5 comments about My Gift to You.

1. As christmas albums go, this one is quite good. Oneal's husky, soulful baritone has always meshed well with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis's special brand of Minneapolis-based funk (Alexander Oneal's 1987 "Hearsay" album was one of the best of the 80's). "My Gift to You" was released 20 years ago and the best tracks still sound just as fresh as then (including the title track, "Our First Christmas" and "Remember Why It's Christmas"). These three outstanding numbers are perfectly-crafted contemporary christmas songs: they are spirited, inspirational and never lose the holiday message yet continue along with a groove that is very similar to "Hearsay." In fact, I wish ONeal, Jam & Lewis had attempted to do nearly an ENTIRE album of original christmas music because other more traditional holiday music featured here on the album ("The Christmas Song," "Winter Wonderland") is just okay, but nothing near as spectacular as the aforementioned contemporary songs. Still, this CD is definitely a keeper that (at 20 years and counting) will most certainly never go out of style.



2. Maybe it's the whole 80's feel good music that came out of Minneapolis in the 80's with Prince, the Time, O'Neal. Great's Jam and Lewis are at their best here with Alexander O'Neal and it's classic. This CD gets everyone in the groove and excited about Christmas!! I purchase copies and give them out because without fail it's always requested. This one does it for me and my family and friends every single year!!



3. I bought this CD for one track, but thought that the whole Cd was fantastic



4. I love it as an album and I still love it as a CD after all these years. This CD is a classic.



5. Alexander O'Neal has one of the greatest voices in the recording industry.
   Should've had more success,and do not know why he hasn't?? If you want music that is "comfort food" for the holidays, this is it! His voice is deep and resonance as "peaceful waters." Sit back, fire in fireplace, treelights on and enjoy. Or music to cook or wrap presents by. I bet you will stop every now and then and smile or just remember holidays of old!
   Truly a gift!

5 comments about Handel - Messiah / Erickson, McNair, Hodgson, Humphrey, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Shaw.

1. This recording is one of my favorite CDs. And I am disappointed that some reviewers do not care for it. The late Robert Shaw is known as the greatest conductor in America. This said, I find it funny that some reviewers think they know more than he does.
   
   Diction is excellent. And the sound is typical Shaw: spine-tingling. Choral music and Handel lovers should DEFINITELY buy this CD. With Robert Shaw, you are always in for a treat. Trust his musical knowledge, sit back, and enjoy a great (if not the best) recording of Messiah.



2. I love this! This is the best "Messiah" recording ever made. I listen to it every day(literally).



3. As others have pointed out, the performance is, typically of Shaw, very good. But I've always wished for clearer sound. But I also realize that this is 1984 digital sound - even for Telarc.I guess there aren't too many audiophiles out there, judging from the number who give the sound an "excellent" rating!
   Recommended, nonetheless.



4. I'm a Handel fan, but this particular recording ranks with my favorites. The instrumentation and chorals are vivid, and some memorable, excluding the more familiar sections you see in CD collections at the public library. So fortunate to have such quality in one version; complete!



5. I guess I am spoiled, but I truly like the older Shaw recording of Messiah better than the new one, and I have both of them. To me, these two stand light years above and beyond any other recordings on the market. I had the privilege of hearing in concert in person the Shaw Chorale present the earlier recording of Messiah, and have loved it since the mid 60s. The phrasings, entrances, tempi, diction have, in my opinion never been cleaner, crisper, or equaled, nor will they ever be--on BOTH recordings. In addition, on the later recoring he used only the ASO CHAMBER chorus, a smaller group within the full ASO chorus. He followed Handel's intentions, both in terms of numbers of singers and instrumentalists for both recordings, allowing for different personnel in the different performances that occurred during Handel's lifetime. Thankfully, BMG, formerly RCA, has finally released the older recording, which Mr. Shaw took at a faster tempo generally, and, based on his own comments in the booklet accompanying the 3 LP set, that older recording was based insofar as possible on the 1752-53 version of the work. He used the Watkins Shaw edition of the score (published by the British house of Novello), and the joy of the work literally shines through--on both recordings. You can't go wrong either way; I just happen to like the older recording better. I thank God I had the privilege of singing under him in the Brahms' Requiem in German less than a year before his death. Messiah and the Brahms--What a combination.!!

