To escape some of the hectic nature of the season, Austrian vocalist Simone Kopmajer’s enthralling music provides just the cure. Her Christmas album is a very pleasant and tranquil aural journey, and it (or one of her other five albums) would make a perfect stocking stuffer. Her 16-song set includes some beautiful arrangements of jazzy fare that we never tire of like “Santa Baby,” “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Christmas Time is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “White Christmas.” Her alluring voice conveys a beautiful tone and sensuality as she interprets lyrics with panache. She also sings several songs in German, and numbers like “Leise Rieselt der Schnee“ and “Es Wird Scho Glei Dumpa” are arranged with a radio-friendly, pop presentation. She delivers “My Grown Up Christmas List” with conviction and personality. Her self-penned “The Most Wonderful Time” is a song of love, guidance from God, hope, and optimism. Grammy nominated pianist John di Martino, Terry Myers (tenor sax), Aaron Heick (soprano and alto sax, clarinet), Boris Kozlow (bass) and Reinhardt Winkler (drums) provide solid accompaniment. About a dozen other Austrian musicians and vocalists guest on various tracks. It all makes for a very enjoyable experience that captures the joy and magic of the season. As the fire burns down to glowing embers after a lively holiday gathering, put on this splendid CD for a relaxed way to unwind.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)