5 comments about Romantic Christmas.

1. I play this CD every Christmas as I wrap presents. When my nerves are shot from Christmas over-activity, this music soothes the soul. Very beautiful.



2. I am not a huge John Tesh fan, but I do love this CD. In fact, this would be the second time that I have bought this particular collection of music. The first time was when the CD first came out, and you could only buy it on cassette tape! A decade later I have finally replaced it to CD and am delighted that I have. The whole CD is one that you can put in the player, curl up on your couch with some spiked eggnog and watch the fire burn down. It is an inspiring as it is relaxing, brings back memories of a quieter, and somehow nicer world than the one we all currently live in. It is not a piano pounding John Tesh, but the musical arrangements do have his mark on some of them. And this CD has my favorite rendition of Ava Maria. A mixture of classical, contemporary, choral and instrumental, I believe this is "THE" Christmas CD to own.



3. We had lost this CD and were able to repurchase it through Amazon. Item was received in excellent condition and was pleased with the prompt service.



4. I love music, and I love Christmas. This is one of my two favorite Christmas CD's. I recently bought a second copy to give my Mom (she loves music... and Christmas) as well. Simply wonderful.



5. I had lost my original copy and am so glad to replace it ... my Christmas music isn't the same with this selection.

2 comments about Bernstein Century: Bernstein on Jazz - What is Jazz?.

1. Bernstein provides a unique and wonderful look at America's original artform, jazz. In contrast to traditional, chronological approaches, Bernstein breaks down the musical components of jazz such as rhythm, melody, and harmony, and discusses the way they are used differently in comparison with Western European musics. Bernstein has a knack for discussing complex material and stating it in a way that all can understand, which is very evident here. Armstrong and Brubeck work wonderfully with the New York Phil. This is a must have for those just getting into jazz, jazz enthusiasts, and music educators.



2. Bernstein's approach to the subject of jazz is not so much a "book" approach as a "sound" approach. He analyzes the music itself and provides insight and perspective into the essence of jazz that few instructors before him have. Expecially helpful are the ditties he uses where he takes away the element of jazz (such as the blues scale or syncopation) so the listener can hear what a piece of music would sound like if it did not contain the essential elements of jazz. The CD is full of useful nuggets of information, some of which put a smile on my face for a whole day, because I had the feeling of knowing something that no one else did. (Like, did you know: classic blues lyrics are written and sung in iambic pentameter? It's true, and he puts together a blues riff with Macbeth to prove it. Very cool.) I recommend this CD to anyone who is interested in learning about jazz. It might not get too much repeat listening, but the first or second time through it is definitely worth it.

No comments about Biker's Holiday.

1 comments about Christmas.

1. i love ed van fleets music if you like spacey music and you wand christmas music then you will love this title! I LOVE IT!

5 comments about Sacred Chants of the Contemporary Synagogue.

1. What a voice...!



2. Hmm... Ok, maybe it was not the best reason to want to buy this CD, but I heard one of the songs on it, Hashkiveynu, performed (partially) during an episode of the West Wing, and it sounded AMAZING (it was NOT the same cantor as on this CD). I am not Jewish and not even very spiritual, but I wanted to have that song in my collection.
   I immediately searched the web for the info, got the name of the chant and found this CD. I almost purchased it without listening, when I found a different site, where they actually have rather long excerpts (2 min.) of most tracks, so I listened to them.
   Boy, was I relieved and disappointed at once! Relieved that I didn't buy the CD and disappointed that I couldn't get the song I wanted (I was willing to buy a whole CD for just 1 song, that's how much it impressed me).
   The song sounds very little like the one from the West Wing, although I do believe that the site where I found the info speficially pointed to this CD as having a recording of the same song used in the show. And I'm sorry to say it but the voice also doesn't hold a candle to the one used on the show - way too "operatic", as mentioned by many, and harsh and even unpleasant-sounding to me. It took all the charm and candor right out of the song (in the show, they had a much more natural voice do the song). I also agree that the choir does not mesh well with the soloist.
   If anyone knows where and if I can purchase a recording of this song done by a different singer (if it can be the one from the West Wing, I'll be thrilled), please, let me know. In the meantime, I'm passing on this CD...



