What happens when one of jazz's greatest orchestras takes on one of Christmas music's most beloved compositions? Duke Ellington's The Nutcracker Suite is the answer. Originally released in 1960, the album features Ellington and longtime collaborator Billy Strayhorn transforming Tchaikovsky's familiar ballet score into a swinging, sophisticated jazz masterpiece.

Rather than simply adding jazz rhythms to the original melodies, Ellington and Strayhorn completely reimagine the music. Throughout the nine-part suite, the remarkable musicians of the Duke Ellington Orchestra bring their own personalities and talent to these arrangements.

The Nutcracker Suite is a wonderful meeting of jazz and classical music. Whether you're an Ellington enthusiast or simply looking for something different for the holidays, this is a Christmas recording that deserves to be heard from beginning to end.