WNUA 95.5: Smooth Jazz Sampler, Vol. , Vol. 18

Volume 18 of WNUA Smooth Jazz repeats the formula of volume 16 in 2003, combining a disc of favorites with a bonus disc of holiday classics done up smooth jazz-style. The first disc is solid, with inclusions from guitarist Nick Colionne (the gorgeously slick, R&B-twinged "High Flyin'"), Dave Koz ("Honey-Dipped"), and Wayman Tisdale, whose instrumental cover of the disco nugget "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" mixes lightheartedness with real groove. On disc two the seasonal selections include Oscar Petersen's gentle jazz reading of "Jingle Bells," a classic "Christmas Time Is Here" from Vince Guaraldi, and Al Jarreau's gliding, nearly bossa nova retelling of "Silent Night."