This unique Contemporary Jazz octet, founded by artistic director Charles Mead and formed of pairs of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, has a full, almost vocally orchestral sound. 'Gift' gives new dimensions and excitement to Christmas chestnuts like 'Christmas Song,' 'Silver Bells,' 'Sleigh Ride,' and three medleys, 'Count Your Blessings/White Christmas,' 'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/My Favorite Things'-- while retaining what we love about them. 'Santa Claus' stuffs every song ever written about the fat man in a big, happy, silly, genre-crossing musical sack. 'Little Drummer Boy' starts sweet and simple and riffs in all directions from there. There's a jazzy, surprising '12 Days of Christmas,' a powerful 'Prayer for Our Children,' and a stream of consciousness 'O Tannenbaum.' A smoky, moody 'What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?' closes out a remarkable 'Gift' to yourself and any other music-lovers on your list!

Listen to Christmas Song in RealAudio.