Editorial Reviews

The good folks of Putumayo seem determined to excise all gratuitous cuteness and cheeseball tendencies from their children's records, and that effort is especially appreciated on this Christmas collection, which veers sharply away from the kitsch that can ruin even the best-intentioned holiday compilations. The overall aesthetic here is low-key, acoustic, and -- in keeping with the overarching Putumayo mission -- culturally diverse without being self-consciously so. A simple ukulele-based version of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" opens the album, followed by Martin Sexton and Leon Redbone's jazzy takes on classics "Holly Jolly Christmas" and "Let it Snow," respectively. The most transformative renditions here include Kate Rusby's joyous "Here We Come A-Wassailing," which, in her lush voice, sounds like an original written straight from the heart; Brave Combo's instrumental "Jolly Old Saint Nick," which hums with spirited accordions and violins; and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's version of the Louis Armstrong hit "Is Zat You Santa Claus?," which combines whimsy with a touch of humorous mayhem. Kids will recognize and be able to sing along with most of the tracks here, and parents may just find a renewed enthusiasm for holiday songs they've heard over and over again. Paula Carino, All Music Guide

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