5 comments about O Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols at King's College, Cambridge.

1. For traditional Christmas Carols, this choir is really weak and the selections could be better. I prefer stronger choirs such as the Robert Shaw Chorale.



2. I always love King's College Christmas CD's. The music sung by these awesome voices is like hearing angels in heaven praising the newborn King. I have also sung some of the descants used with the old favorites like "O Come, All Ye Faithful". The soaring of the young boys' voices in songs like "Once In Royal David's City", is just beyond compare. Be sure to buy one or more of the King's College CD's and just sit, listen, and fully enjoy the music.



3. This is familiar, traditional Christmas music, very well-crafted and performed in the Anglican style of hymnody. One of the best ever Christmas albums.



4. I live in the D.C. area and have the former Classical Station WGMS to thank for introducing me to the King's College Cambridge Choir. This wonderful radio station used to play gorgeous Christmas music all through December, but alas it (the station) is no more, which is why I bought the CD. The CD is exquisite, every carol fills me with the proper Christmas spirit of reverence, benevolence... to think of music doing that to a driver in this area is quite impressive, as the traffic around here would try the patience of St. Francis himself. Anyways, this music is an absolute joy, a blessing, a comfort, and I would recommend it with ten stars if I could. Do yourself a favor, buy this beautiful CD collection and truly FEEL the Christmas spirit in 08!!!



5. I just read J Morgan's review. I like Robert Shaw too, but Kings College Choir is fabulous. Too bad this disc is no longer available new.

4 comments about Memories of a Winter's Night.

1. Personnel: Dave Koz (alto saxophone); Gigi Worth (vocals); Ray Parker, Jr. (guitar); Michael Thompson (guitars); Doug Pettibone, Phil Parlapiano, Bruce Watson (acoustic guitar); Paul Jackson, Jr., Tony Maiden (electric guitar); Jeff Koz (nylon-string guitar); Jim Culbertson (trumpet); Nick Lane (trombone); Eddie Miller (Hammond b-3 organ); Brian Simpson (keyboards); David Piltch (acoustic bass); Bill Sharpe, Alex Al, Fernando Perdomo (bass guitar); Gerry Brown, Stephen Theard (drums); Brian Kilgore (percussion); Brian Culbertson (drum programming); Ester Nicholson, Sandy Simmons, Bridgette Bryant (background vocals). Additional personnel: Brenda Russell (vocals); Peter White (acoustic guitar); Rick Braun (trumpet); David Benoit (piano); Kelly Sweet, Kimberley Locke (background vocals).
   Good music ability by Dave as he expresses his ability in the Christmas songs.
   A little too predictable and...a product of mass Christmas destruction...
   It's light jazz to sell his stuff...That's pure commercial music.
   Why is this talented guy following Kenny G's footsteps ?
   Funny enough: he started so well with a great album titled Off the Beaten Path....
   Golden Slumbers: A Father's Lullaby
   Smooth Jazz Christmas
   December Makes Me Feel This Way
   Peter White Christmas with Mindi Abair and Rick Braun



2. Like his last Chritmas cd, Dave Koz repeats a few songs instead of letting go and creating an album of unrecorded performances. "December Makes Me Feel This Way" is a fine album of carols, his Christmas follow-up "Smooth Jazz Christmas" features songs from his live show, basically a studio soundtrack featuring vocalists Kenny Loggins and Brenda Russell performing repeats from the first disc, two sides from that cd, "Little Drummer Boy" and "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus" are here and truthfully they serve no purpose. I think Mr Koz is in search of the perfect Christmas cd and will keep trying until he gets it right so expect more releases, maybe enough to fill a "Best Of" holiday edition similar to Kenny G's and Dave will have what he's pining for, the perfect cd. About this cd's overall performance, it is classic Dave Koz.



3. We saw Dave for the first time in December - it was a Christmas show. It was one of the best concerts we have seen in y ears. This cd is great!!!



4. I love the way Dave Kozz handles his music; it is well constructed and very honest!

5 comments about Santa Claus Lane.

1. Xmas music has been around forever and everyone from James Brown to Jessica Simpson do xmas albums. I know xmas only comes once a year, and we only listen to xmas music about one month out of the whole year, but that doesn't mean the music can't be special or memorable. Actually xmas music is all that and more.
   
   If you are planning to listen to your xmas music album purchase for more than once (more than one xmas) than this isn't the album for you. The first few times the CD is phenomenal, but its effect is only skin deep and does not last and quite the opposite of memorable... like fast food.
   
