5 comments about Merry Christmas.

1. My parents bought the LP in 1956, when it first came out & this will be my 48th Christmas listening to it now via CD. A friend at work & I both have copies we play at work, we always get favorable comments every December when its playing which is constant. IMHO
   this even top Sinatra's classic Jolly Christmas CD from 1957. Its playing while I write this review as we Boomers love to turn others on to Jackie Gleason's talent. He wasn't called "The Great One" for nothing. A little Christmas music Sammy & "Away We Go"



2. Simply the most beautiful Christmas music ever heard! We play this each year while opening gifts, or sitting by the fire enjoying another's company. We've given this cd to about a dozen friends and family, they all love it as much.
   Just makes you close your eyes, smile and sigh with happiness.
   Thank you Jackie for your music, and Merry Christmas to all!



3. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CD IN SEPTEMBER. I COULD NOT PASS UP THE GREAT ONE AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR. HIS OTHER ALBUMS WERE WERE KNOWN TO ME IN THE EARLY SIXTIES. WHILE ROCK WAS GREAT, HIS ALBUMS LEFT AN IMPRESSION ON ME TO THIS DAY. I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON HAVING MR. GLEASON AROUND THE FIREPLACE. TO ME ,HE HAS NO EQUAL IN THE INSTRUMENTAL FIELD.



4. In 1956, we were driving home to PA from AR when a song from this album came over the radio. My father, having a discerning for the ultimate in good music, stopped the car. He found the closest payphone (not easy in 1956), located the phone number of the station, and got the name of the album. He bought it the next day. We listened to it from then on. In later years, when the LP was worn out, and the album out of print, we still listened to the scratchy version. A few years ago I was ecstatic to locate it on CD. This year, I realized that I have been listening to it for 50 years! There is just no other CD of Christmas music like this one!



5. I grew up listening to Christmas music by Jackie Gleason so I was so glad to find this on Amazon. I will be playing it all through the coming holidays as the music is so soothing to listen to and brings back sweet memories of a better time.

3 comments about A Winter Romance.

1. The original version of this album is a 5 star masterpiece, and my vote for the best Christmas type album ever. This reprint almost has the original lineup but should stop at Track 13 with the excellent ending song "The Christmas Blues". In its place are several additional songs that stray badly from the Wintery/Christmas theme, and thus spoil the mood of the album. My recommendation to you all is to steer clear of this copy, and instead search out the original 5 star rated, 13 track version of this album here on Amazon.



2. LOL, there's nothing like a little Dean for Christmas. I like this album because it's a winter album more than a Christmas one, though. As soon as the snow starts flying, I toss it in my CD player in the the truck and soak in the fun. I admit the reason I listen to it is because I'm hooked on Baby It's Cold Outside, Canadian Sunset and a few others. Several of the others on the album are entertaining, but not as engaging. Around Christmas time, I start switching this up with a little Nat King Cole (sung by his daughter), and it seems the combination of the two just makes the season perfect. In a time when you are hard pressed to hear something refreshing and unoffensive on the radio, this really hits the spot. As for "Christmas Blues," I agree that it's a Christmas song,and would fit the theme, but I recall having this earlier version and often just fast forwarding this one because I didn't want to listen to the downbeat message. It's your choice - 1994 or this newer version - might be a toss up for you. Opting out of the whining and getting a few extra songs in return seemed like a no brainer for me.



3. A Winter Romance is an excellent theme song album put out by Dean Martin and Capitol Records when Dean was beginning to wind down his commitments to Capitol. The theme, naturally, is winter and all that goes with winter; and Dean truly never sounded better. This is a must have for Dean Martin fans!
   
   "A Winter Romance" starts off the album with a lush arrangement; Dean sounds great as he croons this awesome number. I also like how the backup vocalists harmonize to perfection; and Dean is able to make his voice sound as romantic as ever. "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" features Dean singing a more traditional ballad related to wintertime; and Dean's excellent diction bolsters his performance. The flute sounds great and Dean never misses a note! Moreover, listen for "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm." Awesome! Dean sings this wonderfully; in fact he sings this so well I wish the musical accompaniment had been simpler to highlight Dean's singing even more.
   
   "Winter Wonderland" is another classic wintertime ballad and Dean's interpretation of this fine wintertime tune is quite fine. The backup vocalists again harmonize well and Dean makes "Winter Wonderland" an especially adorable tune as he sings it. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" shines like gold as Dean delivers this to perfection; and the women backup vocalists play the role of the woman Dean romances in this song. Again the flute is used very well.
   
   "White Christmas" gets the royal treatment from Dean Martin as he performs this classic melancholy number that almost sounds upbeat when you hear this arrangement. I like how Dean and the musicians are able to put a positive, upbeat flavor onto this somewhat sad number--it's very creative and it works very well. "Sogni D'oro" is another fantastic ballad that Dean croons like the pro he always was; and the CD ends with "Buttercup Of Golden Hair." This upbeat number makes you smile when you hear it and it will also leave you wanting to listen to this album over and over again.
   
