Christmas With the Puppini Sisters

In a world overflowing with musical artists looking to cash in on Christmas by re-roasting the old chestnuts, there’s a lot of the same-old-same-old out there for consumers whose holiday season just wouldn’t be complete without the latest pop or country sensation rewrapping the old Yule songs in new paper. The top-selling album in the world right now is Susan Boyle’s collection of seasonal songs, but for my money The Puppini Sisters’ offering is much more interesting. The harmonies woven by Marcella Puppini, Kate Mullins and Stephanie O’Brien range from perky to incomparably lovely. Their cover of the Elton John/Bernie Taupin song “Step Into Christmas” lets the listener know from the first track that this is going to be a welcome addition to the aural celebration of the season, a variation on old themes that includes a doo-wop version of “Santa Baby,” a Hawaiian number, and a reverent rendition of “O Holy Night.” Fans know that the Puppinis have a sense of humor, and there are elements of that here, but there’s also reverence for the season, and for the music. Think Betty Boop, the Andrew Sisters, the Roches and Rosemary Clooney all combined, and you’ll have a sense of just what a Puppini Sisters Christmas sounds like. Or you could just get the album, a great addition to your next seasonal soiree.