   I'll give it to hillary that she's beautiful and has a sugary, poppy voice, but as far as engineered pop is concerned, Aguilera is more soulful and Britney is more syrupy than Hillary Duff, and their album is a little better. I did like her rendition of Sleigh Ride because it sounds classic, but then I'd rather be listening to the classic version.



2. Perfect gift for a tiny-bopper. I normally dread the idea of finding room for all the gifts after the holidays but the gift of music was the way to go this year. My little girl is almost 8 and Hilary Duff is not risky with her music.



3. I'm a big Hilary fan, but this album is just an embarrassment to her talents as a musician. The songs are boring and none of them make me want to listen to them again. I'll give Hilary the benefit of the doubt since this was her first CD, but it isn't anything I would pay money for.



4. What a great CD! Our kids (ages 2,3 &4) have been playing it on their CD player for months now even before Christmas. My 2 year old damaged it while attempting to put it in the player so we bought a second copy of it. Very upbeat Top 40 versions of some classic Christmas songs with some new tunes that are sure to be played often.



5. Due to computer problems my review is late and
   I was unable to file a complaint.
   The Hillary Duff Santa Claus Lane CD is excellent music.
   But the CD jewel case was received damaged and craacked.
   I replaced it with another jewel case.
   It appears to have been damaged prior to shipping.
   In the future your quality control needs more attention.
   
   Dennis T.

5 comments about Sacred Arias [Special Edition with Bonus DVD].

1. The DVD is the full 77 minute concert with two featurettes previously released alone. The CD is the full 72 minute concert previously released alone, except that two bonus tracks have been added. The audio quality of each one is quite good. (If you have a Dolby Digital stereo, then you must go into the setup menu on the DVD to select Dolby Digital sound. The default music track is the stereo 2.0 sound.) The video quality of the DVD is astonishing.

   The DVD gives the feeling that you are in the church with the other worshippers. It literally sends chills up and down my spine. I highly recommend this CD/DVD combination Special Edition while it is still available.




2. This is an very high-quality gift for that traditional Roman Catholic person you can't seem to please. (ANYONE would be captivated by this DVD/CD combo, but especially an "old school" Catholic!) Some traditional Catholics feel abandoned by their Church these days, but this beautifully rendered production will thrill them. LISTEN to the tracts, and you'll think of someone who would love it - maybe even you!



3. I was greatly moved by this CD. It was just right for Christmas and this holiday season, when emotions and beliefs are usually high! I especially liked the cover and the lyrics of all the songs in the cd. I would recommend it.



4. This CD/DVD is great. Timeless music and prayers invites the listener and viewer to appreciate the tradition, the humility, and the human desire to communicate with God. Listening to Ave Maria and Sancta Maria inspires reflection on the relationship of a devoted mother, an approachable intercessor, and her role in the plan of salvation. Panis Angelicus explains the Eucharist as the great equalizer among humans, which offers insight to the great sacrifice being offered in the Mass. The songs celebrating the sacrifice of God incarnate, demonstrates God's Grace and God's invitation into an intimate relationship. The CD/DVD allows the listener to reflect and meditate on the human desire to be in communion with God.



5. This CD/DVD combo is a huge bargain and sounds as though the music was coming directly from heaven. The Church in which the concert was held is beautiful, with vaulted ceiling. Highly recommended for serious lovers of sacred arias.

5 comments about Remembering Christmas.

1. Awesome cd blows you away David benoit at one of his brightest moments ever must buy cd. George Bretzlaff



2. Yes, some of the music from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is on this CD, but it is much more than that. As a sidebar, I know that David met "Sparky" Schultz and they were fond friends. David stays faithful to the Vince G. music, yet puts a bit a of spin here and there, plus some other seasonal favorites.
   
   This is one of those holiday CDs you can't miss with. It stands up to listening in the car or at home or to use it as ambience music at a holiday gathering -- not intrusive AND noteworthy.



3. David Benoit...provides excellent selections of the past , with a somewhat modern jazz twist. Christmas Time Is Here..is one of my favorites with Michael Franks singing the lyrics. If you like the Themes from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" you will love this CD. Excellent background music for a holiday gathering.. In some instances you can recall a little of Steamroller. Give it a try..It is worth the price. Delivery time was excellent ..



