1 comments about The Ultimate Christmas Album.

1. If you want a good CD to listen to while doing your CHRISTMAS stuff around the holidays, this is it! Very good song selections, all your favorites.

1 comments about Liberace Christmas.

1. Liberace could play the piano like no other. I remember some of these songs from my childhood. The only thing that bugs me is the sound quality. It just doesn't sound remastered. It sounds like they put on some of his old records and just put those on a cd. it adds that vintage feel I guess. I still recommend this album to anyone who likes great piano music or liberace.

5 comments about Jingle Bell Swing.

1. This is a wonderful collection of jazzy Christmas songs. From the Big Band sounds of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, to vocals from Tony Bennett and Peggy Lee to name a couple, plus a great track by Miles Davis, this is a must have for all jazz lovers at Christmas time. Plus there is a fun reading of "Twas the Night before Christmas" by Art Carney. There is an excellent mix on this cd, that is sure to please most people.



2. This is a fun, bouncey, swingin' Christmas CD that you'll not get tired of.

   Fun tracks ("Winter Weather, "What Will Santa Claus Say?", "Shake Hands With Santa Claus"), mix freely with jazzy/loungey versions of classic standards. Russell Malone's "O Christmas Tree" has a suitable "Charlie Brown's Christmas" kind of feel. Duke Ellington, Chick Corea, Miles Davis, Louis Prima, Carmen McRae, and Tex Beneke are filling the stockings. Even Tony Bennett stops by, and his "Winter Wonderland" goes down as smooth and as warm as eggnog.

   There is enough variety here to keep you swingin' right through a stormy Christmas Eve. Whether you're just pulling the sleigh like all the other reindeer, or makin' like Rudolph with a shiny nose, depends only on how many martinis you've had.




3. More scattin' and swingin' can be found in this holiday gem, on which cool Yule music doesn't get any hotter. The Duke n "Jingle Bells." Benny and Peggy on "Winter Weather." Louie Prima on "What Will Santa Say When Finds Everybody Swinging?" Miles on "Blue Xmas." The surprise gem --- and it works, what a jewel 'tis --- Art Carney (yes, that Art Carney) on "'Twas the Night before Christmas." Ooooh Santa baby!



4. Let's face it: Most holiday compilations fall into one of two cataogories: 1) The same old hit warhorses in the same old versions, trotted out yet again, mixed with a bunch of junk chosen to fill out the CD and save the label on royalties; 2) Unmemorable interpretations by unknowns marketed at a budget price.
   
   This collection is neither of those. Instead, what you get is a collection of interpretations by some of the biggest names in the history of jazz and swing. Few of these would be called definitive, but most of these are excellent in their own right. And since you probably already have enough copies of ol' Bing singing "White Christmas", this is a nice collection to add into rotation for flavor. At the price, it's a no brainer.



5. For those tried of the same songs sung that same way over and over again this is an album for you. Some great swing jazz Christmas tunes on this album. 'Tis the Night before Christmas is one of the stand out gems on this album, which has become one of my favorites over the years. If you are looking for something a little different give this album a try. You will not be disappointed.

No comments about A Very Merry Mulberry Christmas: Wisconsin Version.

5 comments about A Walton's Christmas: Together Again.

1. I am 33 years old and grew up watching the Waltons. Since I am a big fan, I loved this cd. I also recommended the cd to my sister who loves the Waltons. After listening to it, she said, "I felt like I was one of them!" I also happen to like bluegrass and was thrilled that several of the songs fell into that category. My 4 year old boy loves listening to the readings "A Visit From St. Nicholas" and "Snowman Land". If you are one of us who secretly yearned to be a Walton kid, you'll love this cd.



2. I would give this CD 10 stars if I could. This CD was great, very uplifting, and worth every cent I spent. I wanted to get up and dance when I heard this CD. The songs are great, Michael Learned reading the Biblical account of Jesus's birth was wonderful, as well as Richard Thomas reading Twas the Night Before Christmas.



3. You'll love this album, especially if you enjoyed the "Waltons" when it was on television. With the cast joining in, and Jason singing, it reminded me of some of the songs he wrote and sang on the show. A great Christmas present!



