4 comments about Christmas with Glenn Yarbrough.

1. If you are familiar with Glenn Yarbrough's sonorous voice but have not bought this Christmas album, you really should. If you are not familiar with Glenn, who goes back to the days of the Limelighters in the '60s, then you have been missing one of the great voices of the last half of the 20th. century. This Christmas album is a great way to learn about Glenn. After you hear it, you will be looking for more of his music, I feel sure. I first heard and saw him in concert at Notre Dame in 1963, and have been a fan ever since. On this CD, the traditional songs such as O Holy Night, Silent Night and It Came Upon A Midnight Clear are done in a way that makes them seem new. A song such as Scarlet Ribbons may have passed you by with you not realizing it IS a Christmas song and a beautifully done one by Glenn. Mel Torme could have no qualms with Gelnn's rendition of The Christmas Song. All 14 songs are fun to listen to and will put you in the Christmas mood.



2. For those familiar with Glenn Yarbrough, it is well known that every song is carefully selected and sung with heart. For years Glenn Yarbrough fans have waited for a Christmas album which the jolly man (Yarbrough) finally delivered in 1998. Again,he has carefully selected the holiday tunes that he can provide with total emotion, heart, and love. His renditions of the traditional Silent Night and the majestic O Holy Night are unequalled.Perhaps, the surprise is Yarbrough's interpretation of Scarlet Ribbons, a magic and breath-taking gift of a song seldom considered a holiday necessity. Alongside Nat King Cole's Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire album must stand Yarbrough's Christmas cd; it's essential.



3. Just a fabulous album to put you in the Christmas spirit. His unique voice allows him to make familiar songs new again. And his I Wonder as I wander is marvelous, his whistling better than most people can sing. If you think you have heard these songs sung before, don't worry, they come alive again. If you like Christmas this will add so much to your Christmas spirit. Only Nancy LaMott's Just in time for Christmas is in a class with this in my CD collection.



4. This album sure brings me back! Yarbrough's honey toned vocals with that slight peppery touch of tremolo really echoes in my heart. His delivery of these celebrated classics is timeless, nothing harkens back that old time Christmas jeer like sitting around the fireplace with the family, taking a long draw on the pipe and listening to Glenn Yarbrough. This album is great after a big meal, with perhaps a little cabernet and some fine tobbacco, Mr. Yarbrough has crafted here an album that will resonate through the centuries as one of the definitive Christmas masterpieces, from the jolly jubilee of "Have yourself a Merry little Christmas to the longing poetic balladry of "White Christmas" Glenn Yarbrough has brought us a beautiful piece of music, a record that will surely bring out the yuletide spirit in all of us.

3 comments about America's Newest Praise and Worship Favorites, Vol. 1.

1. A great, great praise & worship experience. The music & harmony are great. I never grow tired of it.



2. well all i have to say is that this Cd is really worth buying , not one song on Here soundes poor and as you know it is very very hard to find Cd's that have nothing but good songs on it,but there is only one thing wrong with this CD some songs on it are too short and i get mad because of that some , but it is only like two or three on there like that , the reason i get mad is because i'm a Music person and as soon as i start to get into the songs that are short (Click) they are over, so i just loop the songs lol, but if i could i would get this Cd all over again becasue it is that good



3. A good collection of modern worship.

   Also, at Amazon's free downloads, check out Recent Rainfall's "Declare Your Glory" It's a great modern worship tune.

5 comments about East Tennessee Christmas.

1. This is an excellent Christmas CD by a skilled guitarist, and am glad to have it in my collection.



2. This is the perfect Christmas background album. Just enough vocals to make it interesting--mostly just warm interesting instrumental music in Chet Atkins' style. We gave it to all our grownup kids for Christmas and, of course, kept one for ourselves.



3. I'm always annoying my wife by buying Christmas CDs that "we don't need." I broke this one out in the car and said, "Just listen to it once." I played the song "East Tennessee Christmas" first. Afterwards she said, "THAT is beautiful" and now she loves the rest of the CD as much as I do. Truly a gem.



