In many ways, Christmastime in New Orleans sounds just as one might expect when an 18-piece ensemble of some of this city’s best modern jazz musicians apply their talents to holiday classics. That’s not to say that there are no surprises here. To the contrary, many of the arrangements, provided by pianist and musical director Mike Esnault, offer a new way of considering familiar carols and holiday favorites. What can be anticipated is a certain sense of community and musical understanding that exists when guys whose paths have crossed often on the local jazz scene meet up. In other words, these musicians not only play as one but sound as if they are really enjoying themselves. That the album was recorded here in New Orleans, with the band set up in a circle on the Saenger Theatre stage, appears to have reinforced the sense of camaraderie that lives in the music.

Some of the tunes—like “I Saw Three Ships”—are at first barely recognizable. With its expansive arrangement, “Three Ships” often changes personalities, from Esnault’s lively piano at its opening to solid big band swing. It even includes an unusual percussion solo by Jason Marsalis, who is featured elsewhere on vibraphones.

Among classic Yuletide fare such as a joyous “Joy to the World” and a syncopated “Deck the Halls,” the large ensemble looks back to trumpeter Louis Armstrong’s hit, “Christmas in New Orleans,” performed with a slinky attitude. “Go Tell It On the Mountain,” an old gospel song that is often sung during the Christmas season, provides a hand-clapping change of pace. Everybody seems to be in on this number, stepping up to solo while an organ brings it to church.

Boasting 14 tunes, Christmastime in New Orleans is a big, sparkling holiday package of jazz performed in spirit of the city and season.