Songs of Joy and Peace is a Christmas music album by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, originally released in 2008. The album features collaborations with many other artists, including vocalists Diana Krall & Alison Krauss, James Taylor, Dave Brubeck, Chris Botti a.o. This holiday disc doesnt exclusively stick to traditional Christmas songs, but covers a wide scope of material in a very ambitious manner. Ma opens with a lovely take of the traditional favorite “Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)”, playing both the melody and counterpoint via overdubbing. Jazz pianist/vocalist Diana Krall is superb in a swinging rendition of Jerome Kerns unjustly obscure “”You Couldnt Be Cuter””, adding bassist John Clayton. An arrangement of “Joy To The World” features pianist Dave Brubeck and cellist Matt Brubeck (his son). Chris Botti has never sounded better in the warm arrangement of “My Favorite Things”, playing both open and muted trumpet. James Taylor is featured on vocals on the Beatles cover “Here Comes The Sun”. Songs of Joy & Peace is a limited edition of 500 copies on translucent green coloured vinyl. – 1 – 1. Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace) 2. You Couldnt Be Cuter 3. Joy To the World 4. Here Comes the Sun 5. Improvisation On Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace) 6. The Wassail Song / All Through the Night 7. A Christmas Jig / Mouth of the Tobique Reel 8. The Wexford Carol 9. Panxolina: a Galician Carol 10. Improvisation On Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace) 11. Vassourinhas 12. Improvisation On Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace) 13. Invitacion Al Danzon – 2 – 1. My One and Only Love 2. Familia 3. Concordia 4. My Favorite Things 5. Touch the Hand of Love 6. Kuai Le 7. This Little Light of Mine 8. Happy Xmas (War is Over) 9. Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)/Auld Lang Syne