4. David Benoit is awesome on the piano, whether it's Christmas music or any other smooth jazz. He plays beautifully and one can tell he loves what he's doing. This is definately a "must" to add to your "Jazzy Christmas" collection.



5. The album is mostly a rehash of Vince Giraldi, so why not stick with the original. There are some indepent songs, but a try at uniqueness ends in just a jumble.

3 comments about Wow Gospel Christmas.

1. I realy did not like this album. If you are over 40, listen to some songs before you buy. I wish I had.



2. What a great Christmas album. All the artists on this record did really good renditions of holiday classics. If you really want to get into the holiday spirit this will move you in a good and positive way. Every song is uplifting. I have found my new holiday album for Christmas present & future. I loved it.



3. I really enjoyed WOW Gospel Christmas . It really put me in the Christmas spirit.

5 comments about Merry, Merry Christmas.

1. I figured that maybe once I grew up I'd grow out of this CD...but I didn't. It really is a great Christmas album. 2 songs could probably stand to be omitted but "I'll be missing you come christmas" and "I still believe in Santa Claus" are more than enough compensation. Plus, it may be the only Christmas album I could listen to the whole way through without getting bored.



2. what a great album they still rock even to this day there music will live forever!!! I love all of you stay positive and never give up. buy this album you will not regret it!!!!!!!!!!! misty



3. This is one of my all time Christmas cds. I still have my original copy that I got when this first came out. This cd has one of the best versions of The Christmas Song out today and there has to be 1 trillion remakes of this song. Nat King Cole would be proud of this version. This cd really captures the spirit of Christmas which most of the newer Christmas cds do not do. You usually have to get Christmas music from the 50s, 60s and 70s to really capture the Christmas spirit but this one does the job just fine. Buy this cd and you will be pulling it out every Christmas for years to come.



4. I never thought that New Kids On the Block's Christmas album was that good. It is a very uplifting album that combines their dance pop from Hangin' Tough to the more traditional Christmas numbers that we all know. I still like This One's For the Children, which was a Top 10 hit just in time for Christmas in 1989. Along with Phil Collins' Another Day In Paradise, these inspiring kinds of pop songs make the top 10 the week of Christmas. Children is moving a ballad and shows the New Kids' caring for children that don't have everything for Christmas. I was nervous of them singing The Christmas Song, since nobody can touch Nat King Cole's classic. But they actually sound good in their version and they tailored the song to fit with Jordan Knight's falsetto singing. After that, there are a few funky numbers that are just as catchy. Somehow, Maurice Starr's music in '89 was starting to become too identical, with this album and the albums he did for Perfect Gentlemen, NKOTB, Finest Hour and other Boston groups in 1990. But he keeps his profile low here, as he gave NKOTB solid Christmas music here. The twin leads of Jordan Knight and Joey McIntyre as well as wildman Donnie Wahlberg are just as dynamic here. A wonderful album that doesn't follow the usual formula for Christmas albums.



5. This is a fun Christmas album all the way through BUT it is the magical power of 1 song that makes this album Unforgetable! "I'll Be Missin' You Come Christmas" is the BEST Christmas song ever recorded. Musically beautiful, full of Christmas spirit, and sung to perfection by Jordan Knight. This is an eternal Christmas classic that never grows old and always feels good.

5 comments about Merry 1940's Christmas.

1. A Merry 1940s Christmas is a nice collection of recordings by some of the most popular artists of the decade. Most of the selections are unique to this compilation. Here is the track listing:
   
   1. A Merry American Christmas--Kate Smith, Orchestra under direction of Jack Miller
   
   2. When You Trim Your Christmas Tree--Les Brown & His Orchestra, Vocal by Jack Haskell
   
   3. Here Comes Santa Claus(Down Santa Claus Lane)--Gene Autry
   
   4. The First Noel/Angels from the Realms of Glory--Richard Keys Biggs(played on the great organ of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Hollywood)
   
   5. Christmas Dreaming(A Little Early This Year)--Frank Sinatra, Orchestra under direction of Axel Stordahl
   
   6. Little Jack Frost Get Lost--Frankie Carle & His Orchestra, Vocal by Marjorie Hughes
   
   7. Blue Christmas--Hugo Winterhalter & His Orchestra and Choir
   
   8. Baby, It's Cold Outside--Pearl Bailey & Hot Lips Page with Rhythm Accompaniment
   
   9. White Christmas--Charlie Spivak & His Orchestra, Vocal by Garry Stevens
   
   10. Ol' Saint Nicholas--Doris Day with male quartet
   
   11. Adeste Fideles(O Come, All Ye Faithful)--The Lyn Murray Singers conducted by Lyn Murray, solos by Ruth Carhart & Floyd Sherman
   
