5 comments about Here Comes Santa Claus.

1. Gene Autry was responsible for keeping one of the world's greatest Christmas traditions alive the "Hollywood Christmas Parade", when bad times surfaced and needed some assistance financially...it was Gene who came to the rescue as Johnny Grant (Honary Mayor of Hollywood) did whatever it took to keep the parade the class-A Holiday event from going under...drawing approximatley one million spectators along the parade route each year, Hollywood's biggest single-day event and the kick off for the Holiday Season...this was all from Gene's generous support and giving spirit.

   The year was 1946, on a Thanksgiving weekend and a Gene rode tall in the saddle, and Santa Claus was right around the bend, heard the children excited chants of "HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS"...and a song was born from Gene and co-written by Oakley Haldeman...recorded on August 28th, 1947 and became an instant hit. Then in 1949 songwriter Johnny Marks composed a tune from a poem - "RUDOLOPH, THE RED-NOSED REINDEER" many artist turned down the chance to record this classic, but Ina Autry, Gene's first wife loved the song and felt the children would love it too...she was right...and the rest my friends, is history.

   By 1969 Gene's version of "RUDOLPH" had sold 6,500,000 copies and was the all-time top selling single for Columbia Records (the 1957 version, recorded for Gene's Challenge label, is included here)..."RUDOLPH" ranks as the second favorite Christmas song right behind Irving Berlin's "White Christmas".

   Varese Sarabande and Gene share with fans old and new these popular Christmas songs recorded in the late '50s and early '60s...hope you enjoy them and they bring you wonderful memories with many happy returns from "America's Favorite Singing Cowboy" - GENE AUTRY!

   Total Time: 45:20 on 16 Tracks...Varese Sarabande VSD-6034...(1999)




2. I was very upset when this CD arrived. I was under the impression that these were the "original recordings" of Mr. Autry's Christmas records. They have been re-recorded and by no means are they bad.......their just NOT THE ORIGINALS! I want the original Columbia recordings. I gave it 2 stars because he does sound great....again just not the originals!



3. A time of innocense, a reminder of growing up with smiles and adventure. Better than meditating!



4. This is a compilation of Christmas songs that Gene Autry recorded for his own record label after he left Columbia Records. Seven of the songs here are re-recordings of songs he previously recorded for Columbia. In most cases, they are not quite as good as the originals, but they are still very good. The arrangements are slightly different, and a few of them have commentaries by Gene before or after the songs. Notable original songs include the novelties "Buon Natale", "Nine Little Reindeer" and "Santa's Coming in a Whirlybird". The latter two feature Mel Blanc as the voice of Rudolph! And then there's the 13 minute long "The Story of the Nativity", which is Gene telling the story of the birth of Jesus to his "nephew". Sure, it's kind of corny, but I found it to be quite moving. While these recordings aren't as essential as Gene's Columbia recordings, they are still quite good and I would recommend this CD.



5. I loved this CD. I bought it because when my brother and I were little kids we always listened to a Gene Autry Christmas record while decorating the Christmas Tree. I just had to find a Gene Autry CD for me and my daughter to listen to while decorating ours.

2 comments about Christmas in Santa Fe.

1. A great CD to listen to over the holiday season. Great guitar and violin!



2. The Romero borthers are New mexico's finest flamenco guitarists. But their versatility does not end with Flamenco. The duo appears equally talented at both Norteno and traditional old Nueva Mexico music.
   
   In 'Christmas in Santa Fe'the Romeros tackle another genre--American Christmas music. They suceed and in this album, their song choices are well-suited to guitar.
   
   The style is a gentle blend of US-traditional and Spanish guitar and the production values are sound--if not spectacular. This is a wonderful fireside CD. The Romeros' 'Christmas at the Mission' is a good companion album.
   
   As an aside, we were disappointed with 'Adobe Christmas' which tried to do The Nutcracker on Flamenco Guitar. Quite egregious.

No comments about Christmas.

2 comments about Broadway Christmas.

1. This has become my favorite Christmas CD. So many shows have Christmas songs and this CD brings some of them together. From the silly "Turkey Lurkey Time" to the poignant "I thank you for your love." This is such a nice change from the overdone traditional songs. I just wish they'd do a second CD with all the shows they didn't include.



