5 comments about Carol Album: Seven Centuries of Christmas.

1. If you've never strayed into the Early Music racks, start here! And if you have 30" of Christmas CDs in your collection and half of them are Early Music and traditional, you're still going to love this! No muddy, pretentious, over-orchestrated stuff here. Just period instruments or fresh voices, and some gentle musical jokes. (The little-sung and wonderfully rhythmic "March of the Kings" instrumental starts out barely audible in the distance with the jingle of harness and bells, grows louder, then fades in the distance as though the magi and their magnificent procession had passed on. And "Il est ne', le divin enfant", which mentions the reedy voice of the musette, is played on one.)



2. If this very stylish album does not have something that will please you, you are just too hard to please. With carols spanning seven centuries, in French, German, and English, from the old world and the new, this is a comprehensive survey of the Christmas carol.

   The performances are not arranged chronologically, but rather in contrasting and complimentary order, alternating unaccompanied with accompanied, vocal with instrumental. Both the vocal and instrumental ensembles have a range of styles and sonorities. Compare, for example, the brash open sound of "The Babe of Bethlehem" and "Glory to God on High" with the restrained pure sound of "This endere nyghth" or the full sound of "Christum wir sollen loben schon."

   The booklet contains notes and texts as well as a list of players, but do not identify the various soloists.




3. Not only is this my own favourite, but so many friends have fallen in love with it hearing me playing it over the Christmas season, that I have frequently bought it as a (much appreciated!) Christmas gift. A wonderfully diverse mix of earlier Christmas music, performed with freshness and vigour. If I could only have one album of Christmas music in my collection, this would be it. (Messiah doesn't really count does it? It's not officially Christmas music!!)



4. CD sounds divine. If you want this album, thought you might like to know iTunes has it available for download for $9.99. I just mention that since most sellers are treating it like a hard-to-get collector's item, and charging some startling prices even for used copies.



5. This collection of Christmas music strives for authenticity in performance, right down to Old French pronunciation in "Il est né le divin enfant." The carols are of varying antiquity and presented, not in order of age, but in an order that makes for an enjoyable listening experience, by contrast. There is precision in singing, use of period instruments, and presentation in original languages. It all adds up to excellence. Further, it brings joy and delight to the receptive ear.
   
   Another reviewer said there wasn't any joy in these performances, and I say, "Humbug!" As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, joy is in the ear of the listener, and I couldn't receive this music without being transported to bliss.
   
   As to the first track ("Veni, Veni Emmanuel") and audibility issues many have complained about, it's apparent that the a capella singing gets louder and louder as the chant progresses and we, the listeners, are being given the experience of sitting in a large cathedral as the choristers make their processional from the distant back of the nave up the center aisle and into the choir stalls in the chancel. That's why the music is barely audible at first and gets gradually louder, until it has full of volume. It's also why it's the very first track -- the choristers are processing in to begin the concert.
   
   Hearing "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht" performed using its original tune and what is held to be and very likely is the original guitar accompaniment from 1818 was a revelation -- I no longer sing the "improved" version of the tune that has become universal. It has the character of a Tyrolean folk song, light, joyous, reverent, and close to the hearts of the people singing and hearing it in that small Alpine church.
   
   In fact, what's great about this album is that each carol conveys its original joy. The experience is enhanced by the welcome notes in the accompanying booklet that tell you about the history and background of each carol, the particulars of the version being performed, and more.
   
   This CD is like a box of See's chocolates for the ear. The Taverner Consort, Singers and Players eventually came out with a second volume ("The Carol Album 2") and that's definitely worth having, too.

2 comments about Superstar Christmas.

1. I was happy with this CD but would have preferred more music by Rieu.



2. This disc is a mish-mash cashing in on the likes of Andre Rieu(he appears on only two tracks)Pavarotti, etc. The albums greatest strength is in background or late night listening moods. The Vienna Boy's Choir rendition of "Deck the Halls" and Jose Carreras "White Christmas" provide the only spark in an otherwise lethargic set. Capella Gregoriana show their voice inventiveness in a couple of selections, while the Mormon Tabernacle Choir gives a ho-hum version of "Joy to the World" The sound quality and program is uneven throughout. Only at a cheap price this CD
   is considered a good value.

5 comments about Mark And Brian: Little Drummer Boys.

