4 comments about The Best Carols in the World...Ever!.

1. This album contains traditional carols performed in a traditional way at the best quality. It is an excellent album to ensure the spirit of christmas is present and to bring the true meaning of christmas back. The double CD selection has all the golden favourites as well as not so wellknown carols to complete a very good christmas album. Merry Christmas to you all!



2. This album provides 2.5 hours of excellent carols, from excellent choirs and soloists, and with great sound. I was worried that a compilation this large, and with such an extravagent title, would be B-side offerings, but that's not the case at all.
   
   This isn't an album if you are looking for something "fresh and new." The arrangements are traditional, and even newer carols are done in a fairly conservative style. But that said, some of the pieces provide the best orchestration and voice arrangement I have ever heard. This is like the pinnacle of the classic English Christmas carol; clean, precise, glorious and celebratory.



3. This two cd offering has almost all my favorites.the classics, not the Rudolph ones. Can't recommend enough.Listen and read Dickens...That's enough Christmas for anyone.



4. If you love Christmas carols, you will find this to be a real treasure trove. This double-CD is compiled from various Christmas albums recorded by English choirs. Between them, they seem to have included every famous carol and a lot of obscure ones.
   
   The seven choirs are the choir of King's college (Cambridge), the Bach Choir (London), the Clare College singers (Cambridge), the Temple Church choir (London), the Taverners choir, the Midiaevel Baebes and the Huddersfield choral society. A brief history of each is included in the liner notes.
   
   Some of these carols are world famous including Hark the herald angels sing, The first noel, O little town of Bethlehem, Away in a manger, Silent night, Joy to the world, We three kings and O come all ye faithful.
   
   Some others are famous in Britain but (judged on what I've seen of American Christmas albums) are not especially well known in America. These include While shepherds watched, Once in Royal David's city, In the bleak midwinter and The holly and the ivy. I have come across American covers of these songs - but not often.
   
   There are yet other songs which are obscure even to me, but it's great to have them all in one collection. At the import price, it might look expensive, but what would you have to spend to get all these Christmas carols any other way?
   
   If you enjoy Christmas carols, I doubt if you'll find a better collection anywhere, although a modified version of this compilation (Best Christmas Carols...Ever is also available with a different sequence and some different tracks. Really, there's not much to choose between them in quality, so compare the prices and availability and select accordingly.

3 comments about Gifts; Traditional Christmas Carols - Joemy Wilson, Hammered Dulcimer.

1. My family has listened to this CD for Christmas the last few years and it has replaced all of our older records. All songs are instrumentals. I truly recommend buying this CD (along with Gifts II). However, Gifts III is VERY different and I personally didn't like it at all. Overall, Gifts is a great way to enjoy the holidays! The soft songs can be played as background music without being overbearing.



2. Joemy Wilson has put together a beautiful hammered dulcimer collection. The CD is all instrumental, and covers a choice selection of fairly mainstream Christmas music that is of a Victorian nature. It's very different than, say, Mannheim Steamroller, but then again, it's meant to sound traditional, not eclectic.



3. This CD features old Christmas carols played on hammered dulcimer. Many people probably don't know what a hammered dulcimer is. It sounds somewhat like an autoharp, but the strings are hammered with mallets, instead of plucked. The songs are all instrumental with no voices. The dulicimer in supported by guitar, flute, piccolo, violin and harp, although not all of those instruments appear on every song. The dulcimer usually plays the melody on the songs, although sometimes the other instruments take over the lead. Joemy Wilson is obviously a great dulcimer player, but I found the album to be rather boring. A bit too genteel for my taste, I'm afraid.

5 comments about Making Spirits Bright: A Smooth Jazz Christmas.

1. I was unaware of this disc until I read about it in the December issue of Ebony magazine. It is so soothing and relaxing and a great way to experience the talents of artists such as: Lee Rittenour, Al Jarreau, Wil Downing and Joe Sample. Great music to bake and trim the tree by.