   Another reviewer writes that the last three songs on this album do not fit in with the wintertime theme--and they are right. This new album also omits the song entitled "Christmas Blues." Oops! However, which version of this album you choose is up to you. If you want a few extra numbers and it doesn't bother you that Dean strays from the wintertime theme, then go for this album. However, wintertime and Christmas music purists will probably be more comfortable with the older version from 1994 that is also for sale on this website.
   
   I'll take off a star for the fact that the last three songs on this CD simply don't fit in at all with the wintertime theme. However, they are excellent songs performed wonderfully by Dean Martin. You may like this over the 1994 version of this album. At any rate, I hope you get this or the older version and just enjoy it!

No comments about The Complete New English Hymnal, Vol. 12.

1 comments about Karaoke Christmas.

1. I thought this CD would have the words for the screen for a real karaoke machine. It didn't and it didn't come with a book with the words. Kind of pointless.

5 comments about Christmas Time Is Here.

1. This CD Was uttely boring it sounded like Dianne didn't even care that she was singing. It was a disappointment to me becuase she usually is pretty excting. I felt like she didn't do enough to make this CD perfect. I mean if it was just a regualar person putting out their very first CD, it wouldn't sound like this, becuase it wouldn't sell! Okay so, I have to give it 2 stars becuase at times it sounds relazing and nice, but then I think that every Christmas CD should be as excting as Christmas really is.



2. The best jazz singers take the songs to new places without losing their listeners. Reeves is a master, whether she's being backed by a jazz quartet or a string quartet. Equally at home with the swirling scat of "Let It Snow" or the hushed elegance of the traditional "Christ Child's Lullaby," Reeves makes Christmas Time ... a classic for all seasons and all listeners.



3. This CD really is impressive. One of the best that Dianne Reeves and ever recorded. Great tunes and Dianne's renditions of these somgs just blew me away. Quality of the recording as far as clarity and mixing is second to none. Just buy it !!



4. What fun it is to hear Dianne Reeves giving fresh interpretations to Christmas standards. In an exciting album of great variety, she ranges from an almost traditional interpretation of "The Christmas Song," which she sings as a slow, danceable ballad with simple piano accompaniment (Peter Martin), to her spectacular jazz celebration of "A Child Is Born," with drums (Gregory Hutchinson), wailing sax (Steve Wilson), syncopation, and Dianne singing scat.
   
   Apparently recognizing that most people buying Christmas albums are looking for music that has some resemblance to the traditional carols they grew up with, Dianne does not aim to overpower the original sounds with jazz variations, choosing instead to recognize the mood and meaning of each song while giving it a unique twist. "Little Drummer Boy," which opens the album, for example, is sung as a clean, quiet ballad, but its unexpected syncopated beat and an accompaniment consisting solely of drums, bass, and percussion create an exciting new interpretation. "Carol of the Bells," with a happy, up-tempo beat and deliberate dissonance, features extended solo riffs on the vibes (Joe Locke) and sax (Steve Wilson), and though Dianne sticks fairly close to the original melody, she does it in surprising, finger-popping swing beat.
   
   In the wonderful "Let it Snow," a happy, toe-tapping background of bass and cymbals sets off Dianne's extended scat and a jazz piano solo by Peter Martin. One of the most unusual songs is the upbeat "Christmas Waltz" (though no one would ever try to waltz to it). With a fast, syncopated bass (Reuben Rogers), guitar (Reuben Lumbambo) and piano, Dianne allows herself to be a jazz artist here, singing scat, and, in a nice touch, including children at the end. Throughout the album, she is generous with her accompanists, as each one solos and often plays off each other. And just when you think it's impossible for anyone to make "I'll Be Home for Christmas" or "This Time of the Year" sound fresh, Dianne Reeves does it.
   
   By giving fairly traditional songs unique beats and introducing new, jazzy interpretations to others, this is an album which should appeal to a wide spectrum of listeners. Dianne's control, her wonderful diction, her attention to the meaning of the songs, and her ability to recognize the value of quiet interpretations and soft sounds on some tracks make this an album that honors the holidays by paying homage to its many moods. Mary Whipple



5. I just saw Dianne Reeves for the first time at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor (12/10/05) and I was absolutely messmerized by her wonderful voice along with her exceptional band. The next day, I bought this CD along with three others. (A Little Moonlight, Best of Dianne Reeves, In the Momement (Live))
   
   I was sad when the performance came to an end but was grateful to hear a truly gifted singer accompanied by world class band.
   
   Eric Apollo
   Ann Arbor, Michigan

5 comments about This Christmas.

1. This is a very listenable Christmas record for all ages, not just the teenage fans. The traditional carols are sung with feeling and reverence, while the newer ones do have actual meaning to them. I do wonder though if anybody feels there's a strong similarity between this album and Lonestar's "This Christmas Time" CD. Not that unusual to have three songs in common on Christmas albums, but the "Little Drummer Boy" interpretations seem rather similar, as well as the general pacing.



