This lesser-known set of Christmas jazz features the witty trombonist
Al Grey in a variety of settings. Two songs ("Christmas Stockin' Stuffer" and "How Santa Got Thin") have humorous vocals by
Jon Hendricks, and a few numbers add three strings;
Grey is generally the main voice throughout the instrumentals. Among his sidemen are guitarist
Joe Cohn (who takes a rare solo on trumpet),
Al's son Mike Grey on second trombone and either pianist
Norman Simmons or David Lee Braham on piano and organ. Among the Yuletide favorites explored on the joyful set are "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bells" and a closing "Auld Lang Syne." ~ Scott Yanow