2. I agree with the editorial that a few of the tracks of this release indeed should be subtitled "A Twist of Christmas," because they are straight out of the Lee Ritenour and his "A Twist of" Series mold. In fact, the cuts "Silent Night," with Al Jarreau, and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" featuring Will Downing (who manages to sound bored out of his mind here) are just a couple of tunes that sound like outtakes from the aforementioned sessions.
   
   Joyce Cooling's rendition of "The Christmas Song" is quite unique however, as are some of the other cuts including Richard Elliot's "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen".

   Since this is a "Smooth Jazz" CD, the cuts are short and to the point (read: radio friendly?) although I don't think you'll be hearing the very jazzy Joe Sample version of "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus", David Benoit's "The First Noel" anytime soon or, for that matter, Dave Grusin's out of place "Suite de Nuestra Navidad". Now that I think about it, this disc at times tries too hard to have a Latin flavor.

   Overall, this disc leaves you saying "it certainly is pleasant enough", because you realize that you have heard better Jazz Christmas CDs.

   Happy Holidays to all....




3. We have always enjoyed the GRP Christmas recordings and were equally pleased with this work. The contemporary artists featured are able to combined the essence of the music style with the traditional quality of the holiday season.



4. This is only my 2nd jazz Christmas CD as I'm slowly developing a taste for jazz music in general. I love almost all Christmas music and this CD is very good. It is a nice mix of artists and there various styles of music on this compilation cd which exceded my expectations. I'm looking forward to listening to this more when the holidays come around. Enjoy!



5. Enjoyed this CD because it's a bit different than the standard Christmas music. Easy listening.

4 comments about Sharon, Lois and Bram's Elephant Show- Live In Your Living Room (1989 VHS).

1. Any of Sharon, Lois and Bram's video's, tv shows are all beneficial to young children and their families today. It's just good old fun, not like some crap that children are watching nowadays. It's humerous, and fun to watch and partipate in any of Sharon, Lois and Bram's functions. Excellent Children's Show!



2. I have missed my Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show for years and years. I am so glad that I ordered this video cassette. I can remember everyday in the summer my grandpa would come and get me from my house and take me over his to watch it. I recommand this to any parent who wants their child to have a good positive show to watch. This is it!



3. I find it quite interesting that a video was actually made of this show. I was about four when it was on Nickelodeon, and though I can hardly recall anything of great importance from the show, the theme song still pops into my frontal lobes unannounced and stays for days. If you can get your kids to enjoy corny but well put together shows from the eighties and early nineties, this would be a great find. Educational, non-violent entertainment. Add this to your collection of recorded eposiodes of Eureka's Castle, Pinwheel and the Wonderful World of David the Gnome.



4. I purchased this item hoping that it would be just like the old TV show that I remember watching. It was really my fault that what I received wasn't what I expected. I must not have read the full description that this was just a copy of an old concert. I would purchase another video, but I would make sure that what I was getting was the actual show.

4 comments about Cazimero Christmas Favorites.

1. For fans of the Brothers Cazimero, this is the best holiday CD available. It takes the best songs from their two previous Christmas CDs and brings them together. This is the only Hawaiian Christmas CD you need. The harmony that these two brothers produce is some of the best in music and they are loved by fans, both Hawaiian and haole!



2. Hawaii's most famous singing brothers duo (with well over 30 albums to their credit) here presents a Christmas luau of songs, with everything from traditional carols, such as the wonderfully arranged and sung "We Three Kings" and "Angels We Have Heard on High" to contemporary songs (less interesting to me), such as the cute "Me and My Teddy Bear." As is always the case with the Cazimeros, the emphasis is on elegant harmonies which highlight the range of their voices, with occasional multiple tracks which allow them to introduce countermelodies and rhythms.
   