   12. Winter Wonderland--Buddy Clark with the Girl Friends, Orchestra under direction of Ted Dale
   
   13. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm--Les Brown & His Band of Renown
   
   14. All I Want for Christmas(Is My Two Front Teeth)--Mary Kaye Trio, Orchestra under direction of George Wyle
   
   15. Ave Maria--Hour of Charm All Girl Orchestra and Choir, featuring vocal solo by Jeanne and Evelyn & Her Magic Violin; under direction of Phil Spitalny
   
   16. The Merry Christmas Polka--Dinah Shore with Jud Conlon's Rhythmaires; Orchestra under direction of Harry Zimmerman
   
   17. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas(from the MGM Picture "Meet Me in St. Louis")--Frank Sinatra; Orchestra under direction of Axel Stordahl
   
   18. Winter Weather--Benny Goodman & His Orchestra; Vocal by Art Lund & Peggy Lee
   
   19. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer--Gene Autry & The Pinafores with orchestal accompaniment
   
   20. I'll Be Home for Christmas--Jerry Wayne and vocal group with orchestral accompaniment
   
   21. The Skaters(Les Patineurs)--Al Goodman & His Orchestra
   
   22. The Jingle Bell Polka--The Modernaires Featuring Hal Dickinson; Orchestra under direction of Lou Bring
   
   23. The Christmas Song(Merry Christmas to You)--Les Brown & His Orchestra; Vocal by Doris Day
   
   24. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!--Woody Herman & His Orchestra; Vocal by Woody Herman
   
   25. Auld Lang Syne--Tommy Tucker Time; Vocal by Don Brown, Kerwin Somerville & The Three Two-Timers
   
   26. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?--Kay Kyser & His Orchestra; Vocal by Harry Babbitt and The Campus Kids
   
   A very pleasant trip back to a time when the bandleader was the star and the band was called an Orchestra! Highly recommended for fans of 1940's music and vocalists.



2. This is a true 1940's collection. It features several things I've never seen elsewhere. The whole thing is pleasant and not the same few 1940's Christmas songs. If you like nostalgia and warmth at Christmas, this will enhance the season.



3. I love the old time feeling of this CD. Go back to the old days where the Christmas music was honest and real. I'm a Christmas music freak and this CD is perfect for me.



4. A Merry 1940's Christmas features twenty six great songs by some of the best artists of the 1940s. This CD is sure to please everyone who enjoys classic Christmastime vocals; and I can't believe it's not currently in print!
   
   The CD starts with the famous Kate Smith performing "A Merry American Christmas." This charming tune uses the brass well as Kate Smith sings this to perfection. Kate's excellent diction bolsters her performance, too. Gene Autry also does his classic "Here Comes Santa Claus (Down Santa Claus Lane)." The melody is sweet and Gene Autry delivers this upbeat tune without a superfluous note! Love the bells and percussion! Moreover, listen for a young Frank Sinatra singing "Christmas Dreaming (A Little Early This Year)." The strings enhance the natural beauty of "Christmas Dreaming (A Little Early This Year)" and Frank never sounded better!
   
   The hits keep coming. Listen for Pearl Bailey and Hot Lips Page on "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Their banter during this great number makes it nothing short of perfect. Dinah Shore and the Rhythmaires perform a lovely rendition of "The Merry Christmas Polka;" and Frank Sinatra returns to sing a splendid "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."
   
   We also get Gene Autry's " Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" which was a big hit for him when others considered it too "corny" to record; and the CD ends with a charming interpretation of "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" with Kay Kyser & His Orchestra; Harry Babbitt sings this last number to perfection. I have to wonder why I haven't heard more of Harry Babbitt.
   
   Of course, there are some additional numbers that stick to the more religious themes of Christmas. We get "Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful)" and "Ava Maria."
   
   The liner notes have great artwork and the essay by Joseph F. Laredo is very informative. Great!
   
   Overall, anyone who enjoys classic Christmastime vocals will cherish this album for years to come. I highly recommend this CD of classic holiday tunes.



5. Perfect as a gift for those who remember when. CD has many classic Christmas hits still heard today during the holidays. Enjoyed an afternoon at home reminiscing with Mom and Dad who were youngsters when this music was popular.

