No comments about What About Christmas.

No comments about Magical Christmas.

3 comments about Blanca Navidad.

1. This album is a holiday tradition in my family. It wasn't officially Christmastime until Mom put it on the record player and we heard the opening notes of Noche de Paz (a song we kids came to call "Bing Bong" because of those initial guitar notes). Los Panchos are fabulous and Eydie is, as always, completely brilliant. Together they make incredible music, and Blanca Navidad deserves a place as one of the all-time great Christmas albums. You don't have to understand Spanish to appreciate each and every beautifully crafted song. Give it a listen and I have no doubt it will become a part of your own holiday tradition.



2. The easy swing with which this combination of Eydie and Los Panchos approaches every single song it touches is reminiscent of the spirit of giving that we all associate with La Navidad. I have and adore Los Grandes Exitos and the Christmas CD has all of the feeling and all of the joy and sensuality, and it is in Spanish! I have to say that the Christmas tradition here in the U.S.A. emotes somewhat differently (generally associated with snow and coziness in the Ol' Home Place) than it does for our somewhat warmer neighbors to the south, but nonetheless, what a wonderful way to get to celebrate the most grande of celebrations!!! Enjoy...



3. Eydie's voice is so amazing, and this album brings back ALL of my childhood Christmas memories. Wonderful album, I'm so glad I was able to find it!

1 comments about Concord Jazz Christmas 2.

1. This second volume of Christmas songs and carols, featuring an all-star line up from the vaults of Concord Jazz is outstanding, to say the least. Concord presents twenty-three selections (includes medleys), featuring vocals, trumpet, tenor sax, flute, requinto guitar, Hammond B-3 organ, and piano, by top performers in their field.

   The highlight of this album, is the arrangements and attitude of each soloist and group, featuring unique styles with incredible variety, sure to brighten any Holiday Season. Every track should be on your Christmas list for enjoyable and inspirational listening...something for everyone - "A CONCORD JAZZ CHRISTMAS 2"...will get you into the festive mood!

   Total Time: 71:39 on 17 Tracks...Concord Jazz 4720...(1996)

1 comments about Dramatic Christmas: Very Best Christmas.

1. I've been a fan of the Dramatic's since the '70's. They are my number one group. Keep up the good work. I'm looking forward to each and everyt concert in DC.

5 comments about Czech Christmas Mass.

1. Ryba's christmas music is not really a mass in any sense - the different sections of a pastorale about a servant waking his master to go to Bethlehem may be named after sections of the Latin mass but the similarity(!) stops there. This unfortunately is not the best version. In 1998 the Czech branch of DG-Archiv recorded a more glossy version with Robert Hugo (and Magdalena Kozena singing three Ryba pastoral-songs in addition). It costs a little more, but includes the Czech texts and translations which are essential to enjoyment, which (unusually for Naxos) this release doesn't. The shorter 'Missa Pastoralis' coupling here is about the same length as the 3 songs on the Kozena disc.

   There is also a version on Supraphon - but I haven't heard it and don't know if it includes texts or not.




2. Very good music for the season is contained on this CD. No, it is not exactly jolly but it reminds us of the reason for this holiday in a very profound way. It is wise to be jolly and rejoice in the mysteries that life holds and the essence of our being. Let the music be a reminder of what is good on this earth.



3. What a work, again like nothing ever done
   during 18th century or before. A religious
   work in the language of its composer, Czech!
   of course at that time the second council
   of the vatican had not yet been established.
   The work follows the ordinary of the mass.The
   melodies a very joyful, and sweet, Mr.Ryba must
   have had his share of fun writing this work, it is
   performed on modern intruments(not early instrument
   regretably) but however, it is the best performance
   available.The Missa Pastorilis also by Ryba is included
   in this disc, receiving its world premiere recording
   (first time ever recorded). Both are great works full
   of lyric moments and lovely melodies, this is
   a great gift for any classical music fan this holiday
   season.



4. Thia effervescent work should be as much a traditon as Messiah and Mess de Minuit. This performance drags a little at times, but has enough life to be thoroughly enjoyable. The soloists are strong enough for the not terribly demanding parts. To my ears, there is a joyful cross-polinatiion between Mozart and Prague inn this mass.



5. Brought this disc after hearing an excerpt on public radio and was not disappointed. The singing and orchestal sonics are clear and well paced and balanced. It's a beautiful piece of music which seems to become more interesting with frequent playing. Highly recommend this disc for one whose interest is in just hearing pleasant and different piece of music.

