Formed in 1991 by artistic director Barlow Bradford, the Utah Chamber Artists is made up of an approximately 40-voice choir and 40-piece orchestra that had received national and international recognition. This CD is filled mostly with traditional carols — "Still, Still, Still," "Pat-a-Pan," "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" and "Carol of the Bells." Lesser-known songs, such as "Star Candles," "Suo Gan" and "Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head," are a perfect addition. — C.W.

VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Christmas Break: Relaxing Jazz for the Holidays" (Telarc)

Once the Oscar Peterson Trio's electric piano version of "White Christmas" kicks off this album, listeners know they are in for a mellow, hot-cocoa-sipping night of holiday cheer. Mel Torme's "Christmastime Is Here" and Dave Brubeck's playful "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," George Shearing's "Donkey Carol" and "Away in a Manger," Ray Brown and his trio take on "The Christmas Song" — and Brubeck reworks with "Silent Night" and "Farewell Jingle Bells." — S.I.

VARIOUS ARTISTS; "FM100: Welcome Home for the Holidays" (Bonneville International)

The FM100 radio station really gets into Christmas music. For the past six years, it has put together a compilation album showcasing local artists and local favorites, which also benefits the Road Home homeless shelter. This year's Vol. VI features mostly songs that have appeared on previous FM100 albums, including David Tolk's "Il Est Ne Le Divine Engant," Kurt Bestor's "Silent Night," the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's "Still, Still, Still" and Jon Schmidt's "I Saw Three Ships." New offerings include Jim Brickman's "Even Santa Fell in Love" and Chris Rice's "Let It Snow." — C.W.

VARIOUS ARTISTS; "Kids Rap Radio: Holiday" (Music World)

Matthew Knowles, better known as father of singer Beyonce and manager of her group Destiny's Child, recently started the "Kids Rap Radio" series, which records kid-friendly rap albums. This funky, eight-song album spotlights some groovy young rappers on "Christmas Rappin," "Christmas in Hollis" and "Ghetto Santa," just to name a few. Catchy, rockin' and soulful, and it can be played in the presence of the most mixed-up of mixed company.—S.I.

VARIOUS ARTISTS; "The Nativity Story: Sacred Songs" (Curb)