Ah, 'tis a swinging’ season to be jolly, and what better way than by cueing up these musical greetings from Benny Benack III and the Steven Feifke Big Band. While the tracks include several standard favorites like “The Christmas Song,” Sleigh Ride” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” it’s some of the less-oft-heard jazzy originals and arrangements that make this album a most pleasurable holiday gift.  Their presentation of original selections like “My Girlfriend is an Elf,” “My Wishlist is You” and “A Midnight Wish” is engaging, and the band and vocalist interpret them with a buoyant, relaxed style. A swinging rendition of “The Dreidel Song” includes some new lyrics from Benack, while “When Christmas Time Comes Around” and “Ma’oz Tzur” are arranged to feature both brass and strings.  The vocalist and arranger work well together to provide jubilant holiday music that is both fresh and exciting.

With excellent dynamics and rhythmic control, the instrumentalists exude emotional electricity and proficiency. Their arrangement of "Sleigh Ride” is noteworthy for their fashionable stamp on the classic with a leaner sound of piano, trumpet, bass, drums and vocals. For a pleasant escape from the hectic nature of the season, this enthralling music provides just the cure. “Yule” want to pick up several copies for stocking stuffers for the jazz aficionados in your family. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)