1. I bought it for the listener duet with Barry Manilow & The Jenerators. But found that it is great driving music all the way through. And the Elfis bit had my wife and I cracking up in tears. You'll Love it!



2. M&B have another great CD to add to your collection of favorite past moments. The WAY and The LIGHT are certainly concerned about entertaining their fans, and have shown it again in this CD. We can only thank M&B, and lets not forget the support staff for more great comedy and excellent music. This is a MUST have.



3. A devoted M&B fan, I jumped at the chance to purchase their new CD. I wasn't disappointed. Two CDs (one music, one comedy) packed with fun and wonderful music. Way to go guys!



4. How else can I possibly put it: Mark and Brian RULE. They ROCK. They REIGN.

   Across the spectrum from in-your-face toilet humor to subtle digs, jabs and feints at social mores, these kings of L.A. morning comedy never fail to dazzle.

   Proceeds go to charity: yet another reason to love the Way and the Light, and to buy this disc.




5. Stern follows M & B with a shovel and cleans up their mess. Mark and Brian are 2 of the funniest men to ever grace the airwaves. With Brian Phelp's background in improvisation, and Mark Thompson's, sometimes, scatalogical humor and real life family funnies, you cannot go wrong.

5 comments about Christmas with Robert Shaw.

1. In short, this CD is fabulous! If you like choral music, Robert Shaw just does it perfectly in this CD. From the hushed entry of the voices over the distant bells in O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, through the exceptional Gloria in Excelsis, past the Et in Terra Pax (my personal Valium --the music takes you down and down until every muscle is limp--try it with earphones), to the Dona Nobis Pacem and Hallelujah, it's a glor-i-ous trip. (Unfortunately, the double-album version of this collection with twice as many pieces, entitled Nativity, no longer seems to be available.)



2. This CD has been a family favorite since it was released. I'm glad I finally have my own copy! It is incredibly moving and gorgeous. No sappy pop hits, just extremely glorious music.



3. I purchased this album in the late 70's as a 2 record LP. It is the only LP I still have as I was hoping that they would release it on CD. What a delight to finally discover it on CD! I am a lover of Christmas music without end and this is my very favorite. The music and the performances are simply glorious.



4. This is an outstanding album - my favorite of the season.



5. If possible I can easily award 7 Stars since it's a Holy number!
   Even Sir Robert would have agreed...Because I believe he spoke of this 1975 recording several times as one of his favorites!! When we recorded that 4th night of the Christmas With Robert Shaw Concerts, all of us choristers were tired. We quickly came to attention when our conductor said, "There is sizzling in some darn lights up there!" We were surprised that he did not use the other popular 4-letter word beginning with D___!
   
   That was my last evening to rehearse or record with our creative genius of a Choral Maestro. Since early in his time of coming to Atlanta, I had wished for the privilege of singing under him for more than just a single week's workshop at Princeton...so here I came every Monday from Marietta to enjoy a choral feast!
   
   Although Donald Neuen, along with Greg Jessup of newest Mormon Tabernacle Fame are two Examples of Choral finesse, I still hear Sir Robert's voice when his Vivaldi, "Gloria" his favorite Bach
   "B-Minor Mass," or Berlioz's "Requiem" ended with..."Well-done, People!" Much like his Biography is titled Dear "People...Robert Shaw."
   
   This reprinted CD from December, 1975 is a wonderfully lasting testimony to the fabulous choral excellence of Mr. Shaw Himself. Even after singing with him dozens of times he was always to me, MR. Shaw. So when Advent rolls around in Nov-Dec I break out "Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light; "Kyrie Eleison and Dona Nobis Pacem"; "Shepherds' Farewell to the Holy Family!" What superb glorious memories they conjure up in the mind and heart of this eternally older Chorister... Sincerely, Retired Chaplain Fred W. Hood

2 comments about Christmas with Glen Campbell.

1. This ablum is some of Glen's very best Christmas songs. I can remember this was one of the first Christmas albums that I heard as a child and it brings back wonderful memories. Glen has a way of expressing the feeling of Christmas through his voice. I strongly recommend this album to anyone who also enjoys Bing Crosby and John Denver.



