Most of the songs on this album are the same old Christmas carols youÕve heard a million times, but I promise you have never heard them sound quite like this. Etta James has always been a tough, earthy belter with as much soul as Aretha Franklin or Otis Redding. And a brave singer too, willing to let her voice range off into all kinds of moans and groans and astonishing scatting. But as sheÕs gotten older (sheÕs in her sixties now Ñ although youÕd never guess it from the strength of her voice), sheÕs developed a depth and subtlety, a jazz singerÕs phrasing, that makes her unbeatable. Cross Billie Holiday with Janis Joplin and you end up somewhere in the neighborhood of the mature Etta James.

She brings all those gifts to this Christmas album. She sings every song as if it is coming from the depths of her soul. Her Silent Night brings tears to my eyes. Jingle Bells is one of the happiest and most playful versions IÕve ever heard. And she sings Santa Claus Is Coming To Town in such a sly, sexy way, youÕll never be able to hear the song the same way again ( What DID Santa Claus bring you, girl?).

And as if Etta James at her best were not enough, she brings along a perfect band, including Cedar Walton, who also accompanied her on Mystery Lady, her Billie Holiday tribute album. Christmas music doesnÕt get much better than this

This album is wonderful for those of you who are sick of Mannheim Steamroller, Bing Crosby, and the like. Etta James' unique voice makes this a CD for those who want something different to listen to during the holidays. This album is great to listen to because it has some wonderful, tight, playing by some seasoned jazz musicians, along with fresh arrangements of Christmas standards. The CD has been done quite tastefully, yet still has a nice edge to it.

Etta James has taken 12 Christmas standards and performed them with a comfortable blend of jazz and soul. Unlike some other Christmas cd's that sound like the performer is just going through the motions, Etta genuinely sounds like she is enjoying herself while she sings these songs.

The arrangements range from small jazz trios to full horn sections. Each is appropriate, and well done.

I had read decent reviews of Etta James' new Christmas cd, 12 Songs Of Christmas and figured I'd buy it. My mistake was not hearing any of it beforehand, otherwise I wouldn't have bothered. Unlike in her 60's heyday, Ms. James can't hit the notes anymore; she sounds like she is really struggling along while her excellent backup musicians play beautifully. Sorry, I realize Etta James is one of the queens of jazz/r&b(I do have several of her records)but this album is a waste of your money. Get her recordings of when she was in her prime,though, and you are in for a treat.