2. I totally bought this CD for the first track, but found out I love the entire CD. If you like Christmas and broadway music, I HIGHLY SUGGEST you buy it!

5 comments about Christmas Time with the Judds.

1. This is one of the best Christmas albums I have. If you are a country music fan you need to get your hands on this album! Its the best!



2. I have had "Christmas Time with the Judds" for years, and look forward to December when I can pull it out of the Christmas box again. I actually carry it around with me during the Christmas season so I can listen to it anywhere; alas, it recently fell into the hands of my one-year-old and was destroyed. I will now buy two so I can have one on hand in case such a disaster occurs again. I am not generally a fan of country music, but the harmonies of Wynonna and Naomi are unmatched in richness and quality. I strongly recommend this cd to anyone.



3. The first thing that strikes you about this is the picture, which was taken in Switzerland and is still the best Christmas album picture I've come across. The music is also brilliant. Although it is country, there are no fiddles or pedal steel, so it appeals to some people who don't normally like country, something confirmed by previous reviewers.

   This is a generally laid-back album with the music kept to a minimum, putting the focus firmly on Wynonna and Naomi. Most of the songs are carols, though they also do excellent versions of Winter wonderland and Silver bells. Who is this babe? is an original song, while Beautiful star of Bethlehem is a lovely song which has been covered quite a few times, but nothing like as often as the other seven. Perhaps more imagination could have been made in song selection, but you won't mistake a Judds cover for any other, as their style is unique.

   Despite my reservations about the song selections, this remains one of the best Christmas albums ever recorded - and it's a bargain at the price.




4. Few voices are better suited to the sentiment of the Christmas season than that of Wynonna and Naomi Judd. The mother-daughter duo's Christmas offering is a delight from start to finish, especially my personal favorite, "Winter Wonderland," in which their voices blend sublimely. Listen to this one on a cold winter's night in front of the fireplace with a cup of nutmeg-sprinkled egg nog in your hand and your dog curled up on a blanket nearby, and you'll be instantly cheered!



5. Best Christmas album ever. I wish they'd do another.

3 comments about A Royal Christmas.

1. After her scattershot debut album Paris Bennett, a finalist at American Idol season 5, returns to what she knows best - jazzy music. She does a great job with her band, creating fresh versions of old classics and delivering a couple of new songs. I especially enjoyed hearing the witty rendition of 12 Days of Christmas, and Li'l Drummer Boy was the coolest version I have ever heard.
   
   As Stevie Wonder, Brian May of Queen, Rod Stewart said: Paris has a great future in music.



2. Paris Bennett is back, and this time, shes aiming to please her fans. "A Royal Christmas" is just the album her fans were waiting for. It combines chrismtas song and her jazz style - which leaves you wanting more! I highly recommend this album for anyone who wants to get in the holiday spirit, and enjoy wonderful music at the same time.



3. I was looking for holiday music---new and old---to add to my collection. After searching Amazon for ideas, I came across this page and figured I'd just experiment (there were only two reviews). I'm not an American Idol follower, so that was the first time I recall paying any attention to the name Paris Bennett. Well, I put it in for a preview listen yesterday and have pretty much been playing it since.
   
   I LOVE this project...and it was instant! It is so much fun to listen to!! I truly enjoyed the entire album. There were more traditional renditions of holiday classics: Silent Night, Away in a Manger, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and Auld Lang Syne. But Paris got some vocal play time in as well with 12 Days of Christmas, Deck the Halls, Lil Drummer Boy, and Holiday Shuffle. LOVED it from start to end. And props to her mom who co-produced and sang backup for this project...good for you!
   
   Get it!! I think it'll be relevant work for many years to come.

5 comments about Silent Night: A Christmas in Rome.

1. I was really hoping for something special in this CD: something different, well-done, and capturing the best of the season. Different was about all I got. Much of the singing was bad, and one soloist had such a grating voice my husband and I couldn't understand the arrangers' choices. I'll try to give it a listen again and get what I can out of it: I have a feeling this may be one of those CDs where I program out half of the songs every time I listen to it. Very disappointing.