   Among their special talents is their ability to combine two or more completely different songs, singing them simultaneously--in this case, "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen/ Joy to the World (which is outstanding)" "Away in a Manger/ Ho'omaika'i (a traditional Hawaiian song of celebration)," and "Ring Those Bells/Christmas Luau," the harmonies of which are, unfortunately, a bit muddy in the "Ring Those Bells" section. Every song sung by the Cazimeros is a "star turn," with elaborate arrangements to showcase their many talents, and this Christmas album is no exception. Mary Whipple, whose heart is at Mauna Kea.



3. I am a huge fan of the Cazimero Brothers, and bought this album based on their concerts and other recordings. However, the quality and selections on this album are uneven and disappointing. Only a few numbers met my expectations.



4. This album is so good that I listen to it during the year! And when Thanksgiving comes, it never leaves my CD Changer. Robert's voice is stunningly beautiful on this recording and you start to think that the songs were made just for him. All your favorites are here and you'll be playing this album for years and years to come. A must have in your Christmas and Hawaiian collection.
   
   Michael Z, Author, The Wisdom of the Rooms A Year of Weekly Reflections

3 comments about Last Christmas / Everything She Wants.

1. Classic 80's Christmas. George Michael delivers a great performance. Wham holds nothing back and is a great addition to any 80's collector. Get ready to hit the repeat button after you hear it!



2. last christmas is alright to me but "Everything She wants" was the Jam especially the long version.it still sounds good.Good Compilation overall though.



3. Two of my most favorite songs are in the same package! How awesome. I could really relate to "Everything She wants" because I'm that kind of person who wants everything that I see. And Last Christmas, I just love the beats in this song. So fun to listen to.

5 comments about Cafe Europa.

1. As is true of David Wilson's previous CD's, this one is wonderful too. In searching for words to describe this music, the ones that comes to mind are "sweet" and "relaxing." Though I've never been to the tropics, I can almost picture myself in a chaise lounge by the ocean, sipping a pina colada and listening to David Wilson. I've always been partial to the older songs and would never have thought I'd be attracted to violin music. My sister heard his music in a boutique in Florida, bought the CD and got the whole family hooked!



2. I have always had a special place in my heart for Liberace and his interpretations of the older wonderful songs, but since his passing I have looked for a replacement for my musical yearnings and I have now found it in David Wilson. His style, his interpretations and his feel for the beauty of the song are so completely expressed in his songs that it takes my breath away! I absolutely love everything he plays. I would really love to hear him in person and I do hope to be able to buy each and every one of his cds as they become available. Buy all of his recordings and you will be swept away believe me!!!!! .



3. I really enjoy David Wilson's musical interpretations of some of the old and new classics. It's soothing and reminds my husband and I of some great fun times.



4. David Wilson makes the violin talk. The result is breathtaking. Those who appreciate artistic expression will love hearing this master. Each piece is stunningly alive. A must for anyone that has ever had a feeling, sense of rhythm, or memory of something wonderful. David Wilson brings it all into incredible focus. A true and rare talent. So glad to have found him!



5. Heard this CD in a Bed and Breakfast. Makes nice atmosphere. Pleasant music.

5 comments about Christmas with Babyface.

1. As a collector of many Christmas albums and CDs, I was quite disappointed with Babyface's extremely by-the-numbers holiday package. Here we've got one of the world's most talented and romantic songwriters - a man with the potential to write a whole heap of new holiday classics (or at least two or three). (I mean the R & B world could certainly use something new to sing at the holidays other than Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas" again and again.) But the only original song on this CD isn't even a Christmas song - "You Were There" is a schlocky movie feel-good number from the flop, "Simon Birch". Otherwise, do we really need the romantic yearning of Babyface crooning "Rudolph, The Red-nosed Reindeer"? No.

   I'm not going to slam this CD completely. Babyface is a nice, unique singer and these are very straightforward arrangements. If you like his voice, don't have these classics a million times already, and want a professional package - this could fit the bill for you. Otherwise, I'd ignore it and hope that Santa encourages Babyface to make a real effort on a Christmas CD sometime in the future. The potential remains unfulfilled.




