5 comments about A Gift of Song.

1. The album is great. I was excited to finally find Mason Williams' "A Gift of Song", the composition, on this album. A beautiful Warner Bros recording originally: Mason Williams, Chorus, Orchestra, everything but the kitchen sink. One of my all time favorites. But I was disappointed to find that here the song is a newly recorded instrumental version: nice but plain by comparison. On the original LP, the piece was the last on a side and, typical inner grooves, tended to distort... dissappointing for such a spectacular recording. I am still hoping for a CD issue of the original recording by this very versatile artist/composer. I'll keep looking!



2. This CD is great. I have owned it for many years and enjoy playing it even when it is not Christmas. For the most part, it is not your standard everyday Christmas music which I am sure everyone has. Very soothing and relaxing. When I first listened to it, I thought that I had wasted my money because it was different from all my other Christmas music. But after playing it several times, I realized what a gem it was.



3. A Gift of Song, an awesome Christmas Holiday CD. Soothing & Ralaxing, the man of Classical Gas fame can do no wrong. Enjoy!, & Merry Christmas!



4. When I first ordered this item, Amazon sent the incorrect CD. I returned that one and received Mason William's A Gift of Song. Our family enjoyed listening to this music throughout the holiday season. I would listen to it today too. We had this CD years ago, but it disappeared. We're happy to have it back.



5. This is one of Mason's best works! The Christmas Music is unreplacable and the story behind "A Gift of Song" is so touching. When I researched this I found another set of words to the song, very close, but slightly different. It would be interesting to find out which are the oringinal.
   
   I saw Mason Williams with Jennifer Warnes at Oregon State University in the fall of 1969. It was such a moving concert. They both sang together so well. I was surprised they never did more work together. They sang "A Gift of Song" together that night and the song still winds it way through my mind to this day. What a pleasant night.
   
   Thank You Mason and Jennifer
   
   Eternally, The Timekeeper

5 comments about The World's Greatest Gospel Singer.

1. In this recording, you get mono sound only, but who cares? It displays the absolutely sizzling talents of a jazz-inflected gospel backup band, including the redoubtable pianist Mildred Falls whose genius is more or less inseparable from Mahaliah Jackson's genius.
   
   No doubt about it, these players cook bacon while they juggle musical chairs. If the hair stands up on the back of your neck all the way through this CD, then good for you. It just means you are getting it. Of course, center of the holy musical storm is Mahaliah Jackson herself.
   
   With her incredibly physical, mezzosoprano-range voice, she can do whatever she wants. She can trumpet, lift, pray, whisper, or shout with the best of them. She is living the life she sings about in her song, and she is singing the life she lives. Many of these versions of these songs have never been better sung, or captured in gospel recording history.
   
   Listen to what she and the group do on a song called, "Didn't it rain". And when the woman Jesus met at the well goes running into town to talk about her encounter, the music embodies the rush of her inner necessity. This music got feet.
   
   When MJ moves on up a little higher, you simply must trust her to carry you with her. At least let your sad eyes follow her upwards. This song is one of the two that she early recorded as an unknown African American Baptist church singer. It was backed on a two-sided 78 disc with the other big MJ signature song, How I Got Over. I have heard MJ attributed as the author of both songs, but I cannot say that for sure. Whoever wrote either one of them, it is safe to say that MJ made each her own in the most unique and powerful way. In its first release, that 78 rpm disc must have been bought by just about every African American Baptist in the USA, because she sold 3 million copies. All of a sudden, the music/money people were sniffing down highways and byways to find out who this amazing singer was. It is so characteristic that they had never hear of her. The USA was even more segregated in those years than it can be today. Indeed, one of the key concerns of the big label Columbia, once it signed its contract with MJ was: how can we set her peformances, so that they don't sound too black, so that they cross over successfully to white america?
   
   This early album, however, will have none of that nonsense. The group (including Mildred Falls)is probably the most brilliant backup that MJ ever had on a recording. The only other recording that offers us the pure, unadulterated musical Mahaliah Jackson in her live in Europe concert CD, also (probably temporarily) available on CD. There, she and Mildred Falls are like super-heroines in a Marvel comic, with all sorts of musical magic up their sleeves.
   
   If you have both of these, you have Mahaliah Jackson. This recording is like a drink of cool well water in the back country on a very hot, humid day. You never knew how good pure water could be. In fact, pour me another glass. I am sitting in the shade for a while, feeling the breezes, and listening to the witness this lady sings about what God is doing in her life.
   
