
PBS-TV frequent artist Chris Ruggiero adds his music to the pile of holiday albums that I look forward to playing nonstop until at least New Year’s Eve. This collection will find itself near the top of that pile this year. It’s a satisfying gathering of traditional and classic songs, such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. One definite highlight: a guest appearance from the queen of Christmas pop songs, the irreplaceable Darlene Love, who sings a duet version of “Grown-Up Christmas List” with Ruggiero. As with all of the album’s songs, Ruggiero has kept the arrangements true to the original recording but let his own personality come through on them.