2. Babyface is such a brilliant songwriter that it is disappointing there weren't some original Christmas songs on this CD. However, his jazzy version of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer is the best and most original I've heard. My favorite song on the CD is the only one written by Babyface, "You Were There" from the movie Simon Birch. It seems a bit out of place on this CD, but it is a very touching song.



3. This CD is not just for R&B lovers, but enjoyable for everyone, especially jazz lovers. Babyface showed me a side that I had never seen in him before. He showed his versitility in a major way on this project. The selection of musicians was perfect...The sound quality is superb...It's a must buy!! To me it didn't have to be about writing original Christmas songs...The traditional songs that we all know and love have endured over time far more than any new songs will. However, Babyface created a masterpiece by adding his personal touch to each one. ENJOY!



4. Everything Babyface does has a cheerful affect. This christmas CD is no exception. Throughout the CD, he gives any number of Xmas standards ("White Christmas," "Little Drummer Boy") a suave R&B twist.
   The standout track, however, is the stunningly beautiful "I'll Be Home for Christmas," a pulsating ballad brimming with lush harmonies guaranteed to bring a smile even to the face of the worst scrooge. "You Were There" is also notable for its moving lyrics and fiery gospel choir backing. Whatever your persuasion, this holiday CD is well worth a listen and more!



5. This CD is wonderful. Classic Babyface versions of each song, and his voice is as smooth as butter. I will sneak and listen to this one in July.

5 comments about Billboard Family Christmas Classics.

1. I hear that Santa keeps this one in his sleigh CD player. I have just about every Christmas compilation and this one stays in my 6-disc changer all through the Holidays. With the incredible selection of songs on Billboard Family Christmas Classics and Barbra Streisand's rendition of "Jingle Bells", you've got the makings of a perfect Christmas party.



2. Not everyone enjoys Christmas carols (unfortunately), but most people do enjoy listening to Christmas music. In this holiday album, Billboard had collected one of the best Christmas music albums on the market. All of the songs are collected from movies, television shows, a Broadway musical, and one song from a children's album ("The Chipmunk Song"). This is an album that contains at least one song for everyone in the family and makes great music to put Christmas decorations up to. It's also sure to bring back memories of sitting around the telly watching Christmas specials. The songs on the album are:

   "Christmas Time is Here" (from Charlie Brown)

   "Welcome Christmas" (from The Grinch tv special)

   "We Need a Little Christmas" (from the musical MAME)

   "The Chipmunk Song"

   "Riu Chiu" (from the tv show THE MONKEES)

   "A Holly Jolly Christmas" (from RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER)

   "Comin' Up Christmas Time" (from tv show CASPER)

   "White Christmas" (by Bing from HOLIDAY INN)

   "Frosty the Snowman" (from the tv special by the same name)

   "Have Yourself a Very Merry Little Christmas" (from MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS)

   It's a great album for the whole family. Merry Christmas to you.




3. This Christmas CD is wonderful. It has alot of nice songs from many Christmas specials and includes classics from A Charlie Brown Christmas, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Frosty The Snowman, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, etc as well as classic Christmas song recordings by Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Angela Lansbury, etc, and I highly recommend this awesome CD!



4. This is a very short(24 minutes) collection of "memorable Christmas songs from film and television". A lot of the songs are from classic TV specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. Great stuff, but I have to wonder why they included an awful song from the forgettable special Casper's First Christmas. But the highlight of the CD to me is "Riu Chiu" from The Monkees Christmas episode. This CD is too short, but at least it's really cheap!



5. This is one of a series of "budget" releases covering various aspects of Christmas released over the years by Rhino/Wea in conjunction with Billboard, all with 10-tracks each and liner notes in the form of track-by-track comments. Sound quality is generally good to excellent. All releases have "Billboard" as part of the title.
   
