Jazz vocalist Jane Monheit has a sultry voice that wraps nicely around this collection of mostly contemporary songs. She moves easily from the soft and seductive "Moonlight in Vermont" and "Merry Christmas Darling" to the lively and upbeat of "The Man With a Bag" and "Sleighride." She throws in a little scat on "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" and ends on a poignant note with "My Grownup Christmas List." There's even a very pretty version of "I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day." — C.W.

REGIS PHILBIN; "The Regis Philbin Christmas Album" (Hollywood Records)

Philbin began his career in the 1960s as a nightclub singer, touring with Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Tony Bennett and Don Rickles, so he does have some musical claim to fame. This CD has a bit of a nightclub feel to it, with some swing sound and Philbin's breathy delivery. He teams up with his wife Joy on "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and "Winter Wonderland." Steve Tyrell joins him on "Marshmallow World." Other tracks include "Winter Wonderland," "Silver Bells' and "Where Do We Go For Christmas." The version of "Rudolph," where he is joined by Donald Trump, is about as corny as it gets, however. — C.W.

MARTIN SEXTON; "Camp Holiday" (Kitchen Table)

Singer/songwriter Sexton holed up in a cabin over the summer and recorded this little Christmas album. The stripped-down acoustic versions of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "Little Drummer Boy" find new life. "Silent Night," "Auld Lang Syne," "O Christmas Tree" and "Do You Hear What I Hear" sound like they were made for the acoustic touch. "Blue Christmas" and "Holly Jolly Christmas" are also included. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses. — S.I.

SKAGGS FAMILY; "A Skaggs Family Christmas" (Skaggs Family Records)

"Homey" is as good a word as any to describe this CD. Not only did it originate with some living-room sessions with the Ricky Skaggs/Buck White extended family, but it also has an old-time quality. It is lively and spirited but has a gentleness that reminds you of hearth and home. There's variety, as different family members take their turn with lead vocals. Ricky works in some of his traditional bluegrass, Buck narrates a touching story-song, and Sharon White Skaggs, Molly and Luke Skaggs, and Cheryl and Rachel White all join in on a collection of carols and country classics. — C.W.

UMIXIT; "U-Sing-It Christmas" (Webster Hall)