Songs Of Joy And Peace

Description

Songs of Joy and Peace is a Christmas music album by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, originally released in 2008. The album features collaborations with many other artists, including singers Diana Krall and Alison Krauss, James Taylor, Dave Brubeck, Chris Botti, and others. This Christmas record does not limit itself to traditional Christmas songs but covers a wide range of material in a very ambitious way. Ma opens with a beautiful rendition of the classic "Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)," playing both the melody and the counterpoint through doubling. Jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall is superb in a swinging interpretation of the unjustly obscure "You Couldn't Be Cuter" by Jerome Kern, featuring bassist John Clayton. An arrangement of "Joy To The World" showcases pianist Dave Brubeck and cellist Matt Brubeck (his son). Chris Botti has never sounded better in the warm arrangement of "My Favorite Things," playing both open and muted trumpet. James Taylor lends his voice to the Beatles' cover "Here Comes The Sun."