Yo-Yo Ma and Friends - Songs of Joy and Peace

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 doesn't 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 Kern's unjustly obscure "You Couldn't 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".

• 180 gram audiophile vinyl
• Gatefold sleeve /insert
• PVC protective sleeve
• Available on vinyl for the first time!

Side A
1. Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)
2. You Couldn't 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    

Side B
1. A Christmas Jig / Mouth of the Tobique Reel
2. The Wexford Carol
3. Panxoliña: a Galician Carol
4. Improvisation on Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)
5. Vassourinhas
6. Improvisation on Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)
7. Invitación al Danzón

Side C
1. My One and Only Love
2. Familia
3. Concordia
4. My Favorite Things    

Side D
1. Touch the Hand of Love
2. Kuai Le
3. This Little Light of Mine
4. Happy Xmas (War is Over)
5. Dona Nobis Pacem (Give Us Peace)/Auld Lang Syne