Karin Plato - Snowflake Season (2001)

Born and raised on the Canadian Prairies, Karin Plato knows a thing or two about winter. This is confirmed by the 11 glorious tracks comprising Snowflake Season, one of the most satisfying holiday albums released over the last couple of years.
The album contains some classic holiday songs, from Jingle Bells and Carol of The Bells to Sleighride and I Saw Three Ships - all of which Plato makes her own. But what makes it so special is the quality of original songs written by Plato including Snow, Her Gift and the title track.
Now based in Vancouver, the Juno-nominated artist is as accomplished a songwriter as she is a vocalist - and this is saying something. And she has assembled a subtle and sympathetic group of musicians including Andre Stephen and Bill Coon on guitar; Brad Turner on trumpet and flugelhorn; Chris Tarry and Kerry Galloway on bass, Lou Mastroianni on fender rhodes and Dave Robbins on drums.
This is one album you'll want to keep out after you put away your yuletide confections for another year. The Record by Robert Reid