From All Music Guide: Recording Info: 3U Studio, Shanghai, China; Blackbird Studios, Studio A, Nashville, Tennesse; Legacy Recording Studios, Studio A 509, New York City; Legacy Recording Studios, Studio A 509, New York City; The Barn, Washington, Massachusetts

From All Music Guide: Cellist Yo-Yo Ma has long been a giant in the classical world, though he has also made a number of recordings with musicians who play other styles. This holiday disc doesn't exclusively stick to traditional Christmas songs, but covers a wide scope of material in a very ambitious manner. Ma opens with a lovely take of the traditional favorite "Dona Noblis Pacem (Give Us Peace)," playing both the melody and counterpoint via overdubbing. Jazz pianist/vocalist Diana Krall is superb in a swinging rendition of Jerome Kern's unjustly obscure "You Couldn't Be Cuter," adding bassist John Clayton. An arrangement of "Joy to the World" features pianist Dave Brubeck, cellist Matt Brubeck (his son), and clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera in a playful setting that works in "The Christmas Song" and "On the Trail." The senior Brubeck's "Concordia" is filled with spirit in a lively performance with the two cellists. Chris Botti has never sounded better in the warm arrangement of "My Favorite Things," playing ...

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