   Unlike many forms of religion, MJ believes the kingdom is wide open. Hers is a generous spirit, and so a generous religion. She is not worried about keeping the heavenly treasures under lock and key, lest they be unfairly distributed to beggars or publicans who have not proved their worth in terms of human empires. She sings for anybody who will bother to listen. Like a prophet, she speaks her truth to power. She makes me wonder what life would be like, if we were all speaking more truth, more often, to power.
   
   In any case, get this CD for the music. Its five stars shape some mysterious constellation that is rare and shining as the firmament circles above our heads.
   
   The other must-have MJ recommendation is: MJ Live In Europe concert. It is newly (and probably temporarily) available. Get both. Now. You can learn many of life's lessons from MJ on these two CD's, and have a whale of a good time listening as you learn. Maybe other singers have, in their own ways, reached so high. But nobody has surpassed MJ. She is the real deal. I think I get just a tad more real, when I listen to her. If the destination is the journey, then MJ offers us the best kind of traveling music. Highly recommended. Get it before it's gone again.



2. The great thing about Mahalia Jackson, is that you don't have to be a fan of gospel music to enjoy her work. Like a great Opera, or an abstract work of art, she is something to be appreciated on many levels...a pure, powerful voice...one of the greatest voices ever to be recorded.
   
   "The World's Greatest Gospel Singer" is Mahalia Jackson as she was meant to be. This collection, with all songs performed with the Falls-Jones Ensemble, is the kind of bluesy, jazz-inspired and painfully heartfelt gospel music that made Mahalia one of a kind. This is her voice and talent in its purest form, before it was bought and sold to mainstream audiences in the late 1950's. Some of the recording quality isn't quite up to snuff, but it adds to the "rediscovered" feel of this unique style of gospel music, and her voice comes loud and clear no matter what.
   
   Hightlights include:
   Track 1: "I'm Going to Live the Life I Sing about in my Song"-a bold and powerful stance against hypocrisy.
   Track 3: "Jesus Met the Woman at the Well"-a great old-timey tune.
   Track 5: "I Will Move on Up a Little Higher"-a bluesier version of her most famous song.
   Track 6: "When the Saints Go Marching In"-a great version of an old song that had even this non-Christian tapping my feet and wanting to dance.
   Track 11: "Didn't it Rain"-a definative display of her voice.



3. 
   Well, this is in my opinion the best period of Mahalia's carrer (1955). Her voice is still strong and too expressive. The songs let her "touch" us in a special way. It's a good oportunity for young people to listen the background's soul singers.



4. If you like gospel music please take the time to sample Mahalia Jackson. From the depths of her soul she sings like she knows what she is singing about. Laugh and cry with her but most of all listen to the words.



5. Who ever you are; if you are looking at this album, and looking at this review, do yourself a favour, buy it. There are very few songs that really touch you and even fewer great voices. On this album you have both.

5 comments about The Little Drummer Boy.

1. Just to be sure, this MCA reissue contains Simeone's 1965 recordings for Kapp Records - not the 1959 20th Century Fox recordings. One way to tell them apart is "O Bambino," a song recorded for the latter LP but not the first. Of course, one company - Universal - now owns both sets of masters, but they didn't when this CD was issued.... The 1990 Mercury CD contains the 1959 sessions originally issued as "Sing We Now For Christmas."



2. This is certainly not the record I own from childhood. My copy is a 20th Century Fox release from 1963 and includes thirty-one songs on nine tracks -- including the ravishing "Villancico" and "Lo, how a rose e'er blooming", which are not on this CD.
   
   It always struck me as a bit kitschy, and I still have no idea why my mother bought it as she took a very dim view of made-up apocrypha like "The Little Drummer Boy". However, it does contain some rarities and unusual material. You won't hear "Masters In The Hall" on the Muzaks in the mall! This is still the only recording of "Villancico" that I have ever heard. Why isn't the original recording released on CD? Legalities?



3. This is one of my 3 favorite Christmas albums of all time, with Bing's "Merry Christmas" (now titled "White Christmas"), and Ray Conniff's "Christmas With Conniff". I was able to find this album for download on a music site run by a piece of fruit (hint hint). I hadn't heard it in years, and it brings back so many memories. It's all I've been playing this week!



4. I grew up in the 70's. I can remember my parents playing this album during the Holiday Season when I was growing up in Guam. This CD brings back alot of good memories of my Childhood. I recommended this CD to anyone. ENJOY!



5. The original release contained 12 songs. This only has 11. Missing is "Sing Of A Merry Christmas". I found that dissapointing. The packaging and conditioning are excellent but I don't understand why that song was left out. I will say, however, that the CD is everything the seller said it was and it brings back so many fond memories of my childhood Christmas past.

5 comments about Christmas in America.

