This ambitious set of carols in contrasting jazz styles features Up On The Housetop (swing), Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming (ballad), Patapan (jazz waltz) and Ding! Dong! Merrily On High (swing). Though all the hallmarks of a Niehaus arrangement are present– modern chords, melodies for all, solid ensemble work, etc.–what we like most about this portrait is that it features songs that haven’t been done to death. The horn part may also be played by Trombone (substitute part provided).