CHRISTMAS CDS are like tree ornaments. No matter how many you have, there's always the urge to add another one to the collection - to put another option on the table when it's time to decorate and celebrate. And this year, music makers are happily filling the bill with sonic treats fresh and familiar, jazzy and jamming, soul strutting and metal wielding.
SOUL SENSATIONS: "Miss Patti's Christmas" (Island/Def Jam, A) Here's the season's most perfect example of an artist bringing herself to the holiday party, not just phoning in an appearance. Philly's home girl Patti LaBelle pairs up with the Minneapolis-rooted producers/writers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for a set that emphasizes fresh R&B/pop tunes like "Christmas Jam" and "What Do The Lonely Do At Christmas" done up in vibrant LaBelle style (complete with female backing singers). Then for extra seasoning, Miss Patti turns in breathtakingly personal (and yes, theatrical) re-phrasings of the sanctified "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "Away In the Manger," plus a gospel choir-enhanced "Jesus Oh What A Wonderful Child" and hanging on every word "Every Year, Every Christmas."