2 comments about The Little Drummer Boy.

1. My wife remembers this album from her childhood. We bought an LP recording of it shortly after we were married in 1969. When LPs faded from the scene and CDs became the standard medium, we bought a copy in that format. I have given a copy of it as a gift to my secretary. It belongs in the library of all who like tradtional Christmas music.



2. I love this album by Katherine K. Davis! However, there is one song, a medley, missing that was on the album we had in 1966-1969 era - "Pine cones and holly berries," or "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." This one song has stayed with me over the years. The LP album I recall did not identify the singers and conductor and I always wondered who they were. It was simply entitled "The Drummer Boy." That one medley is one of my all time favorites! It was the last song on that album and was a medley of "Pine cones," and briefly "Jingle Bells," then the finale "We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!" It was very Classic and Joyful with clear voices and bass instruments with a minimum of echo! If you love choral music as I do you, this album becomes more endearing over time. I think all Harry Simeone and Katherine K. Davis albums are classic and should each be offered on CD.

5 comments about Christmas At Trinity.

1. Absolutely beautiful! A must have for those who listen to Christmas music seriously.



2. Sit back,relax and enjoy the wonderful music on this sure to be a classic Christmas CD. I am particularly interested in this CD because my 5th great-grandfather was a vestryman at Trinity and is buried in the Trinity Church Yard. HOWEVER, whether or not you have a family connection to Trinity, it is still a wonderful, relaxing and meaningful album.



3. This is a wonderful CD. The singing is wonderful. The recording is excellent with a huge soundstage. Descriptions like "smooth like silk" come to mind when I want to describe their voices. I bought this CD last year and play it all the time, even after Christmas. My system consists of Meridean CD player, Audio Research amp, Herron preamp, and Verity speakers.



4. Trinity Church at Wall Street was directly in the path of the World Trade Center's monumantal rubble showers when the buildings collapsed on 9/11. Consequently Trinity's magnificinet organ was a victim of dust and debris along with everything else in its path. As a sort of memorial to the late renowned organ, "Christmas at Trinity" is a tribute to not only the superb choir and its director, Dr. Owen Burdick, but a fond farewell (for the time being) to one of this country's finest musical instruments. And as the the parishoners get used to a decent substitute organ, the glorious instrument is being refurbished (at enormous, but worthy expense) to return to its place of honor at Trinity, Wall Street.
   Having added that bit of history, "Christmas at Trinity" is a general collection of the finest arrangements and selection of choral literature for Christmas. Under the direction of Dr. Owen Burdick, the Choir breathes sensitivity into each carol. This disc is one of the finest collections of Christmas music available. It is a classical collage of sound and literature which I would recommend for a single choice for one's Christmas enjoyment, that is, if you are on a limited budget.
   And, speaking of "budget", for $6.98 this is a superb bargain. Naxos is the label with delicious and unusual collections of music for anyone wanting to be adventuresome, or looking for a modest start to a personal CD library. Start with "Christmas at Trinity" and be delighted with not only the performance, but also the lovely price!



5. I mistakenly bought this CD thinking it was a reprint of an LP of Christmas carols that my parents played when I was a child. What a happy accident this was! The singing is beautiful, the arrangements are well-crafted and the sound is lush and warm.
   
   These are indeed the carols that I enjoyed as a child, but the fact that they were recorded in New York City and accompanied by a pipe organ that was shortly afterward ruined in the September 11 World Trade Center attacks gives this CD an extra resonance.

2 comments about The Best of Ho! Ho! Hoey.

1. This is an awesome compilation of Gary Hoey's three Christmas releases. I highly recommend this set for the guitar fan out there. Gary has the feel and technique to make each track shine.



