In the Wolaver household, the first order of Christmas business is to turn up the music. At the top of the heap, our undisputed favorite is Nat King Cole.

Nat’s velvety voice coupled with the lush string arrangements—the way the ensemble, in close harmony and with spinning vibrato, swoops and turns and lands like only retro strings can do—soothes our string-playing souls. The string arrangements of today tend more toward minimalism, the strident edge of a cynical society. Not Nat’s. His are from the bygone era of unabashed musical sweetness.

In the same tradition we bring to you Christmas Bright and Beautiful, the first instrumental offering of the Annie Moses Band. There is no singing — just strings, harp, and piano. But you already know the words to these beautiful melodies, these carols of old never wear out.

And, once again, Bill Wolaver has created a series of stunning arrangements that resonate with peace and good will.

Want to listen? Check out the media player to the right. We know you’ll find Christmas Bright and Beautiful to be exactly what it says it is.