3. The Reform movement has such an achingly beautiful cantorial tradition, not sufficiently recorded for my taste. And Cantor Garfein's credentials and reputation are sterling. So I approached this recording with anticipation and a strong disposition to love it. Alas, I find it hard to listen to. The quality of Cantor Garfein's rich mezzo invites me in, but her pitch control and technique quickly shut the door. The vibrato is constant and without nuance, and at times broadens to a wobble. Her attacks are all swoops and scoops (something delicious and effective in small measures) and I'm left longing for her to hit the note head on without sliding into it. Sometimes, as in "Mah Tovu", it seems to take her so long to settle into the note, I'm not sure what note she's singing.
   
   Yet your hearing of this might be different. I am neither a musician nor an expert, but I am sensitive to pitch and control issues that some don't notice. (I adored Beverly Sills in so many ways, but didn't enjoy most of her singing beyond the early 70s). If you share this experience, I would stay away from this recording. Otherwise you might find much to treasure.



4. I am sitting here trying to think of something nice to say about this singer's voice; I'm sorry, but I just can't find anything. Despite the training (Bachelor of Music from Rice University) that the album insert says that she has had, she can't hold a pitch, has a wild vibrato, and goes flat so many times I was gritting my teeth by the end of the first track. She's what many of my choir directors would have called a "Screamin' soprano" who can (most of the time... ok... SOMETIMES) hit notes, but lacks anything approaching vocal control. Certainly she doesn't sound as though she's had a voice coach in the last 15 years or so; I hope she gets one.
   
   Meanwhile, I'll be putting the album up for sale, as I can't even stand to listen to it.
   
   Spend your money someplace else.



5. Thanks for offering both recordings by Cantor Garfein. The first, Sacred Chants of the Contemporary Synagogue, has great significance as Cantor Garfein was the first female Cantor to be invited to perform in Berlin post WWII. The recording, made live eleven years ago, is a marvelously inspiring musical listening experience today and was obviously recognized then by a moved and appreciative audience which responded with prolonged and vigorous applause.
   
   The other recording, Golden Chants in America, cut several years later with the advantages of current professional studio technology, is a monument to the history of Jewish music in America over 350 years and Cantor Garfein's soaring voice brings it to vibrant life. A masterpiece of music and dedication.
   
   Should you find yourself in Manhattan and want to enjoy a wonderful musical treat, drop by any of the services of Rodeph Sholom and listen to Cantor Garfein sing in that incredible sanctuary. She can soar or gently caress the music or, on occasions, simply blow the walls off. Magnificent music by a great musician with a rich and exquisite voice! A great spiritual experience at no charge.
   
   J. Hall

2 comments about The Music of a Victoria Christmas.

1. While not all of the music presented on this CD is what one would consider "traditional" Christmas fare, I happen to find this a refreshing mix of recognized Christmas favorites tossed in with a wonderful rendition of great classical favorites. This pairing makes for a delightful classical Christmas CD which is both contemplative yet stirring. It happens to be the favorite Holiday CD in my collection. In fact, when Christmas is over, I hate to put it away!



2. Even though I recieved this CD after Christmas, I've enjoyed the music more than most of my recent purchases. There are only a couple of selections that would be considered Christmas carols, but even those, along with the others, are some of the loveliest music you could hope to find. Relaxing and uplifting at the same time. I'll be playing this all year round.

5 comments about Narada Christmas 3: Christmas Blessings.

1. i'm not a fan of new age. now that that's out, i have to say that this is the best christmas album i have ever heard. it is simply beautiful. that is all.



2. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS CDS ON THE MARKET. THE SELECTIONS ARE GREAT, AND THE ARTISTS ARE WONDERFUL. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CD FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES CHRISTMAS MUSIC.....



3. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH ANY OF THE NARADA COLLECTIONS OF THEIR
   CHRISTMAS MUSIC. I HAVE ALL THEY HAVE PRODUCED AND HAVE JUST ABOUT WORN THEM OUT (IF THAT IS POSSIBLE)..THE MUSIC IS GREAT
   AS ARE THE ARTISTS. YOU WILL REALLY ENJOY THIS CD AT CHRISTMAS
   FOR MANY YEARS TO COME......



