Enamored since childhood with the Ella Fitzgerald Christmas record Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas, the young jazz singer Jane Monheit does the departed legend proud on her first seasonal spin. Monheit's in great and varied voice throughout, proving she can swing with a bigger section of added horn players, or croon, purr and excite with her more stylish quartet players with whom she works live and often records. While nailing the familiar Christmas fare she can also surprise with unexpected tunes like "My Grown Up Christmas List" and the left-field choice, "Moonlight In Vermont." Veteran producer Al Schmitt whose credits are almost as golden as Fitzgerald's, wisely puts Monheit's voice front and center, letting her put on an array of vocal faces, from the girlish to sophisticated. Monheit's keen ability to reinvent notes while never losing her stride or the song's character will delight fans and newcomers. She's got something fine in the bag for those jazz fans who know that the real gifts jazz singers bring to the mix are virtuosity, a sure sense of the tradition in which they're working and some risk taking. At a still decidedly young age, Monheit generously rewards them, just in time for Christmas. -- Martin Keller