Jane Siberry - SHUSHAN the Palace (Hymns of Earth)

Part of the problem with seasonal recordings is the well-worn familiarity of so many yuletide chestnuts. Who needs another “Frosty the Snowman”—even if it’s a bluegrass or swing version? Siberry’s got the right idea: take relatively obscure sacred songs by Bach, Handel, Mendelssohn and others and give them a fresh, calling-all-angels treatment. Especially heavenly are her renditions of Handel’s “How Beautiful are the Feet” and the 15th century German hymn “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.” Sweet and soothing.