4. You will enjoy this album, especially if you enjoyed the "Waltons" on television! The cast joins in and reminded me a lot of some of the songs that Jason wrote on the show and sang. A great Christmas gift!



5. HAVE ENJOYED THIS TAPE FOR OVER A YEAR AND PLAY IT ALL YEAR LONG. ESPECIALLY LIKE THE SONGS "FOLLOW THAT STAR" AND "GOODNIGHT". WOULD LIKE TO OBTAIN SHEET MUSIC TO THESE, IF POSSIBLE.

   THANKS,

   JA

4 comments about Gloria.

1. Rocketown has quickly become my favorite label because it's home of some of my favorite artists. When I first heard about this CD, I was excited because it would combine some of my favorite artists with my favorite genre, Christmas music. And, based on the Christmas themed songs they'd already written, this would be a great project.
   
   Then I bought it. The first time I heard it, I was highly disappointed. Probably the biggest problem I had with it is the high level of involvement of Charlie Peacock. While many think he's great, I'm not especially found of most of his work. While I still think it could have been better, it continues to grow on me.
   
   There are some great songs on here. "God is With Us," sung by Amy Grant, is great. In fact, it's better then her last Christmas CD. Wayne Kirkpatrick does a good cover of "Welcome to Our World." (In fact, that's another flaw with the disc. Where's Chris Rice?) And the covers of traditional carols are great, especially the haunting version of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."
   
   Probably my biggest complaints are a couple of the original songs. "Prepare a Place" featuring Michael W. Smith and Christine Dente falls flat lyrically. Musically, it's beautiful, however. When I heard Taylor Sorensen and Alathea were teaming up for a song, I knew it would be interesting. And I was right. "Love Came Just in Time" looks at Christmas from the perspective of Simeon and Anna. While an interesting take and fun tune, it doesn't quite live up to it's potential, either.
   
   Not all the original songs are bad, however. "Sing Gloria" is a great song of overflowing praise. Although I must ask what the deal with one line is. ("Like you're living in a house that has no ceiling?") And "Christmas Kind of Feeling" is a great celebration of the fun of the season.
   
   All told, this CD is worth getting. I'm just a little disappointed that it didn't live up to what I thought it could have been.



2. I ordered this cd for two reasons: 1. I love Christmas music. 2. I really love Christine Dente (Out of the Grey). The cd is really nice, but song #5, "Prepare a Place" is GORGEOUS! I play it over and over and over...you get the drift. Christine sings a duet with Michael W. Smith and WOW! Do they blend well! If you can sing, add the third part harmony and turn it up. It will give you goose-bumps to hear the "trio"! I say buy the cd if only for "Prepare a Place". It is worth the whole price!



3. if you are tired of all the typical christmas music, i recommend this cd. the more you listen to it, the more it grows on you. the 2nd track is so beautiful, and that's coming from someone who is not really a big amy grant fan.



4. Well, as I had expected when I first listened to the tracks, I was once again surprised and delighted by the professional and inspiring artistry on this record. Every single song on this project reflects the personality and talent of each artist. And when all these talents are combined with a clear Christ-centered message of salvation, how could you not like it? A shame that we must often wait Christmas season to savor such inspiring projects. This is what our generation needs today: more music centered on the person and salvation of Jesus Christ. We don't need much "hits", the world has enough of it, but we need to proclame the Gospel to as many people possible, leading them to consider how important it is to be reconcilied with their Creator. And what better than great Christian music can lead them to stop a while and think about eternity?
   This being said, it's hard for me to say which song is my favorite, as each one has its own style, but to mention a few: "God is with us" (Amy Grant), "Love came just in time" (Sorensen Taylor) and "O come o come Emmanuel" (Christy Nockels) are defo the top ones. I highly recommend this record to anyone who gives as much importance to great music genre and intelligent lyrics. God bless you all!

No comments about Mantovani Instrumental Christmas.

2 comments about Holidays.

