist's approach to a wonderful traditional carol.

Dec. 6: "We Three Kings/Carol of the Bells," Kenny G - I know it is hip to make fun of Kenny G's work, but I love the sound of his soprano sax. This cut is from his 2008 album, "The Greatest Holiday Classics," which takes the best of his three previous albums: "Miracles" (1993), "Faith" (1999) and "Wishes" (2002). Yeah, I'm a sucker, but this is just great for the holidays.

Dec. 7: "Nutcracker Suite, Overture," Moscow Philharmonic - It is not Christmas without the "Nutcracker," preferably the ballet with a live orchestra. This 2007 recording is the most complete that I can find of the suite; I commend it to you.

Dec. 8: "Christmas Must Be Tonight," the Band - In order to fulfill its contract with Capitol Records, the Band recorded "Islands" in 1977, after its touring days were over. I'm letting my age show with this choice, but this group still speaks to me.

Dec. 9: "Who Comes This Night," James Taylor - Another old timer, this cut from Taylor's "At Christmas" (2006) is another nice addition to our advent calendar. Taylor's well-known voice and earnest sound make this song - and album - a winner.

Dec. 10: "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Chicago - Take this 1945 Christmas song and mix in Chicago's brassy sound and arrangements and you've got something going. This is from "Chicago Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa (2003)." I stumbled across it just this holiday season, and it has risen near the top of my favorite holiday albums.

Dec. 11: "Must Be Santa," Bob Dylan - Dylan, the great cynic, doing Christmas songs? Yep. For the first time ever, the man with the gravelly voice has released a holiday set that will challenge your ears - at least on the first listen or two. But "Christmas in the Heart" grows on you. Besides, it's for a good cause: All the royalties go to Feeding America.

Dec. 12: "Sing!" Josh Wilson - Perhaps not strictly a Christmas song, "Sing" by the Christian singer-songwriter Wilson captures the underlying spirit of the holidays. The lyrics are powerful and the instrumental backing will knock you over.

Dec. 13: "Joy to the World," Brian Culbertson - Ah, some more smooth jazz funk, this time by pianist Culbertson from his 2006 album, "A Soulful Christmas." He sets a gospel tone with the backing of a choir, but you'd never mistake this for a church song.

Dec. 14: "Winter Wonderland," Roy Hargrove and Shirley Horn - This musical Advent calendar takes a turn toward harder jazz with this piece by Grammy-winning trumpeter Hargrove and singer/pianist Horn. Her voice is lush and blends with Hargove's groovy horn. A great combo.

Dec. 15: "I Believe in Father Christmas," Sarah Brightman - This piece by the internationally known soprano speaks about the joy and excitement of the season. Yes, this piece from "A Winter Symphony" (2008) is a bit overblown, but what about this holiday isn't?

Dec. 16: "Jingle Bell Rock," Jo-El Sonnier - Is there any happier music than that which comes from south Louisiana? Fiddles, accordions, singers with French accents. In this cut from the 2002 album "Cajun Christmas," Sonnier cuts loose with the joie de vivre (joy of living) that marks life in a special part of the world. Ai-eee!

Dec. 17: "Here Comes Santa Claus," Ramsey Lewis Trio - Jazz pianist Lewis and his boys keep the happy feelings going in this cut from "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000). Lewis was known as the "great performer," and he shows why in a rendition of this 1947 tune that was co-written by Gene Autry.

Dec. 18: "Christmas Time Is Here," Vince Guaraldi Trio - Christmas is not the same without a viewing of "Charlie Brown's Christmas." Here, pianist Guaraldi leads his trio in one of the highlights from the 1965 TV special. It's a chance to slow down before the final week of the holidays begins.

Dec. 19: "A Christmas Song," Jethro Tull - Sixties' rocker Anderson and Jethro Tull are back for a message song. A bit preachy perhaps, but it is good to remember what this hullabaloo is all about. Another track from the 2004 release "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album," Tull is the only performer to make this list twice.

Dec. 20: "All My Bells Are Ringing," Lenka - A little bit of sugary pop from this Australian songwriter and performer. Yes, the last few days of the season are supposed to be fun; this will help. This song comes from the 2008 compilation "The Hotel Café Presents Winter Songs."

Dec. 21: "Come On, Ring Those Bells," Kristin Chenowith - Another bouncy number to keep you smiling. Taken from "A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas" (2008), this song lets the soprano, who is known in Broadway circles for "Wicked" but who also has appeared on TV and in the movies, to have some fun. Join in on the chorus.

Dec. 22: "The Christmas Song," Dave Koz - Settle in with the smooth jazz saxophonist and his friends on this calm rendition of the song made famous by Nat King Cole. Included are pianist David Benoit, guitarist Peter White, trumpeter Rick Braun and singer Brenda Russell. From "A Smooth Jazz Christmas" (2001).

Dec. 23: "The Christmas Waltz," Beegie Adair - Jazz pianist Adair eases us into the final days of Christmas with a fine performance of this standard from "Jazz Piano Christmas" (1999). The Nashville session veteran lays down this tune with precision and care. Well done.

Christmas Eve: "Zat You, Santa Claus?" Louis Armstrong - Well, it is Christmas Eve, and the kids will be asking that question before long. Armstrong provides a dose of New Orleans jazz as the hours tick down. From "Verve Presents: The Very Best of Christmas Jazz" (2000).

Christmas: "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus," Jackson 5 - Fitting, in the year of his death, that the young Michael Jackson wraps up the 2009 musical Advent calendar. A fun song for Christmas morning. What a great voice the young man had! From "A Motown Christmas" (1999). Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year's.
 
Happy Advent
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