   Some others are: Christmas 1955 - Present; Top Christmas Hymns; R&B Christmas Hits; Rock & Roll Christmas; Greatest Christmas Hits (1935-1954); and Greatest Country Christmas Hits. Some of the foregoing are also offered in 4-pack and 5-pack editions. In essence, these are the one you have to have if you want to recapture the delightful seasonal sounds of your childhood (assuming you're old enough to recall the periods covered).
   
   This one repeats one from the 1955-Present release (The Chipmunk Song by The Chipmunks with The Music Of David Seville, first a # 1 Billboard Pop Hot 100/# 5 R&B in 1958 and a repeat hit for several years thereafter). It also gives you White Christmas by Bing Crosby as does the 1935-1954 edition, although that one is the original 1942 release with John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra and The Ken Darby Singers (# 1 and a repeat hit for the next four years, reaching the top again in 1945 and 1946). Due to wear and tear on the master tapes, Decca had Bing re-record it in 1947 with the same ensemble and that version would chart for the next 20 straight years. The one heard here is from a 1946 recording for a radio program.
   
   Others that became hit singles which are included in this volume are: A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives, from the animated 1964 TV show Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (# 13 on the Billboard Christmas charts in December 1964, and a repeat hit in 1968; and Judy Garland's Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, a # 27 in 1944 from the film Meet Mee In St. Louis. The backing orchestra is Georgie Stoll's.
   
   The others, although perhaps never achieving official "hit" status, are nevertheless considered staples now each festive season, especially Christmas Time Is Here by The Vince Guaraldi Trio. Featured in the 1965 animated cartoon A Charlie Brown Christmas, and since covered by a multitude of vocalists and musicians, this Guaraldi instrumental is now regarded as a Jazz Classic. Another in that vein is Welcome Christmas by The Whoville Chorus from the 1966 animated TV offering How The Grinch Stole Christmas, narrated by Boris Karloff.
   
   Another much-covered tune is We Need A Little Christmas from the Broadway production of Mame, but none are better than this original by Angela Lansbury and The Ensemble. The same applies to Frosty The Snowman. First a hit for Gene Autry & The Cass County Boys in 1950, and then in 1951 versions by Red Foley, Nat "King" Cole, and Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians, the one here by Jimmy Durante from the 1969 TV production remains one of the most heard each Christmas.
   
   The two least-known, but still delightful tunes, are Riu Chiu by The Monkees from their 1967 Christmas show, and Comin' Up Christmas Time from the 1979 TV production Casper's First Christmas (of Casper The Friendly Ghost fame).

2 comments about Quiet Times Christmas.

1. This is one of the best Christmas CD's I've ever
   owned. I love smooth jazz, and I know this is
   gospel, but this outranks Grover Washington, Boney
   James, Kirk Whalum, Kenny G and all others. I
   honestly couldn't stop listening to it!! If you
   don't have it, PLEASE get it, I assure you you'll
   be glad you did.



2. I was sceptical about this recording because the artists are all unknown to me and because the songs are mainly considered religious in nature. The mixture of smooth jazz and traditional carols just didn't quite hit me as a good idea, until I listened to the CD. After hearing and being impressed by the performances, I discovered that these artists are actually gospel jazz artists, and therefore, their interpretations are reverently done.

   Each of the principal artists are featured on at least two numbers. Donald Hayes sax comes out quite well on the secular "This Christmas" and even better on "Oh Holy Night" and "O Come All Ye Faithful".

   Derrick Johnson on piano takes the lead on "Silent Night" and "First Noel" while Ralph Lofton on the organ gives us "Little Drummer Boy" and Kirk Franklin's "Now Behold The Lamb". Jonathan Dubose Jr.'s guitar is dominant on "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and the second of the two secular songs, "The Christmas Song". The CD concludes with a beautiful arrangement of "What Child Is This" featuring keyboards, guitar, strings, and background vocals.

   Of the three smooth jazz Christmas albums I've reviewed this year, this one easily ranks with the one from Dave Koz & Friends.

   Very, very highly recommended.