Smooth jazz fans must be going crazy - this is the Christmas CD of their dreams. George Duke, Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, The Yellowjackets - AND Anita Baker on vocals. What more could they ask for?

Although impeccably and tastefully performed, 'Christmas Fantasy' is in danger of being rather sleepy though - background music for holiday cocktail parties. "Frosty" is given a novel 'New Orleans' treatment. And the title track is a passable original.

But it isn't until the last half of this CD that you can feel some of Anita's passion. "Moonlight Sleighride" is a jazzy original with a little more energy. "O Come All Ye Faithful" is beautifully performed and "Family of Man" is an original delivered with the same warmth Anita sang the touching "Men In My Life" on her "My Everything" CD. The ensemble really comes alive on an energetic version of "My Favorite Things" to close out the relatively short set.

All in all, its an easy and unobjectionable CD to stick in the player - and you won't be hitting the skip button if you are wrapping presents while you listen. My christmas fantasy would have been fulfilled had the passion and warmth of the best tracks been infused throughout.

If you want a Christmas cd that is soulfull, sexy, fun and respectful all rolled into one, buy this cd.

Anita sounds great, the arrangements are wonderful and fresh, and, in my opinion, so much better than Diana Krall's first attempt at a Christmas album.

Buy and enjoy!

I bought this CD for my hubby who is a huge Anita Baker fan. I did NOT think I would like this CD but it's a wonderful revelation. It's laid back, elegant and it lulled me into a calm, soothing mood. The more I listened, the more I grew to like it. There seems to be unstated theme here that gently suggests dropping all the frentic buying and crazy mall runs and instead, sit down, kick back, and enjoy the company people you love. You might want to pop in this CD while you do...

If you like jazz vocals, and you like Christmas - the real one, not the happy-holiday remake - then you must rush out and get Anita Baker's Christmas Fantasy. This is the CD that many of us knew was inside of Ms. Baker all the while she was trying to go more Pop.

There are so many gems among the classic Christmas faire, sprinkled with fresh Christmas love songs. All are very nice, and Anita really soars on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, taking this chestnut to new heights. It's the selection that you will repeat again and again. The band, oh my God - unplugged and loving it.

Remember John Coltrane's My Favorite Things? Anita remembered it, and she makes it rocket science, taking it to outer, outer space. She has fun with this one, and steps away from the mic, letting the band pay tribute to Trane in their own style. Beautiful, simply beautiful.

Don't buy this CD expecting something like Johnny Mathas saccarin - not that there's anything wrong with that. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sat this one out. This is straight up jazz with a nuance of Christmas. This is hard core! This is Ella and Sassy - pushing and pulling, scatting through metaphors. Hold on tight, because Anita is back. Yes, she does throw in a pop-sounding family-of-man-we-are-the-world tune or two, just to make the label happy but, make no mistake, this is a jazz vocal album.

It's a shame that Anita waited until this CD to let go, because it will probably be missed after the holidays. Well, I plan to keep it in my year round rotation of great music. I've added it to my ipod Holiday folder, and my jazz folder, as well as my favorite things (which is the best of all genres) folder.

Treat yourself to a special present this Christmas. This CD will be one of your Favorite Things.

5 Stars! Get it!

This has been one of Anita Baker's finest cds ever!! Her voice is smooth and sexy. She has taken old Christmas songs and given them one of the best makeovers that I have seen in my 18 years! Young or old,wether your a fan or not,you will enjoy Anita at her best!!