2. If you are looking for a non-traditional Christmas cd, this one might be for you. Each track is very memorable and the band is definitely putting out a cool vibe for the mostly traditional holiday songs. Guitar players might enjoy the arrangements with no vocals. I look forward to listening to this cd every Christmas and I listen to it more than once over the holiday season.

5 comments about The Gift: Acoustic Offerings for the Holiday Season.

1. I bought this cassette at least five years ago but somehow lost it in my latest move. I found that I listened to it all year since it transends Christmas time. I was thrilled to find that it was out in CD and have just ordered a new one. It gives me a very peaceful feeling which makes it the best Christmas CD I have yet to encounter. I highly recommend it at Christmas and all year.



2. This is the best collection of acoustic Christmas music I have ever heard. Of all the Christmas cds I own, this is the only one that really seems inseparable from the season. The recording is top quality, and the music is immaculately executed with meaning and grace, completely devoid of the cheese and over-dramatization that often taints holiday music. To listen to each one of these well-known carols can make you feel that you never quite heard it before--not the way it was meant to be heard. Every single track is excellent. Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Ave Maria, Auld Lang Syne, and the Coventry Carol are definitely the best I've ever heard them. This cd is worth its price and more. It's priceless.



3. Friends and family don't want to listen to Christmas carols in July? Do they scream Bah Humbug and tell you to wait till December or tell you you have Christmas on the brain? Well, they won't say anything, and might not even think these are Christmas songs if this is the recording you play. Why? Because none of these well known Christmas songs sound like the canned holiday stuff that the stores play to get you to spend, and radio stations think is all that defines the holidays. Instead, Tingstad and Rumble, premiere Northwest musicians, weave amazing counter melodies that take you to other places. Good King Wenceslas is a wonderful example of that, starting out with the familar melody must people know, and then taking off into a delightful counter melody. Deck the Halls, is done in an upbeat way that can chase any stress away and leave you smiling. If, I was told, I could only have one holiday CD in my collection, this would be the one. I give this to friends, and they are never disappointed. So, if you like familar songs, done in unusual ways with unusual instruments, that are guaranteed to warm your heart and soothe your soul, give this CD a try. I bet you will play it the year round.



4. I see Amazon doesn't carry this anymore and the used copies are rather pricey. Well if you can find this album somewhere for a decent price, I would urge you to get it.
   
   This is the perfect CD to light the fire to, serve hot mulled cider and entertain guests with. It's not annoying and boisterous and it's not "cliche." It simply provides a warm, mellow atmosphere as the backdrop for any holiday gathering.
   
   Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel recorded it in 1989, but the sound is timeless. Warm acoustic fingerpicking, piano, and flute. Nothing plugged in, no vocals. This album will sound just as good 10 years from now.
   
   Songs can range from upbeat with a playful flute to slower and more brooding, but they always seem to find a hopeful point. Some of the songs they cover are not well known, but that is part of the charm.
   
   I grew up in a house that played this CD every winter for the holidays. I'm 23 now and I still love it! The music is so good, you will be tempted to listen to this CD when it isn't Christmas time!



5. If you can manage nothing more than giving yourself a peaceful hour listening to "The Gift: Acoustic Offerings for the Holiday Season" by Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel, then by all means do so.
   
   Here is the balm to counteract the bustle and rush that take over our lives during the Christmas season. The music is calm, perhaps a bit understated, and graceful.

2 comments about White Christmas.

1. I bought this CD when it was first released, and play it every Chirstmas. It is perfect background music for entertaining and it is wonderful to listen to on a peaceful snowy day. This CD is pure piano music at its finest. Every time one of my guests hears it, they comment on how beautiful this CD is. As a matter of fact, I got on-line to order several of these CDs for Christmas gifts. When I saw that no reviews have been given, I was shocked and knew I had to tell you how perfect it is for the holidays!



2. I am an accomplished pianist (with a Master's degree). I'm picky and I'm always looking for great Christmas piano CDs. I found this years ago and have never found anything better since. His playing is like shimmering caresses. Yes, it's great background music, but take the time to sit and listen quietly and I guarantee you will be transported to somewhere else. He's a magical musician. You won't regret getting this one.