2. Glen Campbell has recorded several Christmas albums in his incredible career. During his late 60s heyday, there was That Christmas Feeling on Capitol. It went gold. Unfortunately, those tracks are often mixed with some singles in various compilations. Fans should get a complete Christmas on Capitol, similar to the one done on Decca/MCA for Brenda Lee. In the 90s he cut some wonderful Christian albums for New Haven Records. One was Home For The Holidays. Christmas With Glen Campbell was next on Laserlight. Finally, he cut another Christmas album in connection with a TV special. This Laserlight album is his very best Christmas album. In the liner notes, he mentioned the fun he had recording it. Believe me, it shows on every track! He recorded it during his time in Branson. The band is incredible. Glen's in great vocal form. Also, there are several guitar solos, most by him. Too many of his later albums have him playing little, or not at all. His version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is in between the two common arrangements of this song. We also hear him on the bagpipes on "I Saw Three Ships." This is one Christmas album you will enjoy all year round. My only complaint is that it's only about 35 minutes long. You should buy a copy now.

2 comments about Sleighride.

1. Randy Van Horne is responsible among other things for providing the vocal group that sang all of the Hanna-Barbera cartoon themes such as The Flintstones, Jetsons, etc. They appeared on almost every Esquival album as well as backing up Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and many others. The group included Marni Nixon the famous singer who dubbed for Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady and Natalie Wood in West Side Story. Thurl Ravenscroft the voice of Tony The Tiger is also in this prolific group. The Cd takes you back to a time when great jazzy choral groups used their musicianship to create a blanket of harmony. On this CD which has been digitally remastered, you hear it as never before. It's the perfect fireside Winter evening companion for those who like lounge or retro. Many fondly remember this album from their youth, sure to be a hit with people of all ages. Not a Christmas album, it's about Winter, enjoy!



2. While this album, from 1960, isn't actually a christmas album (in that no soing has the word 'christmas' in it or anything specifically 'christmas'), the songs are in fact, the usual christmas standards in most cases. It's like this:
   
   SLEIGHRIDE are JINGLE BELLS are two songs that are commonly accepted as christmas songs. I mean, what can be nicer than taking a slighride (which both songs kinda deal with) on christmas eve and christmas day with your family and/or friends. Because of this and their almost always association with christmas albums (being songs on christmas albums), these two songs are as much christmas songs as WHITE CHRISTMAS or THE CHRISTMAS SONG are. In fact, both SLEIGHRIDE and JINGLE BELLS are among the greatest versions of each song ever recorded.
   
   Another song on this album like the popular LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW is also accepted as a christmas song because what's nicer than a 'white christmas?' You need it to snow so you can have that 'white christmas.' THE FIRST SNOWFALL OF WINTER follows this 'white christmas' trend and so is itslef a christmas song as much as it is a winter song. Both of these songs are also wonderful versions of each of them.
   
   THE SKATER'S WALTZ is a nice and romantic song where you can picture a couple taking a skate on a local pond, perhaps, on christmas eve or christmas day. The wintry scene this song portrays is again that of a 'white christmas.'
   
   This wintry, romantic, and 'white christmas' feeling is also strongly found in WINTER WEATHER, WINTERTIME, and BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. These songs make me think of one sitting by the fireplace and christmas tree some evening just before christmas (perhaps christmas evening or day) with a cup of hot cocoa along with that special someone.
   
   A great thing about this album is that not only is every song great and top-notch, there are several rare songs along with the usual standards which makes this a really great and fresh christmas recording.
   
   The style of this album (both singing and backing music which seems to be a small band such as a jazz combo rather than an orchestra) is one of a romantic jazz/jazz crooner, (though not necessarily just jazz), relaxed, almost lazy style at times (in a good way) and influences are PERRY COMO - SEASONS GREETINGS lp from 1959, especially PERRY'S versions of WINTER WONDERLAND, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, and SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN TO TOWN (bacause of the relaxed and sometimes almost lazy sound) or even THE NORMAN LUBOFF CHOIR non-christmas compilation cd, TICKET TO THE MOVIES (though, with a christmas styling). There is a more upbeat sound too, in songs like SLEIGHRIDE and JINGLE BELLS.
   
   Great background music as well for when you have company over during the holidays for something different than the usual norms of christmas music (yet just as beautiful as the best of them).
   
   Very, very recommended.

1 comments about Piano de Navidad.