1. This is a GREAT song! Not only will it be a big hit this season but will be played for years to come! Heartfelt congratulations to Pat & her husband, Neil for a wonderful collaboration.



2. This Christmas single is a very touching tribute which was written by Pat and her husband Neil especially for the victims of the September 11 tragedy. The words describe what Christmas will be like this year for all Americans. It has a soft, sweet melody that seems to stay with you after the song has ended. Of course you throw in that fabulous Benatar voice and you have the perfect Christmas song. I have heard that all of the proceeds made from the purchase of this song will be going to the victims and families of the tragedies that occurred on that horrible day in September. For that reason alone, everyone should purchase this wonderful holiday treasure!



3. An Extremely Touching Patriotic Christmas Song Sung Straight From The Heart. No Doubt, It Will Raise Those Goose Bumps!



4. Not only is this a great song in relation to the events on Sept. 11th, it is a great holiday song with great lyrics, for all times. We have so much to be grateful for at holiday times AND so much to be grateful as Americans. What a wonderful melody and lyrics to reflect on.This song will be a part of my holiday collection, this year and every year.



5. I don't think I've heard a more beautiful song in a long time. Sung straight from the heart, she brings calm to pure sadness, a welcome for anyone.

5 comments about Healing from the harp.

1. This is an absolute wounderful CD. Ms Fletcher has brought the harp to new hights of excellency. I am an RNC in a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) with very sick and premature infants. I brought this CD to play softly in the NICU for the infants. The parents, the staff and the babies love it. Crying babies are soothed, parents are comforted and relaxed upon entering the room where the music is played softly. In some cases I have seen little heart rates steady and labored breathing be come easier upon hearing this CD played softly. I am going to purchase one for my home. All parents of newborns should have this cd for themselves and the baby.



2. I loved the first one so much that i am giving this one as a gift.



3. I was a tad disappointed - this is well played music, but not something that takes you to another place... There are several songs that are trite and so well known they make you mind want to sing along - rather than travel to another place in your mind and meditate or really relax.



4. I play this CD for my aerobics during the stretching and meditation section. My class loves the music, and over 12 of them have bought the CD to enjoy at home! I highly recommend this CD to any other aerobics instructors looking to enhance their relaxation segment of their class, and to any others looking for some truly soothing sounds!



5. It serves the purpose for which I purchased it. It is very soothing and relaxes me to go to sleep.

5 comments about It's Christmas, Man!.

1. As I am writing this, the CD is not currently available here, but you can order it directly from the band on their own web site.
   I remember "Must Be Santa" from the sing along with Mitch Miller records that we played at my house when I was a kid. Brave Combo makes that even more fun. They make a lot of classic Christmas songs more fun by arranging them in various styles including polka, ska, and different types of latin music. There are a few original songs here to, and out of those, "Christmas In July" is the best.
   I was enticed to buy this after listening to the samples available here. Try it, see if you like it too.



2. I had already owned a few BC CD titles when I heard about this 3 or 4 years ago. I immediately went to the Rounder records website and ordered 1 for me and 3 for my sisters. Having polka and traditional "Hunky" music played in our house growing up, there is something about it that just makes you want to move. Their version of "Must Be Santa" needs to be on repeat play for half an hour it is just so much fun at Christmas time. Arguably the best song on this CD. If you know anything of BC's music and other releases, you know that their style is all over the map with Polkas, Cha-Chas, Waltzes, and Reggae with touches of other musical forms thrown in the mix to make it interseting. Same thing here. What you get are 15 very different tunes that just make the holiday that much more fun. Not every song is a winner but the album as a whole does not disappoint. Much better than any Mannheim Steamroller release. I like Hard Rock and this works for me.



3. of my favorite Christmas albums. The other is Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. You got these two records at Christmas, you don't need anything else. You can skip the tree and the turkey and the presents and the lights. You'll need a stereo, but that's it. Electricity. You'll need electricity. But that's it.



4. I don't think I exaggerating when I say that it is quite simply the most enjoyable Christmas album ever made! The premise of the album is that each song is a different dance. From the Polka (Must Be Santa and Santa's Polka) to the Waltz (Buon Natale) to the Cha Cha (It's Christmas) and even the Hora (Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah), Brave Combo puts a very new spin on the Christmas genre. Though four of the songs don't hold true to the dance theme, all have that unique Brave Combo twist. Real standouts on the album are: Santa's Polka, The Christmas Song (Ska), Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah, and an amazing version of Ave Maria. I could listen to this song all year long...



