For some jazzy new Christmas music, try “New Orleans Christmas,” the recently released Putumayo World Music compilation.
“Silver Bells,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “White Christmas” and other classics take on the New Orleans flavors of swing, jazz and blues on the 11-song disc, as do songs such as “‘Zat You, Santa Claus?”“Holiday Time in New Orleans” and “Santa’s Second Line.”
Artists include Big Al Carson, Lars Edegran, The Heritage Jazz Band, Banu Gibson, Papa Don Vappie, Ellis Marsalis, John Boutté, Topsy Chapman and the Dukes of Dixieland.
Putumayo, known for selling multiethnic music in little booths at the checkout line, announced it would donate some proceeds from the disc to the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. Look for the album at your favorite souvenir or record shop.