Diana Krall

Even though the awkward cover shot offers further proof that Verve is running out of ways to show off Diana Krall's (admittedly shapely) legs, the lady herself still sounds at the top of her game. This is one of the best holiday platters in years, with a big band joining Krall and her trio on swinging the Xmas classics. The band charts were written by John Clayton and the brilliant Johnny Mandel; drummer Jeff Hamilton deserves some extra nog for his propulsive work here.