5 comments about Christmas with the Chipmunks, Vol. 1.

1. This CD version of an original 1963 vinyl LP (the original cover is shown on the reverse) came out at the dawn of the CD age and, at the time, was eagerly grabbed up by fans of David Seville (born Ross Bagdasarian on January 27, 1919 in Fresno, California.
   
   He had been cutting records since the mid-1950s, scoring in early 1956 with The Trouble With Harry (# 44 Billboard Pop Top 100) under the billing Alfi And Harry, and inspired by the Hitchcock film of the same name. Then, from late 1956 to 1959 he registered six more hits under the billing The Music Of David Seville, the most successful of which was 1958's The Witch Doctor which hit # 1 on both the Pop and R&B charts.
   
   But after he came in time for Christmas 1958 with The Chipmunk Song, billed to David Seville And The Chipmunks (Alvin, Simon and Theodore - named after Liberty Records execs Alvin Bennett, Simon Waronker and Teodore Keep) a whole new industru was born. Numerous hits would follow, a few more related to Christmas, and so when that first LP was released it was gobbled up by fans.
   
   But this CD version has long since been surpassed by releases with many more tracks and far better sound quality (on this, the voice of David on Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, is barely legible). Also, there are no liner notes at all.



2. I got a vinyl record that has volume 2 on it. It has some of the songs from this CD, as well as some that are not listed on the volume 2 CD. Curious, eh?



3. Please note to get instead the new great sounding Capitol 2007 release which has ALL 24 songs (includes both Volumes 1 & 2) plus one bonus and is very reasonably priced. This is the disappointing 10 song abbreviated version. The 2006 version has a recording flaw. This is a classic Christmas album that should be FULLY enjoyed and the 2007 is the best version out there!



4. Everything was wonderful with this product.The product is excellent and the shipping time span was good....Very nice to deal with this type of seller!!!



5. I remember this from when I was little----and now my 4 yr old loves it, too!---even with the new movie out this Christmas!

5 comments about Bonanza Orig TV Cast: Christmas on Ponderosa.

1. Like many 50's and 60's families, we were glued to the TV every Sunday night for the latest episode of Bonanza. I was a Bonanza junkie and bought all the albums they produced. My favorite was the Christmas album. As newlyweds decorating our first tree, I suggested to my very cynical husband that we listen to the album together. He scoffed but lovingly agreed....and he too fell in love with the album. For 35 years our tradition has been to listen to the album when decorating the tree and many more times during the Christmas season. What do we love so much about this album? It's hokey and folksy evoking a simpler time. The neighbors gather at the Ponderosa to trim their tree. While partying they sing together not only classic religious carols but also whimsical songs of Santa and the lighter side of the holiday. Many of these songs I have not heard anywhere but here and they are such a refreshing change from the mall or pop radio station holiday repertoire. The Cartwrights and their friends reminisce together and tell legends of Christmas traditions all over the world. This is life at it's best: neighbors gathering, singing, having fun. Not only is the music uplifting, but so is the message.
   
   So my husband was an instant convert. We obsessed when we thought we had lost or misplaced the album. We vowed to make a tape. Then last year our 22 year old son, who grew up with a taste of Bonanza every Christmas, surprised us with the CD that he found on Amazon. Now we can listen to it in the car. I am giving the CD to several friends this year. They will be converts, I am sure, and so will you.



2. I have tried to find this my whole adult life, My mom use to play this album every Christmas and we loved it. I couldn`t beleive when I had given up all hope of ever owning this that Amazon.con would have it. This brings back such great memories.This made my Christmas special!! Thanks Amazon ya`ll are the best!!!



3. When I set out to search for this CD, I really thought my efforts would be fruitless, but was pleased to find that many people have the same fond memories of the Bonanza TV show. The quality was excellent and it warmed my heart to listen to those nostalgic songs. It put me right back in my parent's livingroom when I was a child.



4. The item that I received was exactly as it was pictured. It was great it was exactly as i remember it from my childhood all the old songs were on there. The delivery was really fast, I received it in time for christmas and was very pleased.



5. I have always been a big fan of Bonanza. Growing up, it was our family's "sit down together and watch TV" show. I have such fond memories of that time in my life. I never knew that this record (now a CD) was ever released. It was great to hear the Cartwrights all together again. It made me feel like I was a kid again watching my favorite western family.