Nils Landgren

Christmas with My Friends III, ACT Music ****

Another shameless attempt to cash in on the jazz dollar at Christmas, or an interesting seasonal selection from talented musicians? Actually, it's both. You might have thought that Landgren's first two albums would have plumbed the depths of Christmas jazz, but in fact it seems the genial Swedish trombonist has been holding certain gems back. As well as beautiful choral readings of certain classic carols, there's not-too-sweet covers of Joni Mitchell's River and Stevie Wonder's Someday at Christmas. Landgren is one musician who never forgets he's an entertainer, and at this time of year he knows his job is to sing a few Yuletide songs. That makes this the thinking person's Christmas record – particularly if said thinker already has the other two. nilslandgren.com