1. When I saw this on a random search for Christmas tunes on Amazon recently, I thought it was another Christmas album by Brave Combo (I saw Santa on the cover and looked no further, plus they had already done the excellent "It's Christmas, Man!" in 1992). But I ordered it anyway, because well, I'll buy ANYTHING the Brave Combo put out - they're that good. And I was very pleasantly surprised. It is a "holidays" album, emphasis on the "s," with songs from all year `round, like the swingin' "Groundhog, Groundhog," the goofy "Vampire Twist," and the boppin' "New Year's Polka." Nineteen tracks in all, most of them brilliant - some touching, most funny, and all with the high level of musicianship I've come to expect from these guys. My only thought is, "how will I use this?" I can't just put it on around Christmas like other "holiday" CDs, but instead I'll be pulling it off the shelf throughout the year, one song at a play, for anyone I can get to sit down (or dance around) and listen. I guarantee the kids will be loving "I'm A Bunny Rabbit" at the very least. Pick this up; you won't regret it! And if you're not already a fan, check out all their other releases, incredible fun for your money, always guaranteed to put a smile on your face. (And I'm not even a polka fan, I prefer hard rock!) As major band member Carl Finch says in the Editorial Review, "Have fun. Stop worrying so much."



2. Playing Time - 53:55 -- When Brave Combo first formed in 1979 in Denton, Texas, they were called a New Wave polka band. However, a quarter century later, they've proven they are much more. Your hear influences of country, jazz, rock `n' roll, surf, blues, Celtic, Tex-Mex, Latin, Klezmer, big band, and salsa in their music. And there's a good measure of the novelty element too. So that explains Brave Combo's moniker and cryptic genre, but it's really not that baffling. Behind the scenes, I suspect that the band is very serious about their tunes. It shows in their arrangements and musicianship. For us, music is a rather personal thing, and we usually listen to it for enjoyment and stimulation. "Holidays!" succeeds because there's something for everyone. Brave Combo's prime directive is to "break down people's perceptions about what's cool to like in music.... to shake up people's ideas about what they label hip, or right or wrong." They also say that acceptance of polka and other dance rhythms can help bring about world peace. If people start dancing together, they'll also learn to respect each other's cultures too. So put your inhibitions and restraints aside...Get up and cut a rug.
   
   "Holidays!" gives us a fun, chronological journey through our favorite days of the year. They begin with "Auld Lang Syne" and "New Year's Polka," then take us through 19 cuts to "Mambo in a Brand New Year." But what happened to Martin Luther King Day in January? That's one of my favorite winter days off from work. Hey guys, it's not too late to pen a song called "MLK Porter," a tribute to the homebrewed beer that was started in a friend's garage that day. And where is the tribute to Veteran's Day? How P.C. is it to jump right from Halloween ("Vampire Twist") to "Thanksgiving Day." While definitely eccentric, they have built a legion of fans who like the outlandish with a grooving, danceable beat. Dr. Demento would appreciate them too.
   
   The package includes Larry King's liner notes about making the CD. As producer of the TM Comedy Central Network, he was on the lookout for good original songs that met their criteria for morning radio shows. Brave Combo is Jeffrey Barnes, Alan Emert, Carl Finch, Bubba Hernandez, and Danny O'Brien. Guests on Holidays! include Rob Avsharian, Joe Cripps, Milo Deering, and a whole host of background singers. With over a dozen albums out on the Rounder label, Holidays! is a playful phantasm of foolish and often frenetic festivity. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR)

2 comments about Jazz Musician's Christmas: The Tom Kubis Big Band.

1. A stunning collection of Christmas music put forth by some of the best jazz musicians on the west coast. Jazz wise it's all here. From the opening bars of "Joy to the World" there are treats in store for all who would venture here. Listen to Tom Kubis' soprano saxophone sound and you will never play another Kenny G CD ever again! Wayne Bergeron on trumpet and Andy Martin on trombone are just a few of the noteworthy soloists among many who perform on this album. First rate ... Wonderful ..... Spectacular!!



2. A great Christmas album for the jazz lover. Not the traditional Christmas music that we hear so much.

1 comments about Christmas Eclectic.

1. I bought this CD a few years ago, and I still love it! It's got a great "vibe". I really only listen to holiday chill/remixes now!
   Check it out!