A Vee-Jay Christmas takes some of the label’s best artists to pay tribute to the December 25 holiday and create a truly inspiring collection of rhythm and blues, pop, and gospel celebration music.  Originally released as A Treasury of Golden Christmas Songs it was digitally remastered and re-released in 1992 in this form.  The set leads off with Jerry Butler (Impressions) doing Silent Night with his trademark baritone.  Next up is the Chicago-based Caravans’ rousing version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen with their beautiful harmonies and calypso-like beats of bongo and conga drumming.  Next comes the fast cha-cha of Professor Charles Taylor’s Joy to the World.  The Swan Silvertones’ Go Tell It On The Mountain soars on the “floating lead” of Claude Jeter.  Too numerous to recount here, the rest of the collection is truly remarkable in its soulful celebration of Christmas.  Other highlights however include: The Original Five Blind Boys of Alabama: White Christmas, and The Gospel Clefs‘ Mary’s Boy Child.  ’Tis the season!