Take 6, one of the premiere a cappella groups in the world, released their third Christmas album in October, entitled The Most Wonderful Time of the Year. Not all of their albums over the years have been a cappella, but this one sounds more like their first Christmas album, He Is Christmas, in that the arrangements play more to their a cappella jazz strengths, while being fun at times such as with You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch from the classic Dr. Seuss and reverent when necessary as with It Came Upon A Midnight Clear. They even put a jazzy spin on a classical tune with Tchaikovsky's Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker.You won't find as many religious Christmas songs on this album I think simply because they have covered many of those on their previous two Christmas albums, both of which are outstanding. If I had to have a beef with this album this might be the only one, however it's hard to hold a grudge against such amazing arranging and singing.
If you love jazz, a cappella, Christmas, or all of the above, do yourself a favor and pick up this album. Or you can always get it as a Christmas present for someone you know who might like Take 6. I'll just hint that I don't have it yet and I love Take 6.