5 comments about Original Soul Christmas.

1. Out of all the songs on this CD, King Curtis' WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR'S EVE and THE CHRISTMAS SONG tops them all. These instrumentals that takes me back to a simpler time where black is black and white is white. Listening to it makes my eyes misty and my throat choked up and feeling all giddy inside. The King Curtis - Duane Allman combo captured the true meaning of devotion to their craft - making real beautiful music. Getting this CD is worth it if you want to listen to those majestic songs!



2. Everytime this LP was playing at christmas or just putting up the tree my mother and my siblings as well as the grandchildren
   would every song, i can't think of any lp on this ocassion other
   than Nat King Cole is great!!!



3. One word review, indispensable! Play it loud.



4. Quite apart from the Phil Spector album, the sixties yielded a lot of great Christmas music and this collection of music from the Atlantic group of labels provides further evidence.

   It begins with Back door Santa by Clarence Carter, which was later sampled by rappers Run D M C for their Christmas in Hollis. Even if you're not a rap fan, you may have come across this because it was included on the first volume of A very special Christmas. I much prefer Back door Santa in its original form.

   There are two instrumentals by saxophonist King Curtis (Christmas song, What are you doing New Year's Eve) and three instrumentals by Booker T and the MG's (Silver bells, Jingle bells, Santa Claus is coming to town). Five instrumentals is more than I would ideally like but they are of a very high quality so I don't mind.

   Perhaps the star of this collection is Otis Redding. He only ever recorded two Christmas songs and they are both featured here. He makes White Christmas sound like an extremely sad song. I've heard countless versions of this song and I don't remember hearing anybody else sing it like Otis. While I wouldn't like everybody to make it sound so sad, the Otis version is certainly more interesting than yet another standard cover. As a contrast, the other Otis track, Merry Christmas baby, is pure fun.

   Carla Thomas contributes two songs while Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, William Bell and Ray Charles all feature on one song each. All these tracks are excellent and are typical of the performers.




5. Consider yourself lucky if you own a copy of this on CD. Because the foolishness that is so typical these days of record labels has struck again! Rhino Records issued this classic set on CD for the first time in 1994. But in the last few years, they somehow decided it's not worthy for sale any longer, and thus have put it out of print. Shame on them! A classic soul holiday album like this should never be put out of print!!!
   
   The one CD that's still available as of this writing that comes closest to "Original Soul Christmas" is the 1991 Atlantic Records compilation "Soul Christmas". But even though that set has more tracks (20) than this one (14), there are five tracks from the "Original Soul Christmas" CD reissue that were not included on the 1991 "Soul Christmas":
   
   - "The Christmas Song" by King Curtis
   - "Jingle Bells" by Booker T. and The MG's
   - "Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday" by William Bell (though the 1991 set contains a different version of the song by The Sweet Inspirations)
   - "Christmas Time" by Ray Charles
   - "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" by Booker T. and The MG's
   
   However, it should be noted that the last two of the above five tracks were also not included on the original 1968 vinyl LP release of "Soul Christmas" by Atco Records.
   
   Here's my suggestion to help give this set the respect it truly deserves: reissue "Soul Christmas" as a two-disc set fully remastered. Disc 1 would have the tracklisting of the 1968 original "Soul Christmas" LP in the same order as the original album release. Disc 2 would contain all the other tracks on the 1991 "Soul Christmas" CD, plus the two remaining tracks on the 1994 "Original Soul Christmas" CD that were not on the 1991 CD, plus a few other soul holiday classics not included on either the 1991 or 1994 CDs (in order to fill the second disc to the max). Also, the liner notes from both the 1991 "Soul Christmas" CD and the 1994 "Original Soul Christmas" CD should be included. Then, put the 1991 "Soul Christmas" CD out of print and charge a higher price for the 2-disc set. It makes so much sense, that I doubt Rhino Records (or any other label for that matter) would ever do it. And if they're not gonna do that, they should at minimum put the 1994 CD back into print.

3 comments about My Favorite Time of the Year.

1. Originally released on an Independant label, Dionne's Christmas album is not to be missed. It was originally released in 2004 and for some bizarre reason wasn't re-released until now. The album cover is a reshoot, the previous cover featured a smiling Dionne facing forward and the photo was "framed" by gold trim. Dionne's voice is deep and sultry, the arrangements vary from smooth jazz to lush strings to contemporary and given the singular theme of Christmas the various styles aren't abrupt. Gladys Knight and BeBe Winans make welcome appearances and both duet partners sound as if they really enjoyed themselves, they don't sound like they are making just another Christmas recording. This cd for me will continue to be a part of my Holiday celebrating and kudos to WEA/Rhino for re-releasing it.