4. The purity of this CD by a true master is almost hypnotic. Just the cut "East Tennessee Christmas" is worth the price. A little-known Christmas gem.



5. The guitar picking is minimal and the vocals are saccharine. Probably the worst album I've gotten with Chet Atkin's name on it.

5 comments about The Promise of Ages : A Christmas Collection.

1. If this album contained nothing but it's splendid rendition of Madan's Lo! He Comes, with Clouds Descending, the album would be worth owning. Fortunately, the entire album is a brillant mix of voices, instrumentals and performance styles; the resulting album can be played several times in successiion without becoming repetative - no small feat for a Christmas album.

   The album ranges from the 13th century Nuns of Chester to contemporary composers - Judith Weir - or nearly comtemporary - Britten, Holst ... with excellent sequencing so that no piece seems out of place.

   The instrumentation varies from the traditional organ with SATB choir to fiddle, flute, concertina and cello. This provides the variety that makes the album so listenable.

   For traditional Christmas music this album is a must.




2. If this album contained nothing but it's splendid rendition of Madan's Lo! He Comes, with Clouds Descending, the album would be worth owning. Fortunately, the entire album is a brillant mix of voices, instrumentals and performance styles; the resulting album can be played several times in successiion without becoming repetative - no small feat for a Christmas album.

   The album ranges from the 13th century Nuns of Chester to contemporary composers - Judith Weir - or nearly comtemporary - Britten, Holst ... with excellent sequencing so that no piece seems out of place.

   The instrumentation varies from the traditional organ with SATB choir to fiddle, flute, concertina and cello. This provides the variety that makes the album so listenable.

   For traditional Christmas music this album is a must.




3. Like another reviewer, I am thrilled at Lo! He Comes, as well as with the unfamiliar setting for Hark the Herald Angels Sing and the beautiful Sing We the Virgin Mary.

   If you love beautiful vocalizations, especially rare soprano-alto harmonizations, this is the album for you.




4. Loved this album the entire thing. An English flavour.
   Especially loved the Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending..
   heart stirring. A great way to get into the Christmas
   spirit and lift your heart.



5. Andrew Parrott, and the Taverner Concert and Choir have done it again !
   
   This is a superb collection of traditional music from the past, some of it familiar, some not so well known, all performed so very well.

5 comments about Charlie Brown Christmas.

1. Having read some of the other reviews, I felt a need to respond. Of course it's not exactly like the TV special's soundtrack - what would be the point of that? No one can duplicate the marvelous, timeless work of Vince Guaraldi, but Mr. Chestnut does an excellant interpretive turn on it. Yeah, it's different, but it's remarkable jazz, wonderfully musical, and adds a little modernistic zing into the classics. If you want EXACTLY the soundtrack, then don't bother. If you like variety and true jazz, you will love this twist on V.Guaraldi's classics. Even Lucy couldn't find fault with this album (I DARE you not to get up and dance to this Latin-flavored "Fur Elise"!!).



2. I received this CD from a giver who thought it was the original Guaraldi CD; so I was a little disappointed at first - but this recording has grown on me. Chestnut has reproduced the original Guaraldi themes on a few tracks, but more of the tracks are variations on his own new theme (stated in Track 1), mixed with new arrangements of Christmas standards and solid backing from a list of light jazz all-stars. I have both this CD and the Guaraldi Christmas in the changer, and shuffle them together - a perfect blend.



3. This is a great tribute to the original Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack that most of us remember. However, the key word is "tribute."

   Each song on this recording has its own "twist" from the originals, whether it is subtle or dramatic. Cyrus' arrangements are ultra-pleasant to listen to, as is the bulk of his other recorded work. As such, these updated songs which reflect the love put into them by Cyrus SUPPLEMENT Vince Guaraldi's original 1965 sessions, rather than REPLACE them. Nothing ever could replace the originals, especially for us purists! (I'm sure Cyrus himself feels the same way!)

   So...keep an open mind -- and enjoy the smooth and mellow stylings of this recording that gets better with each listen.




