James Taylor croons well-loved yule tunes

I really like James Taylor's voice. My favorite album isn't "Sweet Baby James," but rather "Gorilla." I don't know, I just like the songs on that album.

Earlier this year, Taylor released a Christmas album, which, for some reason,didn't get reviewed in the Christmas review rundown that ran at the beginning of the month.

So, here is my review, just in time for Christmas Eve.

The skinny on the album, called "A Christmas Album," is this: If you liked Taylor's folksy sound, you will probably not like this album. But if you like his forays into traditional popular jazz, this is the album for you.

The CD, which is only available at Hallmark stores, does get a little monotonous at times. But Taylor's trademark voice is still strong and recognizable.

With guest-band members — which including guitarist John Pizzarelli,pianist Dave Grusin, percussionist Luis Conte and bassist Dave Carpenter — Taylor revisits "Winter Wonderland," "In the Bleak Midwinter," "Deck the Halls," "Jingle Bells" and "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)," just to name a few.

The arrangements are well-mixed and smooth. But fans of his folk sound may find the mix too smooth.

Even "Baby, It's Cold Outside," sung with Natalie Cole, can be a snoozer.

While I don't knock Taylor for doing what he wants (he wrote in the liner notes that these songs have been living in his head lo these many years), it would have been nice to hear some of them in a more folksy, intimate arrangement.

Still, for the James Taylor completist, "A Christmas Album" is a nice addition to the collection.

As for me, well, "Gorilla" is still my preference — especially the song "Mexico."

Happy holidays.

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com