2. Dionne Warwick is one of the greatest female vocalist of all time. This Christmas CD is living proof that a singer can age with dignity and grace. Her voice has matured in the past ten years for the better. While her range may not be what it once was, she still hits notes that most twenty year old singers can't. I prefer her voice this way. It is warm and full of emotion. Her delivery on these songs comes across as soulful and melodic. Here is a track by track breakdown:
   
   1.) THE CHRISTMAS SONG - Dionne sings this song beautifully to a slow and relaxing tempo. It's the perfect way to kick back after a long day at work.
   2.) WHITE CHRISTMAS - This song has a jazz influence to it. It features the wonderful sax work of Mr. Dave Koz. It too is a nice slow groove that is perfect to play while warming up with your special someone during the holiday season.
   3.) SILENT NIGHT - This song is absolutely fantastic! I have always disliked this song, but Dionne's recording is the greatest version I have ever heard. It is just her voice and a piano. It is so well done that I am sure Mahalia Jackson smiled down from heaven when Dionne recorded it. Exceptional!
   4.) JOY TO THE WORLD - Here is a hand clapping soulful number. Every time I hear this version, I picture Dionne singing with a full church choir backing her up. Pure fun!
   5.) IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR - This a perfectly upbeat version of a wonderful song made famous by Johnny Mathis. Dionne nails it and does so with a genuine sincerity that only she can deliver.
   6.) I BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS - This is a duet with BeBe Winans. This original song is an infectious R&B number you'll have stuck in your head, long after listening to it.
   7.) MY FAVORITE THINGS - This classic song is a nice mid-tempo number that Dionne sings very nicely. She has a way of phrasing her words and bending notes that is totally unique.
   8.) SILVER BELLS - Dionne use to sing this song for Pope John Paul II every year at the Vatican. It was his favorite Christmas song and after listening to this version you'll know why. Simply the best!
   9.) O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL - Just like Silent Night, this song is another gospel inspired classic. I have always loved this song and Dionne delivers with big powerful vocals.
   10.) WINTER WONDERLAND - This version is a jazzy take on a holiday classic. I think it is fun and it makes an old song interesting again.
   11.) I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS - A slow and sexy vocal on a beautifully sad song. Dionne once again does a splendid job of executing an emotional vocal.
   12.) HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS - This is a fabulous duet with Dionne's long time friend Gladys Knight. They always sound great together. You can tell they love singing together and they harmonize beautifully.
   13.) HAPPY HOLIDAY - A very relaxed version of this holiday standard. The CD starts the same way it begain, smooth and sexy.
   
   As you can tell I love Dionne and this CD. If you decide to add it to your holiday collection you will be forever grateful. It is a holiday masterpiece sung by one of the greatest female vocalist ever.



3. This is a beautiful CD. I have always been a fan of Dionne Warwick and I love her Christmas CD. I thought it was beautiful and even ordered one for my best friend. She loved it, too.

1 comments about Christmas with Carmen Cavallaro.

1. Cavallaro was a piano virtuose. Listen the tracks (Jingle Bells, for example) and verify that this is in fact a very beautiful CD. I think I have bought today one of the 2 last used albums from Amazon.
   
   Another very good Christmas CD is Beegie Adair's. Two different styles. Both very nice. BUt this CD is, in my opinion, very special.

4 comments about Traditional Christmas.

1. I was surprised to find that Joe Nichols was releasing a Christmas album. Isn't it a bit early? Does he really have enough of a following to justify this outing? Now, having listened to the album, I see that he doesn't need to have a following; this music justifies itself, and with any luck it will sell itself, too. Very good, very down-home, very listenable. I'm impressed.



2. I'm not a big fan of Christmas music- I know, it sounds so strange, but I'm not. But this album is just phenomenal and makes me want to curl up by a garland-covered fireplace mantle, fire a-blazing, and drink hot cocoa and wrap presents. It's sensational; from a non-Christmas music fan, this is big news. :)



3. This is my favorite Christmas CD ever. It is very traditional and the best!



4. No new songs -- these are all oldies and classics like "Let It Snow," "Silent Night" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas" -- but it's a darn fine performance. Nichols is at his Merle Haggard-y best, and the arrangements are pretty down to earth. If you want a country Christmas record that actually sounds country, give this one a spin. It's pretty good.