The Best Holiday Jazz CDs Ever, from WDUQ

Nat "King" Cole's 1946 recording of "The Christmas Song" is considered by many to be the track's definitive reading. Cole's warm voice chases away the winter chill.

The First Lady of Song swings through classic holiday tunes with peerless style. Ella Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas sounds spirited, heartfelt and fun.

The classic 1965 holiday TV special still runs today, and the soundtrack sounds just as timeless. Vince Guaraldi's subtle piano work helped bring the cartoon to life.

With the swinging Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra lending assistance, singer/pianist Diana Krall offers her take on a variety of traditional Christmas songs.

The legendary singer (and host of NPR's Jazz Profiles) rounded up noted jazz musicians to record a collection of holiday favorites. With proceeds benefiting the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in Pittsburgh -- the nonprofit arts and learning center where the disc was recorded -- it's for a good cause, too.

Reeves brings warmth and finesse to holiday standards that sound anything but standard. Some aren't even immediately recognizable: Her exuberant, swinging take on "Carol of the Bells" is a prime example.

Holiday music doesn't have to be holly, jolly or bright. Songs on this disc include "Santa Claus Got Stuck in My Chimney," "Nuttin' for Christmas" and "My Birthday Comes on Christmas." Scrooge would approve.

This new holiday collection, showcasing artists on the Mack Avenue label, features trumpeter Sean Jones, legendary composer and arranger Gerald Wilson, and the Hot Club of Detroit.

Wynton Marsalis serves up Christmas, New Orleans-style. This disc, originally released in 1989, is worth rediscovering every year.

Jazz violinist Diane Delin offers fresh interpretations of traditional holiday songs. A Latin-tinged version of "My Favorite Things" leads off this new CD.