5 comments about Christmas Rhapsody.

1. David Lanz? Jim Brickman? John Tesh? Move over guys... John Bayless has done what no others could... Taken the xmas classics to a new level of musical enjoyment! By combining the songs together, and making them so rich and full of life, this will be my favorite Christmas CD for a looooooooooong time.



2. This is the holiday music I have listened to throughout the season, and it is so beautiful I cannot bear to put it away yet. I love Bayless's work at any time, and these arrangements simply take my breath away. His blending of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" with "Going Home" from the New World Symphony is particulary poignant. And his signature "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring/Amazing Grace" is seasonless and timeless. Christmas is over, but get this anyway; it's wonderful.



3. John Bayless is the best concert pianist in the world. This album shows his genuis. Perfect music to listen to any time of the year.
   This is the best Christmas album on the market.



4. Christmas Rhapsody has quickly become one of our all time favorite Chistmas CDs. We love it so much that it is February 10th and we are still listening to it.



5. I can't believe how well John Bayless has mastered the piano. This is very obvious from the first song that you ever hear him play. I'd really like to watch him play in concert. However, the songs on this album are too much work for me to listen to. The music is so busy that I can hardly concentrate on the melody and it hardly gives me the peace I expect from traditional Christmas music. Some of my favorites for this category are Jim Brickman, David Huntsinger, and Tim Janis.

5 comments about Christmas Is Jesus.

1. I've purchased a few Bryan Duncan CDs and I haven't been disappointed yet. This Christmas album is no exception... it's wonderful! Bryan's incredible voice delivers on these traditional and new Christmas songs. I especially love the title song 'Christmas is Jesus', which I first heard a couple of years ago on a Christian radio station... the poignant lyrics and melody are absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend this recording to your Christmas music collection.



2. This has to be the best Christmas CD I own. Most of Bryan Duncan's music is very upbeat, high-energy (he screams a lot) but this CD is more quiet and reflective. At the same time, it's not dull. A choir in the background on most of the songs makes you feel like you're at a live Christmas concert. All the old songs sound fresh, while the new ones are instant classics. If you only get one Christmas album this year, buy this one!



3. I don't buy a lot of music because I'm pretty picky about what I like. This one is one of my top six favorites Christmas CD's and all six of those are so close to number one that I can't really decide which I like most.
   So, with that said, I can't imagine NOT having this CD around at Christmas time. I won't go on with a lot of details other than to say that besides myself, I don't know anyone else who has this CD that don't like it. Yes, some songs are better than others but there are NO bad cuts here.



4. For his 1995 Christmas release, Bryan Duncan arranged many classic and almost classic songs to fit his normal style. The result is a CD that sounds different enough to be enjoyed when the familiar Christmas sounds are feeling old. It combines familiar, lesser known traditional, and new songs on a fresh way.

   For example, the CD starts off with the lesser recorded "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." Here it becomes a moving ballad.

   Next up is an upbeat pop rendition of "Angels We Have Heard on High." "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" is presented later in the same vein.

   "What Child is This?" is combined with the hymn "What Wondrous Love is This?" for an interesting combination I had never thought of before but love.

   The two new songs are "Christmas is Jesus" and "The Form of Man." While I'm not too fond of the first one, I love the second and listen to it plenty of times during December as I, too, wonder at the thought of God becoming man.

   Toward the end of the CD, he provides a few secular Christmas songs. His version of "Grown-Up Christmas List" is almost as good as Amy Grant's (still my favorite). After the almost requisite "The Christmas Song," the CD closes with "Please Come Home for Christmas." I'd never heard this song before, but I really find myself singing along with this bluesy pop song.

   If you want a CD that will freshen up your Christmas music collection this is it. I've enjoyed it for a number of years.




5. I would say that this is one of the greatest Christmas CDs! The songs are very inspirational and moving!

No comments about Christmas, An Irrational Season.