Béla Fleck & The Flecktones “Jingle All The Way” (Rounder)

Ah, the leaves have barely started to show their autumn glory here in central Illinois, but Rounder Records is already thinking snow — and the holidays.

One of the first new Christmas CDs of 2008 is the Rounder release “Jingle All the Way” by banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. The album was released at the end of September and is already in stores and Web outlets.

The Flecktones on this release include Victor Wooten on electric bass, Jeff Coffin on sax and flute and Future Man on percussion.

Those familiar with Béla Fleck and his music know his reputation for going far outside any genre by blending lots of established genres. The Yuletime CD apparently follows suit, according to Rounder, which describes the new release as “… Christmas music as it’s never been heard it before, with unique tonal textures (banjo, Tuvan throat singing, klezmer mandolin), hot solos and tight ensemble arrangements that make every measure new.”

Despite Béla Fleck’s passion for the outer realm, he picked plenty of traditional music for the new release. Here’s a track listing:

1. Jingle Bells
2. Silent Night
3. Sleigh Ride
4. The Christmas Song
5. Twelve Days of Christmas
6. J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio - BVW 248 # 41
7. Christmas Time Is Here
8. Linus and Lucy
9. Jingle Bells (reprise)
10. The Hanukkah Waltz
11. Danse of the Sugar Plum Fairies
12. What Child Is This/Dyngyldai
13. O Come All Ye Faithful
14. Medley
15. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
16. River