4. IF YOU LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC YOU WILL LOVE THIS CD. AS WITH ALL THE NARADA CHRISTMAS COLLECTIONS THIS IS WONDERFUL. I HAVE A 5-DISC PLAYER AND I PUT ALL NARADA MUSIC ON IT AND LET IT RIP. I
   CAN SIT BACK FOR HOURS AND LISTEN TO THE BEST MUSIC ON THE PLANET I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AND ALL THE NARADA COLLECTIONS...



5. I own around 25 Christmas CDs and this one is my favorite.

No comments about A Christmas Homecoming.

5 comments about A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra.

1. If you are putting together a collection of Christmas albums that you'll enjoy for years to come; be sure to include this classic album from Frank Sinatra. An absolute must; whether or not you are a true Sinatra fan. Enjoy!!!



2. A great mix of contemporary and traditional Christmas songs sung by one of the great singers of our time: what more could one ask for? (I note that some of the reviews here appear to refer to albums other than this one, as they include references to songs not on this album.)



3. This has got to be the best christmas record ever made, sung by the greatest singer ever. Buy this cd, it is great!!!(not to be confused with The Sinatra Christmas albulm on the Reprise label, which I believe is what the two star review from New Zealand is refering to. No brady bunch here.)



4. A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra is an essential record to add to your Christmas collection. Trust me .... it doesn't get any better than this ! Happy Holidays !



5. Digitally remastered and re-released, this Christmas album, arranged and directed by Gordon Jenkins, is one of the very best musical celebrations of the holiday season. Throughout, Sinatra's sounds are accompanied and enhanced by the Ralph Brewster Singers, whose unusually sweet voices and wonderful soprano high notes add warmth and holiday cheer as they echo Sinatra, provide choral variations between stanzas, and sometimes even harmonize with him.
   
   Six modern Christmas songs begins the CD, including a swingy "Jingle Bells" ("I love those J-I-N-G-L-E Bells"), Mel Torme's "Christmas Song," and a song Sinatra has made his own, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." He follows these with six traditional carols. In "The First Noel," the Ralph Brewster Singers' large chorus sings behind him, featuring fine harmonies, expression, and counterpoint. Sinatra, with his trademark phrasing and sure sense of tempo, slightly changes some of the traditional lyrics on this song so that he escapes the standard phrasing and the lyrics flow more gracefully, something he also does on "Little Town of Bethlehem," resulting in new appreciation of the words and meanings.
   
   Two bonus tracks, both directed by Nelson Riddle, include Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" and Sinatra's original 1954 recording of "Christmas Waltz," which gets a different tempo from the Jenkins arrangement, which is also presented on the CD. With style and panache, leavened with holiday emotion, Sinatra, the Ralph Brewster Singers, and Gordon Jenkins present Christmas favorites, many of which (like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas") have become forever identified with Frank Sinatra. If I could have only one Christmas CD, this one would be high on the list of choices. Mary Whipple

2 comments about The Animals' Christmas.

1. This is my favorite.
   I am a parochial school music teacher and my dream would be for schools and churches across the US to start performing this excellent Christmas cantata each holiday season.
   Jimmy Webb (the composer) was certainly inspired. These songs creatively employ the basic Christmas story. The title may be deceiving in that some would think, oh, it is one of those cantatas that is more about the donkey in the stable or the sheep in the field than Mary, Joseph and Jesus. But that is not the case. Listen to it. Get a copy. I have 2, because they are hard to come by at times.



2. Jimmy Webb's Christmas classic is one that slowly grew on me(Like all my favorite albums!) and now it is on my short list of indispensible,never sell discs.My musical tastes run the gamut....this work exemplifies what I like most...a transporting experience.Though fable in nature...the reverence and magic of the Incarnation as seen through the various characters really is enchanting. There is a moment of ecstatic exuberance that is worth the price of this sometimes hard to obtain album.....at the beginning of the Carol of the Birds when....well...buy the album...hear for yourself!Buy two...if you lose it...you will miss it!!