5. Brave Combo is a polka-rock band and this is their Christmas album. It features traditional Christmas songs performed in an untraditional style, plus a few original Christmas songs. It is a heck of a lot of fun. "Must Be Santa" is my personal favorite, but the whole album is great. If you like upbeat, fun loving Christmas songs, you should enjoy this album.

3 comments about Christmas with Placido Domingo.

1. Perhaps it is a good thing that this album, which thankfully plays for just over half-an hour, is only available in limited quantities. I am an unashamed Christmas music lover, and I saturate myself with it every year, but this is one of the few Christmas albums by a classical artist that I would never bother with again. I have, so far, never given another album as low a grade as I am giving this one.
   
   First off, let me state that I am a great fan of Mr. Domingo--he is unquestionably the greatest living operatic tenor, and a pioneer in the rediscovery of neglected Spanish operatic works. But he massacres Christmas music, unless it is a specifically classical piece that he is singing, such as the "Ave Maria". How would you like to hear "White Christmas" made to sound like an aria from "Tosca"? You can, if you listen to this album, and it isn't something to look forward to. Bing Crosby is the last singer Domingo would ever remind you of in this song.
   
   The trouble with Placido Domingo singing popular songs is that he simply has not mastered the art (unlike baritone Thomas Hampson) of not making them sound like operatic arias. He tends to sing the simplest numbers in a grand, operatic style, not in an intimate one, although he certainly knows when to vary the sound of his voice when actually singing an opera, as his many great recordings demonstrate. Just compare this recording with Thomas Hampson's excellent Christmas CD, still on the market after more than seven years. Even Luciano Pavarotti did it better; he realized that his heavily accented English would crucify the classic Christmas songs, and so stuck to singing Yuletide favorites in French, German, and Italian.
   
   Avoid this Christmas CD, and any re-issues of it, at all costs. The orchestral arrangements are nothing special, either.



2. Some claim that Domingo's voice is not suited for modern-day carols and Christmas tunes. I would like to state that this is only partly true. Are you listening to "I'll be Home for Christmas" on this album to hear it sung as you have heard a MILLION times before? If so, then yes you will be disappointed. True Domingo fans, however, such as myself see this album as a triumph of his career, albeit not as phenomenal as his operatic works.

   His mastery of the language give Silent Night a new and uplifting light, sung in three different languages. The Vienna Symphony Orchestra backs him up wonderfully and the new songs take on a classical 'jump' that is more fun then wrong. He is simply put the world's best operatic vocalist (in my own humble opinion) and his velvet tones bring out the true feeling of the season in these carols.

   I found his power in the song "O Joyful Children" truly moving, a passionate work beyond reproach. You will be touched. Another piece that particularly stands out is "Mary's Boy Child," a traditional island Christmas tune given a sweet and soft performance by Domingo and the orchestra. He sings softly and sweetly for the verses, then triumphantly and powerfully in the chorus. And those are just a few of the songs on the album.

   This is a must-own for Domingo fans, opera fans even, and most certainly for Christmas lovers around the world. My only complaint is the brevity of the album. Oh, would that we could be treated to more works by this outstanding performer!




3. I purchased this for my mother as a gift. She had it on tape and listened to it until the tape wore out. She was just sick about that. I searched Amazon and found it on CD and she is thrilled. She listens to it all year long. It is her favorite Christmas music and Christmas is her favorite time of year so that should tell you something.

2 comments about Kenny Rogers Christmas Special with Bonus CD: Kenny Rogers V.1.

1. Great Christmas-DVD and the children was great when they were performanced together with Kenny Rogers! and Trisha Yearwood was great and so do Garth Brooks...so i have only positive things to add on this one!...Thanx and best regards from Bina*dec 5th 2007*ps i recieved this dvd today;o)



2. First, I must state that I trememdously enjoy Kenny Rogers. This DVD was a disappointment. Here is the listing:
   
   It's You and Me and it's Christmas - Kenny Rogers
   Sweet Little Jesus Boy - Trishas Yearwood
   Silent Night - Kenny Rogers
   The Old Man's Back in Town - Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood
   The Birth of Christ - Boys II
   Christmas in the Air - Kenny Rogers
   The First Noel - Boys II Men with Kenny Rogers
   White Christmas - Garth Brooks
   Carol of the Bells - Choir
   O' Holy Night - Kenny Rogers
   
   I prefer traditional Christmas songs, and Kenny Rogers only sang three of those (Silent Night, Winter Wonderland & O' Holy Night). Kenny hosted some inner city youths and much of the DVD was directed at them.
   
   Additionally the audio CD is NOT a Christmas CD. It is just Kenny Rogers regular songs, and not his best hits.

5 comments about James Brown's Funky Christmas.

