Some people might think I’m jumping the gun a bit by publishing this, but I’m going to start the holiday season a little early this year and a quick recommendation of Capitol Records’ A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra. (Please note the artwork shown is not what appeared on the original release; record companies changing cover artwork is a source of constant irritation to me, especially when it comes to the classics.)

Sinatra recorded several Christmas albums over the years (and I’ll be discussing these over the next month). There was one on Columbia, one on Capitol, and one on Reprise, as well as several compilations of this material and other live items. (Christmas with the Rat Pack comes to mind) All of them have their strong points, but A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra is the one to start with.

Originally released in 1957, this album has become a timeless classic. Sinatra was at his vocal peak and the arrangements are tasteful and evocative of the Christmas season. Fourteen songs are covered in all, including White Christmas, I’ll Be Home For Christmas, The Christmas Waltz, Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and many more.

The standout item on this album is clearly The Christmas Waltz, which appears in two versions, both of which are excellent.

You simply can’t go wrong with this one.