Louis Armstrong

Since nobody fills the heart with the honest joys of life like Armstrong, it stands to reason that Louis would be connected with one of the best Christmas collections ever. King Louis is joined by a stellar supporting cast that includes the Duke, Mel Torme, Peggy Lee, Lionel Hampton, Dinah Washington, Lena Horne and Eartha Kitt. Phew! Every home should have this.

Armstrong is the perfect host--always cheerful in demeanor, never maudlin in sentiment--and his grab bag of Satchmo seasonals and stellar one-shots packs a hell of a party. He even makes the most of "'Zat You, Santa Claus," not to mention Gordon Jenkins, although after he gives Steve Allen's "Cool Yule" the once-over he figures he'd better just pretend it's jazz. Beyond that, the only wet blankets are an oddly sober Louis Jordan and Lena Horne (she can't help it, she's Lena Horne). Home for the holidays: Mel Torme. Ho ho ho: Duke Ellington's "Jingle Bells." (Grade - A)