Best of Narada Christmas

Narada's highly popular Christmas titles have always represented a fresh approach to beloved Yuletide music by such exceptional artists as Michael Gettel, David Arkenstone, Tingstad & Rumbel, David Lanz, Michael Jones, Nando Lauria and many others. Now, for the 1st time, the very best of these extraordinary works are gathered in a massive 2-CD compilation featuring more than 2 hours of outstanding music - at an outstanding price.

A superb two-disc set of Narada's finest recording artists, from David Arkenstone and Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel to Nando Lauria and Dordán. Narada has assembled a wide assortment of musical glad tidings that encompass New Age-like pop arrangements with larger ensembles, Celtic interpretations, jazzy and neoclassical pieces, and a host of acoustic readings, the least of which is Billy McLaughlin's "What Child Is This?" Whether you like straight-ahead arrangements like Arkenstone's playful and more produced "I Saw Three Ships," or improvised pieces such as the enchanting rendition of "Carol of the Bells" by Kostia, The Best of Narada Christmas does a good job of pooling the finer works of its artists in one Whitman Sampler that packs value-plus--and enough seasonal atmosphere to turn your listening environment into a shaken snow globe. --Martin Keller