1. Among the many joys of the holiday season, James Brown's Funky Christmas is very near the top of the list. For eleven months, my life is a little bit empty, until sometime between the day after Thanksgiving and December first when I break out this album and decide to officially start acknowledging that it's Christmas time. In fact, I'm amazed that this hasn't become a national ritual akin to lighting the Christmas tree. There isn't a thing on this earth that better prepares me for the season than Brown's soulful ode to yuletide joy.
   
   Throughout the uncharacteristically lengthy holiday album, there are the obligatory sprinklings of holiday "chestnuts" - "Merry Christmas, Baby", "The Christmas Song". Though far from definitive, James gives them the soul treatment and they are definitely enjoyable. It's the bevy of original music that makes this recording a masterpiece, however. Unlike the annual deluge of insipid offerings from artists inspired more by cashing in on a quickie than by visions of sugar plums, Funky Christmas is a well-thought-out, well-written, full-length album that has a ton of heart. James obviously approached this as more than a side project. Take "Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto" or "Hey America". They are undoubtedly Christmas tunes, but with thoughtful political lyrics, and nowhere near as corny as "Feed the World" or "Happy Christmas (War is Over)". "Sweet Little Baby Boy" is a gorgeous ballad, and ought to be a standard by now. "Soulful Christmas" is right up there with "Christmas in Hollis" as the best holiday song that Andy Williams never sang.
   
   Although Funky Christmas isn't exactly as funky as some of James' other work, it's got a lot going for it. You can tell from his voice that he's truly embracing the spirit of the season as he sings, howls or just plain talks over the music. Musically, of course, the album is top notch. Every song is warm and quaint, however, as if Bootsy is jamming on your sofa or Maceo is hanging out in front of the fireplace. Now, that's a Christmas party I want to go to.
   
   I have to confess, I'm a sucker for Christmas music anyway, but never do I have the urge to throw on Bing Crosby in the middle of the summer. One time, on my birthday (in August), a friend asked me to pick out a CD. I chose Funky Christmas and it was one of the most transcendent moments of my life. A little too transcendent, in fact. I've since decided to relegate the album to only the appropriate month for fear that I might somehow dash its funky holiday magic if I abuse the privilege.
   
   P.S. - RIP James!



2. Wow, it's Christmas 2006, and James Brown has left to spend Christmas in Heaven. I've listened to this disc a number of times this holiday season, and last. I like the unique tracks, and I find it hard to believe that I've never heard any of these on the radio before. I hope they'll be played every Christmas this day forward, because these songs are too good to not be heard.
   
   In truth, a few of these gems might be a bit too funky for shopping or driving. For example, a radio station might feel socially responsible for risking drivers listening to these tracks in traffic to put their hands in the air and wave em' like they just don't care (dangerous). Rest assured, the only risky driving tracks here are Go Power, Santa Claus...to the Ghetto, and Soulful Christmas. Just make sure to keep that funk in your trunk.
   
   The rest of these songs are safe for driving and beautiful, with awesome renditions of the classics such as Merry Christmas Baby (good for the yummy-yummy) and The Christmas Song. The rest of the album is filled with what I believe are original gems, with Let's Unite the World at Christmas and Let's Make This Christmas Mean Something This Year being just 2 fine examples. Must we endure the same classic holiday tracks every year?
   
   12-25-06 RIP James Brown. We LOVE you!



3. now i was not too hip on this one until my mind grew and became more open. my two faves on this one is LET'S MAKE THIS CHRISTMAS MEAN SOMETHING THIS YEAR and SOUND OF CHRISTMAS. i go absolutely INSANE when these joints play within my vibe doggone!!!! they almost NEVER play his christmas stuff on the radio where i am. AN INJUSTICE!!!!!



4. Many thanks to all the wonderful reviewers who shared their love on this page. I don't own it now but you can bet I will! Can't wait!! Isn't it just so fitting that he left us at this most perfect time?
   
   Rest in funky peace, Mr. Brown.
   
   Thanks to all.



5. I love this Christmas album! Tons of original tracks without a lot of covers. High energy for the most part and is great for holiday party mixes. You have to at least give it a listen. Stand out tracks include:
   - Santa Claus, Go Straight to the Ghetto
   - Soulful Christmas
   - Let's Make Christmas Mean Something This Year (James goes OFF in this one!)
   
   RIP

1 comments about The Best Christmas Album in the World Ever.

1. I first bought this album when I lived overseas in 1997. A Bristish friend introduced me to it and I couldn't get enough. These are some of the great modern christmas songs, rarely heard on mainstream stations. This album was so good in fact, it was stolen at a friend's holiday party. I HIGHLY recommend it.