4. I first heard bits of this CD on a NPR show several years ago and then bought the album. I love Chestnut's playing, which is so versatile, and the incredible riffs of the other jazz musicians on this cd. I know most people love to hate "Little Drummer Boy" but the blues rendition on this CD is just amazing, particularly the trombone solo. And I also love the calypso version of Fur Elise. The Greensleeves is amazing also.



5. Instead of comparing CYRUS CHESNUT AND FRIENDS: A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS to Vince Guaraldi's original Charlie Brown Christmas, what comes to mind when hearing Chesnut's version is an excellent collection of Christmas songs old and new. Chesnut pays homage to his childhood memory as well as many other children's and adult's memories of songs and images of the Christmas season, which includes Santa, Rudolph, and especially the Peanuts gang who show us all what the real meaning of Christmas is.
   
   What is different from Guaraldi's record are two Chesnut original compositions, "Me and Charlie Brown" and the short "Baby Dance". Chesnut tickles the ivories with this relaxing and refreshing melody, which then proceeds to his version of "Skating" and "My Little Drum". Most of the tracks on the record are quite listenable all the way through. The record contains guest vocalists, Vanessa Williams, Brian McKnight, and the Manhattan Transfer who accompany Chesnut to memorable renditions of "The Christmas Song", "What Child Is This?", "Christmas Time Is Here," whic is one of the highlights of the record with its glorious choral accompaniment by the Boys Choir of Harlem. These tunes add a smooth jazz tone to the album as well as other notable tracks, such as the Latin sounding version of "Fur Elise", which may suit Salsa dancers out there, Peanuts' theme, "Linus and Lucy," and to add a little of jazz funk to the mix, "Christmas Is Coming." And to top off the record, the closing tracks, Greensleeves" and "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" are two perennial favorites not to miss.
   
   CYRUS CHESNUT AND FRIENDS is the perfect record to play during any Christmas gathering or during a relaxing end of the day.

2 comments about Visions of Christmas: An Instrumental Holiday Collection.

1. "Peace on earth to all man of goodwill" - This CD really puts you in the right peacful mood which, the Birth of Christ we celebrate at Christmas, reminds us of, brings around and urges us to do our part to achieve.

   Very exquisite instrumental arrangements of rare beauty




2. This is a compilation of gorgeous holiday arrangements. All instrumental, the sounds are lush, warm, and definitely peaceful. Track #8, Lo, How A Rose, is hauntingly beautiful. Myself a Christmas historian, I have hundreds of Christmas CDs. This is the first album I play each year in order to ease myself into the season. If I am looking for something to put me in the "Christmas mood" i.e. something jovial, this wouldn't be the album. No tinny-sounding keyboards or electric guitars. This collection is soothing and calm, one to be savored by the lights of the tree. It would also be a lovely backdrop for a time of Christmas devotion or meditation. These arrangements, though familiar carols, are fresh and unique sounding. Peaceful, but definitely not elevator music. Treat yourself to a rare moment of tranquility this Christmas. Buy this album.

No comments about Joyful Jazz.

1 comments about Away in a Manger: Most Beloved Christmas Songs.

1. This is an excellent CD for Christmas music. Many of the songs are so heart felt, that you will be in tears.

2 comments about Michael Praetorius: Christmas Motets & Chorale Concertos - Hassler Consort.

1. From the infamous "Es ist ein Ros entsprungen" to one of my favorites, "In dulci jubilo," this is just outstanding! Their rendition of Luther's "Vom Himmel hoch" is well done too!

   Hassler Consort conducted by Raml does an excellent job, with grace and force where needed.

   Listen to this and you'll be find yourself constantly humming this wonderful score as well.




2. I found the recording to be highly satisfactory. I had not heard the Hassler Consort perform before, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the quality of performance was excellent (I have been burned before by buying recordings of great works only to find that the artists are not quite up to snuff). If you are looking for a good, solid Praetorius recording, this would be one to try.

No comments about Christmas Is Here.