2. I bought this last year on the strength the Chieftains' Bells of Dublin -- my favorite Christmas album -- and was intially disappointed as this is a very different project. Much of the music seemed too highbrow for my tastes and some of the different styles clashed. But it grew on me upon repeat listenings and I could hardly wait for Advent 2001 to hear it again. The pieces are uniformly joyous and spiritual in a sense that is lacking in the vast majority of "holiday" music.



3. Opening with a haunting a capella rendition of Silent Night, and continuing with delightful lilting Celtic tunes, joyful gospel, sacred chant, and grand orchestral pieces, this album is a journey around the globe, singing in a dozen languages and musical traditions. While each track can stand alone, Paddy Moloney's arrangements blend the disparate styles and languages into an operatic telling of the story of Christmas, with a masterful sense of narrative pacing. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Solstice, or Hanukah, this is an essential recording for the season.



4. (Except for Joy to the World, which does not match the wonderful angelic sound of the rest of the album. A Gospel arrangement in the middle of heavenly tone of the rest of the music just does not go!)
   
   HOWEVER, this is not your run of the mill, sappy christmas music. It is one of my very favorite albums.



5. Many of the reviews I have read are misleading. This cd features the Chieftains, but they are not dominant on most tracks. This album features many folk carols from around the world. There are songs from Bulgaria, Italy, France, Norway, Ireland, etc. Maire Brennan and Carolos Nunez are two other familiar artists performing. There is a wide variety of music that gives only a glimpse into Christmas music from other parts of the world. A wonderful album for world music enthusiasts.

1 comments about Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.

1. This is full of fun, daft Christmas songs, just as they should be. Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer is one of the funniest songs I've ever heard and, on this CD, is followed ideally by Grandpa's Gonna Sue the Pants off Santa. All the songs are great and, apart from Jingle Bells, original. Fun for all the family to enjoy, if you buy this, I'll guarantee it'll be out every Christmas without fail.

5 comments about Christmas.

1. Rebecca St. James has created a reputation for orchestrating a symphony of guitars, electric or otherwise, drums, strings, synths, and producing an almost girl-punk sound, but for this album, added a small amount of seasonal cheer to old Christmas tunes. A new version of "O Come Emmanuel" with powerful bridges gives the old a new meaning. John Lennon's "War is Over (Happy Christmas)" couldn't be done any better, and I had never even heard "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" until I bought this CD. Surely one of Rebecca's best! If you love to rock, and you love Christmas and you love to buy good CDs, maybe you should think about maybe getting ahold of one of these before next Christmas.



2. Rebecca St. James' Christmas cd is neither sappy nor traditional. It has crisp lyrics and smooth beats. Songs are well paced and distributed, neither all fast nor all slow. Will appeal to pretty much anybody who has any bit of sentimentality for the Christmas season past or present.



3. A fan of Rebecca St. James, I found this album to be disappointing in the end. I originally loved the album and enjoy her takes on "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "O Holy Night," but the loud, head-banging selections on nearly every song on this album make it a near headache instead of a worshipful experience. St. James could have done better with her album. Those who are fans of her album "God" will enjoy this album. Those who prefer the techno-driven "Transform" over the heavy-rock inspired "God" would probably have a hard time listening to "Christmas."



4. Rebecca St. James is my number one gospel rock artist, and this Christas album is like music in her most famous album "God". She sings beautifully and there's great melodies. Of course, Iäm little disappointed in "Silen Night" because it is too long. Still, there's 8 great Christmas songs and two not-so-good ("Jesu' Joy of Man's Desiring" is the worst song in this album"). I always love to hear new versions of the classic song "What Child Is This". How ever, the best songs in this album are "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" and "O Come All Ye Faithful". This is a perfect Christmas album for them who liked the album "God". There's even a peaceful song "A Cradle Prayer" which is made by Rebecca!
   Stars: O Come All Ye Faithful, Sweet Little Jesus Boy, One Small Child, What Child Is This



5. I agree whole-heartedly with one of the other reviewers. This CD is definitely going for the "ethereal" and coming out with eerie. Very disappointing from Ms. St. James, and not a good mix with her already unique (and usually beautiful) voice. Give me the traditional any day.

5 comments about Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music.

1. To put this set in perspective, for months I would go to my local Tower Records fishing for worthwhile classical CDs at least once a week. One of the discs that sat in the bins the longest was a single CD of Bartok piano music, played by Zoltan Kocsis. It was Volume 7 of a complete series. This CD listed for $17.99, and as long as I went to that Tower Records, it did not budge an inch, nor was its price amended.
   