1. We heard this CD while visiting the Dominican Republic during Christmas. A guard was kind enough to get the name of the tape and the pianist for us. Bought the same afternoon. The CD version is even better!! Beautiful Christmas music with a Latin twist!!! Listen to it: You wil love it!!

4 comments about Christmas Harp 2.

1. This lovely music has helped me put some calm in the holiday chaos. My favorite Christmas present to myself this year!



2. This one - Christmas Harp 2 - is in my opinion even better than Cindy Horstman's earlier CD, Christmas Harp, but my Christmas CD collection would be incomplete without both of them. I pull these CD's out this time of year when I need de-grinching and I want to get into the right seasonal spirit. They do the job, too.
   
   Energetic but not frenetic, beautifully arranged and impeccably performed, these songs work as background music and are also ear treats when you crank up the volume and really listen to them. I brought this CD into the office today and played it; people were stopping, popping their heads into my office, and enthusing over the music.
   
   Go get your own. You can't have mine - my seasonal spirit of giving has its limits!



3. Cindy Horstman is a fun, creative harpist. As a fellow harpist, I enjoyed listening to her jazz and new interpretations of these Christmas standards.
   Sally Fletcher



4. CINDY'S STYLE OF MUSIC IS UPLIFTING AND RELAXING AT THE SAME TIME. CINDY BECOMES ONE WITH THE MUSIC AS SHE PLAYS. IT IS AS IF HER SOUL AND THE MUSIC ARE ONE. SHE HAS CHRISTMAS HARP CDS 1 AND 2. YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY OWN BOTH. THESE ARE THE BEST HARP CDS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE.

1 comments about A Christmas Present From Motown Vol. 2.

1. Many Motown stars recorded Christmas albums and tracks from those albums have been the source of many Motown Christmas compilations. This is one of a pair of British budget compilations that are as good as any I've seen, with an excellent mix of famous and obscure songs and all the singers you expect to hear.
   
   Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Temptations and Stevie Wonder are each represented by three tracks. The Jackson five get two tracks. The Four Tops also get two, including one featuring guest vocalist Aretha Franklin. Kim Weston and Marvin Gaye have one song each.
   
   For me, the highlights are Everything for Christmas (Temptations), Little bright star (Diana Ross and the Supremes), Warm little home on a hill (Stevie Wonder), My Christmas tree (Temptations) and Someday at Christmas (Stevie Wonder) but there are many great tracks here and you may have different favorites.
   
   This compilation stands on its own or as a companion to the equally brilliant first volume.
   
   Track listing
   
   This Christmas - Temptations
   Noel - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
   Everything for Christmas - Temptations
   I'll be home for Christmas - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
   Christmas song - Marvin Gaye
   Little bright star - Diana Ross & The Supremes
   Warm little home on a hill - Stevie Wonder
   Winter wonderland - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
   My Christmas tree - Temptations
   Someday at Christmas - Stevie Wonder
   Wish you a merry Christmas - Kim Weston
   White Christmas - Diana Ross & The Supremes
   Silent night - Four Tops & Aretha Franklin
   Rudolph the red nosed reindeer - Jackson Five
   Little drummer boy - Stevie Wonder
   My favourite things - Diana Ross & The Supremes
   Twas the night before Christmas - Four Tops
   I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus - Jackson Five

1 comments about A Country Superstar Christmas, Vol. 2.

1. Various artists Christmas collections usually contain plenty of old chestnuts, but there are not many here. That suits me fine, though whether the casual buyers at whom this is targetted will appreciate it, I'm not sure.

   The most famous songs are Little drummer boy, I'll be home for Christmas and It's the most wonderful time of the year. Most of the other songs are original, though Nothing but a child (Leaa Ann Womack) was written by Steve Earle. My favorite track here is Two step round the Christmas tree, a song Suzy Bogguss co-wrote. The version here is her first solo recording of the song. Suzy also recorded it as a duet with Michael Martin Murphey (that version can be found on his first Christmas album, and also on Volume 4 of this series) and later re-recorded it for her own Christmas album.

   There are many other great songs here, some of which can be found on Christmas albums by the individual singers, but not all. For example, the excellent Brooks and Dunn song, Cabin in the valley, can only be found (at the time of this review) here or on another great Christmas compilation, Star of wonder - when they eventually released a Christmas album, this song was not included.

   This is a wonderful Christmas collection, especially for those who are tired of hearing the same old songs.