Whatever your holiday persuasion, December is a fine time to dip into the well and share with friends and family. Light a candle and get the CD player spinning. We're not neccessarily convinced that this month is better than any another for a celebration: after all, any day can be a holiday, if you choose to make it so. But as the days grow shorter and the temperature outside dips, people tend to spend more time inside--and together... the special warmth of this season.

First and foremost: we've given you, our readers, a special gift. Our new site redesign offers easier access, more interactive features, and a snappy new look. All About Jazz has stepped forward for 2002, and we invite you to investigate and explore the new features.

Along those lines, we've added a number of brand new highlights at All About Jazz. Our new Building A Jazz Library section offers a broad (and ever-growing) menu of choices for musical investigation. The idea behind this section is to take a closer look at a specific artist or genre, and then provide you with a short list of memorable discs for listening. Whatever your tastes--whether they lie in blues, bossa nova, or the great beyond--we've made it easy to find music of distinction. New and experienced listeners alike will find something to take home from our efforts here. Take a peek, and keep on peeking as the list continues to grow. (Gift-givers take note: this is a fine place to start--and check out the special list of Holiday Jazz.)

We've also introduced a new section called Ten CDs I'm Listening To Now, where we ask active jazz artists to share their latest musical cravings. This month we feature choices offered by seven musicians from Ralph Alessi to Ken Watters. These lists have are valuable in two ways: first, they present a set of discs worthy of your ear; and second, they allow insight into the foundations of the creative process.

Saxophonist and composer Chris Burnett offers an insider perspective on the music business this month with his new column: Musings in Cb. Chris has been a musician for decades. He's faced a number of opportunities and a vastly greater number of closed doors. But that won't stop a man with a faithful dog named Coltrane. He's gone independent, and he's discovered (the hard way) how to get his music out, one way or another. Listen to Chris's unfolding story as he relates what he has learned, and you'll have a greater appreciation for the music "biz" and those who find ways to work around it. Chapter One this month, and more to come.

And, well, since our consumer culture seems to have holidays on the brain, we've noticed a heap of worthy new records bearing good old-fashioned themes. Jazz musicians learned long ago to treat traditional holiday music as a vehicle for interpretation and improvisation--just like any jazz standard--and they're still going at it in creative and rewarding ways. So visit our special page of holiday features, and perhaps you'll find something musical (or extra-musical), specially crafted for this time of year.

So light the flame and embrace those close to you. Any day, any time--we've got the music covered at All About Jazz.