   Now, Kocsis is one of the greatest pianists alive, and if anyone is worthy of commanding a premium, it is him. And to be fair, that CD is going to be re-released on October 11 as part of a Collector's Edition - eight CDs, $63.97 MSRP. But it's already going up against this little gem, which contains five CDs with all of the truly great solo-piano works by an internationally recognized Bartok specialist for $21 - not much more than the cost of one CD from the other set. This kind of value is not to be taken lightly.
   
   I came to this set with my impression of Sandor informed by his complete Prokofiev - ultra-hard, sometimes rhythmically slack, always melodically lacking in some way or another. But he held a very special feeling for Bartok, and saved his best playing for the great Hungarian. In passages like the first of the Three Csik Dances, the opening of the Improvisations Op. 20, or in the Ten Easy Pieces, there is a simplicity, charm and wistful homesickness that is quite touching. In pieces like the Out of Doors suite, the Sonata, or the Burlesques, there is a vicious, impulsive energy, a wicked sense of humor and an overabundance of overtones. It is never mindless, inappropriate or even overly harsh - it's just very, very loud.
   
   In this set I like best the endless landscape of the Sonatina, the unusual colors and fragrances in the Etudes, the brilliantly conceived Bear Dance (the last of the Ten Easy Pieces), and the multifaceted, complex, gorgeous Improvisations. Any fan of Bartok should hear these.



2. I like the fact that Bartok is into the folk tradition and all, but he just tends to forget the fact that melody has to be SOMEWHERE in the music. I'm all for creative expression when you're sitting alone at the piano, but abstract music should be reserved for performance art. I like playing some of your stuff Bela, but I just don't want to listen to you.



3. I am not a Bartok expert by any scale, but I do like the way these pieces, without exception, are played. There are, however, a couple of other problems.
   
   As mentioned by an earlier reviewer, very few of the works are split into tracks - Mikrokosmos is divided into 7 for each of its six volumes, and to accomodate for a full CD. In these seven tracks there are 121 songs. I would have much preferred if the songs had been split into tracks. Almost the entire CD set is this way - Fifteen Hungarian Songs is one track, Fourteen Bagatelles, etc. It is very annoying when one wants to hear a particular song in those tracks and not the others.
   
   Another detriment to the collection is the recording quality. It is decent most of the time, but in loud sections the piano buzzes. One might be able to ignore it, but I think that it detracts from the passion of the forte quite a bit.
   
   Overall, for $18 it is pretty decent, but if you are like me and like to keep your music library neatly organized (and aren't extremely cheap), I would not recommend this set.



4. Sándor was a champion not only of Bartók's music but also of Bartók's style of playing. He often complained that people were too quick to see Bartók as ultra-modern, and to fail to appreciate the rich seam of lyricism that also runs through his music.
   
   The piano music is dominated by short pieces, many of them written for piano students, notably the collections "Microcosmos" and "For Children". These, together with suites of folk dance arrangements, make up the bulk of the solo piano output.
   
   Sandór plays these short, and often simple pieces, with neither too much nor too little art. As a gifted teacher, he knew unerringly how much music each of these small vessels held. The result is beguiling - but be warned: no-one can listen to the 153 short pieces of Microcosmos end-to-end. This is an anthology to be dipped into, not swallowed whole.
   
   The remastering is pretty successful (fortunately - some of Vox's CD reissues are plagued by severe deterioration of the original tapes). And it's for half nothing-what's not to like?



5. Gyorgy Sandor, whom I remember seeing in the halls of the University of Michigan School of music many years back, does an amazing job at recording all the Bartok piano pieces. It's really incredible when an artist is able to achieve this kind of scope and do this much work. Of course, having a good teaching job at Michigan and other places and his renown helped a lot, I am sure. In any case, I expected a couple of CDs in this box, but not FIVE of them! Bartok also, obviously, had the highest of aspirations. It's hard to get a grip on this, since each is over 70 minutes long so we're talking about 6 hours of music here. I've been purchasing almost all the sheet music as well to go with these. No better way to study the great composer.
   Joseph Pehrson