Christmas Jug Band Rhythm on the Roof [Globe GLO-020 (1997)] This is Christmas music for the jaded, for those who have already heard it all before, for those who need something a little different. The Christmas Jug Band is a 15-person escapade, and most of the tracks feature everyone somewhere along the line. One plus is that lead vocals are shared by no fewer than five singers, giving the songs variety. Most of the songs here are originals with a Christmas theme; the only two "traditional" Christmas songs are "Winter Wonderland" and "Silver Bells," and the latter is followed by "Daddy’s Drinking Up Our Christmas." The music is good and solid, and this recording would probably work well as the soundtrack for a Christmas party of the more raucous variety. (BEB)

Jewish Wedding Band A Child’s Hanukkah [Music for Little People/Rhino R2 75537 (1998)] At a time when so many recordings aimed at children recycle popular holiday songs, this new disc does something different — it actually boasts more original Hanukkah tunes than standards. What’s more, a pleasant story line is used to explain the Festival of Lights, as the holiday is known. In short, "Uncle Joe" arrives just in time to lights candles, spin the dreydl, eat the latkes and talk about tradition with his nieces and nephews. Their dialogue serves as a form of introduction for each of the songs and pertinent themes. It’s an unusual effort, one that deserves praise for its imagination and willingness to delve into Jewish culture; besides the de rigeur Hanukkah discussions, there’s also a glossary and explanation of languages spoken by Jews. But for all its daring, the disc falls short in one crucial way: In an effort to create a feel-good atmosphere that emphasizes culture, religion gets short shrift. Ironically, not once is the raison d’etre behind Hanukkah — the right to religious freedom — mentioned. Nor does God make an appearance. These omissions are disturbing and put a damper on what is otherwise an upbeat, ambitious project. Nonetheless, this disc should hold appeal for parents who want something a little different from the usual Hanukkah tunes. And children should find the family vignette and catchy songs an appealing and entertaining way to relate to the holiday. (ES)

Herdman, Hills & Mangsen Voices of Winter [Gadfly 235 (1997)] The holiday season is often about a gathering of good friends, and that’s just the atmosphere Cindy Mangsen, Anne Hills, and Priscilla Herdman create with this live recording of seasonal music from past and present. While many of the songs are traditional, they are not all familiar holiday standards. Although many celebrate the spirit of wonder and reverence of the winter holidays, the trio has chosen several songs which make clear that celebration doesn’t always have to be serious. (KD)

Ceilidh Friends The Spirit of Giving [Ceilidh Friends] This cassette is subtitled "A Yellowknife Yuletide," which makes it one of only a handful of Christmas releases to emanate from the Canadian North. The choice of material doesn’t reflect the North but in fact draws mostly from British wassail songs and carols, some dating as far back as the 1500s. A few well-chosen modern songs are also featured, including Joe Glazer’s "Because All Men are Brothers." The quartet, which is made up of two men and two women, perform mostly a capella, although there’s one guitar instrumental called "Winter Jazz." They turn in a respectable performance, and any group that sings such obscure gems as "Boar’s Head Carol" and "Gaudete" (in Latin) is okay in my book. (PEC)

Various artists On a Winter’s Night: A Seasonal Collection [Imaginary Road 314 536 143 (1997)] This mostly-instrumental disc was conceived and co-produced by guitarist William Ackerman, and although he plays on only one track, the whole set shares the quiet, meditative sound of most of his work. The music is a mix of traditional Christmas songs and modern winter-themed compositions played in solo and small ensemble arrangements, with performers who include multi-instrumentalist Barbara Higbie, pianist Tim Story, harpist Deborah Henson-Conant, oboe/French horn player Paul McCandless, as well as a Latin-chanting Chicago church choir. Simple but rich, these pieces add up to an evocative soundtrack for a cold December night. (TN)