2. 1. If Every Day Could Be Christmas 5:04
   2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 4:36
   3. Christmas Song 4:08
   4. I'll Be Home for Christmas 2:04
   5. O Holy Night 3:20
   6. This Gift 4:06
   7. Little Drummer Boy 3:25
   8. Christmas Wish 3:49
   9. Silent Night 3:09
   10. Ave Maria 1:56
   11. This Gift (Pop Version) 4:08

   If you enjoy listening to adult contemporary music or teen pop music, then you may like this cd. The members of 98* are Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons. Its tone of music is sensual, sexual, intimate, stylish, elegant and/or earnest




3. These boys prove that talent is a gift from God and they've gotten that gift. Their exquisite harmonies and gorgeous voices just make this album absolutely brilliant. I recommend this for all Christmas music fans!



4. The only songs I appreciated were This Gift and Christmas Wish, which were orginals, and very good. The others were all so different in styling, they clashed. You'd get really slow, then it would get lively, then it would get suddenly morose and too serious; I don't appreciate the barber-shop flavor, either. The vocal arrangements didn't suit Christmas at all. I read one reviewer say this album was too slow and sad, and I agree. It's not a 'happy' cd. Really a one star -- one star for effort which I'm sure was present. 98 degrees is a great group, and no one's perfect, but I hope they make a more jolly Christmas one one day. Their beautiful, sincere voices could be so well-suited to Xmas cheer with the right musical line-up. Try Tony Bennett's Christmas Album for a perfectly jazz-ish, jingly Christmas CD.



5. I have to say I was not expecting much from this CD. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's become one of my favorites. Although I usually only care about the Christmas classics, I really like the original songs on the album, "If Every Day Could Be Christmas," and "This Gift." They also do a great job with some of my all-time favorites, especially "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "I'll be Home for Christmas."
   
   I would recommend this wonderful CD to anyone, not only fans of 98 Degrees.

No comments about Island Christmas.

No comments about Christmas with Luther Barnes.

1 comments about Salas: Un Barroco Cubano Del Siglo XVIII.

1. If I have to name a favorite genre of classical music, it would have to be Baroque. I listen to it every day. Until a few weeks ago, though, I had never heard of Esteban Salas! I had no idea that Cuba produced a composer of this magnitude! He is so refreshing, truly a joy to the ears. I look forward to exploring all the works of this great master.

5 comments about Andrea McArdle's Family Christmas.

1. I bought this CD the minute I found out about it's existence. Once again, Andrea McArdle has a winner. This time she shares the stage with her daughter Alexis, her brother Michael, and a wonderful childrens chorus. My kids and I have been listening to this CD non-stop for the past two months -- and Christmas is long gone. The selection of songs is fabulous, the arrangements are great, and anything Andrea sings is pure heaven.



2. Andrea McArdle's Family Christmas is a wonderful Christmas CD. The most obvious reason to by this CD is that you are treated to the clear, powerful, beautiful voice of Andrea McArdle. Ms. McArdle's voice is absolutely mesmerizing from the high energy opening "We Need a Little Christmas" to her absolutely gorgeous rendition of "The Christmas Song." Ms. McArdle has the ability to fill a song with an array of emotion. She has complete control of her voice with the skill to go from a breathtaking whisper to an unbelievably strong belt. Ms. McArdle is truly one of the most gifted artists of our time. Not only is Ms. McArdle extremely talented, she is part of a very talented family as well. The music on this CD is beautifully and creatively arranged by Ms. McArdle's husband Edd Kalehoff. Ms. McArdle's daughter Alexis Kalehoff has a beautiful, natural voice that is sure to become even more enchanting as she matures. Michael McArdle, Andrea's younger brother, is very, very good. Michael has several high energy Christmas songs that show off his impressive tenor voice. I would not be a bit surprised if we hear more about Michael in the years to come. I strongly recommend buying this CD. I have owned the CD since December 1999 and I still find myself popping it into my CD player in April! If anyone needs one more reason to look forward to Christmas, well here it is, Andrea McArdle's Family Christmas. This CD will bring you and your family pleasure for years to come and will be an excellent addition to any Christmas CD collection.



3. Andrea McAredle's Family Christmas is a fabulous Cd and a must have for any holiday collection! Her voice is amazing and I belive that she has more talent than most artists out there. Andrea and her family need more recognition than they recieve because they truly have the power to leave you awe-struck and inspired! This Cd will definitly have you rokin around the christmas tree!



4. ...is that Michael, Andrea's brother, is a bit fey. Since there are already two stunning women's voices featured, did we really need what seems like a third? There are some lyrics where clearly it's clearly a man singing, yet it sounds like Andrea's daughter. All I'm saying is Michael could use some testosterone injections.
   
   And it would have been nice had there been one Hanuchakah song added. (My personal choice would be "L'chaim!" from Fiddler on the Roof)



5. I could go on all day about this album, but i don't have the time.It's the ultimate x-mas and holiday album!!!
   and with the fantastic voice of A Mc A how can you go wrong !!
   Henrik