No reason to apologize. I think most of us would agree with you. The four I would recommend in no particular order are:
Spiritual to the Bone, Christmas Edition. This is a trombone ensemble playing arrangements by Stephen Bulla and Eric Alexander. The Salvation Army has some excellent music and recordings, and I think this is one example.
A Merry Christmas by Stan Kenton. The recordings were made in the early sixties. Kenton took a break from the big band style and recorded a "serious" work consisting of a brass ensemble and rhythm section. However, lest you be disappointed, the CD also includes a medley by Maynard Ferguson.
Proclaim the Bridegroom Near: a Chicago Metro Presbytery collaboration. I will disclose that one of the producers is a friend of mine. Nevertheless, if you are seeking creativity and originality, definitely give this one a listen.
Joy, Joy by David Phelps with The Miller Brass Ensemble. On talent alone, Phelps is capable of making the mundane sound good. But the voicing in the arrangements combined with Phelps' talent make this a special CD. A couple of the arrangements are really quite outstanding IMO.
