Old-school doo wop and R&B enthusiasts should note this baker's dozen of seasonal offerings from the incipient incarnation of
the Platters. The quintet serves up distinct and soulful interpretations of well-known selections, such as the buoyant opening "Jingle Bell Jingle" and a heartfelt stirring rendition of "White Christmas," boasting a signature
Buck Ram string arrangement. More in the spirit of the genre is the appropriately ebullient "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." The yuletide novelty "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" is likewise a standout, featuring a lighthearted lead from
Zola Taylor. Standing in contrast is the affectively sublime "Silent Night," which is one of the effort's finest moments, as well as "Auld Lang Syne" and a heartfelt "I'll Be Home for Christmas."
Ram's combination of intimate orchestration and warm inviting vocals has never sounded better. His influence similarly stretches into a pair of original compositions. "Christmas Time" is a waltz ballad that feels right at home in
the Platters' canon beside the likes of "Twilight Time" and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes."
Ram's "Come Home for Christmas" is languid and laid-back, with a smoky debonair lead from tenor
Tony Williams. Of the uptempo numbers, "Jingle Bell Rock" captures the essence and innocence of the era. [In 2004,
Christmas With the Platters was reissued as 20th Century Masters - The Christmas Collection, sporting a budget price tag to boot.] ~ Lindsay Planer