No comments about Winnie the Pooh Christmas.

3 comments about Negro Spirituals - Derek Lee Ragin, Moses Hogan, Moses Hogan.

1. THere was only one piece that I thoroughly enjoyed and that was the solo on "My Lord, What a Morning," but I can tell you that one song made the purchase worth while.
   
   Phil B



2. Excellent!!!!!!!! I gave my first purchase to a friend who is also a lover of spirituls and hymns and purchased another for myself. I just had to share it with someone. The music is so moving. I would highly recommend this CD to anyone, regardless of them being a lover of spirituals and hymns or not. I plan on purchasing another one soon.



3. The simplicity of these beautiful songs creates a sense of space and wonder. Shows how less is so much more. I am not a very religious person but this music soothes my soul.

5 comments about The Alligator Records Christmas Collection.

1. If you truly enjoy Christmas music, especially Jazz or Blues, this one will definitely be a keeper for your collection for years to come. Truly a Godsend.



2. So many talented artists & songs to pick from, so why doesn't this, Alligator's major Christmas showcase, blow me away? I don't like over produced tunes, but much of this is way under produced. If you're looking for a CD that you'll grow more fond of through each passing season, as I was, look elsewhere. Mind you, some of it might grow on you, as it has on me, and granted mine is just one opinion, but I sure don't hear any future classics on here... even though I should be able to, and from a mile away!



3. I love this album and look forward to breaking it out each year around the holiday season. This is not your typical Christmas album with a rehash of the same old tried classics. These songs are fun, original, and get you in the mood for the holidays. If you enjoy the blues and are looking for something new in your collection I highly recommend. As one other reviewer noted: buy it, share it, give it - couldn't agree more.



4. This collection will completely surprise the casual listener or Christmas music fan. Hey, even hardcore blues fans will appreciate music that wasn't "forced" to sound like Christmas music and at the same time not lose that seasonal flare. Yeah, the melody of "Jingle Bells" was used a few times as a "riff" in some songs, but it was done well and with great variety of style and choice of instruments.
   Overall, this is a very cool CD to have and listen to.... even at Christmas time.........



5. This is a collection of Christmas songs by performers who recorded for Alligator Records in 1992. Alligator Records is a blues label, so all of these performers are blues musicians. These are very good Christmas blues songs. My personal favorite is "Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'" by Tinsley Ellis, but the other songs are good, too. Fans of the blues will enjoy it.

4 comments about Mob Hits Christmas.

1. While there are a couple of gems from classic Italian swingers like Vic Damone, Al Martino and Jerry Vale, the rest of the album is full of second- rate singers and horrible versions of Christmas songs (Dion especially!). And how can you have a definitive Mob Hits Christmas Collection without the big paesans like Perry Como, Sinatra, Dean Martin or Tony Bennett???? This is one offer you can refuse!



2. No this cd doesn't have Como, Sinatra, Martin or Bennett but none of the artists included are second rate losers. So if you're looking for a solid collection of Christmas classics with an Italian flare then this is the perfect disc. Of course it reminds me so much of my favorite little restaurant, perhaps I'm biased!

   Highlights include "We Wish You A Merry Christmas/Silver Bells", "Shake Hands With Santa Claus", and "Jingle Bells". The lesser of the tracks would have to be "The First Noel" and "Merry Christmas Baby" though neither are bad.

   If you're like me and just outright love Christmas music then you have to add this one. But if you're more a fan of "mob" music I'd maybe go for a Sinatra or Como holiday disc.




3. This CD was a quick release in 2000 to go along with the popularity of the TV show "The Sopranos". The main disappointment with it is the lack of discography in the liner notes. There at least could have been the release dates listed for all the songs.



4. It is just OK. Not GREAT like Mob Hits. Not long enough to be worth it.

4 comments about Johnny Cash Christmas 1976.

1. By the mid-1970s, Johnny Cash was a veteran TV performer, and new how to keep a show humming. This seasonal special recalls the roasts and variety shows that were so popular at the time, packed with guests, gags and corny, prepackaged humor... But there's also the obvious sincerity that Johnny and June Carter Cash brought to their holiday cheer...
   
   Filmed in their spacious ranch home, the show is conceived of as a big Christmas party, with their friends coming over for dinner and for a folksy, round-robin "guitar pull," where each guest taking a turn pickin', singing or telling a story. The performers include "Hee Haw" star Roy Clark and pop crooner Tony Orlando, who harmonize with Cash on a long medley of Stephen Foster classics, as well as Johnny's brother Tommy, superpicker Merle Travis (who picks a mean version of "The Cannonball Rag") and Johnny's pastor, Billy Graham, who closes the show with a grim Christmas parable about a rough-and-tumble mining camp that gets civilized through Jesus, but only after all kinds of violent, bloody behavior. (Yikes. What a buzzkill!)
   
   The biggest surprise, though, comes from countrypolitan queen Barbara Mandrell, then at the height of her fame, who Cash remembers as a little girl who played steel guitar when he first met her... And sure enough, she sits down at the pedal steel and plays an impressive version of "Steel Guitar Rag." Who knew?? Although the pacing of the show is clunky, it was in keeping with the standards of live TV at the time, and it's a marvelous time capsule in many ways (especially the fashion: dig those cowboy duds on Tony Orlando!) Cash fans will definitely want to check this one out... students of the 'Seventies as well! (DJ Joe Sixpack - Slipcue)



2. I enjoyed both of the Johnny Cash Christmas shows: 1976 & 1977. They were great. June Nelson



3. It's not quite what I was imagining. It's just one episode from his show, the "Christmas Special". Short, not really worth the money.



4. I am so very pleased with the Johnny Cash Christmas '76. Since Johnny is no longer with us, this is an album to treasure. I am happy that I bought it.

4 comments about King's Singers Christmas.

1. Stunningly beautiful! I deeply enjoy Christmas music - from the ancient, to jazz and pop - and main a diverse and festive holiday collection. While "Maxjazz-Holiday" is my secular holiday favorite, "King's Singers Christamas" is my hands-down, "knock-your-socks-off" favorite among traditional Christmas music. It is unparallelled in sonic beauty and musical expression of the historic Christmas story. I can become totally lost in the sublime beauty of these artists of a cappella voice. One track is more stunning than the next in sheer beauty, tonal blending, vocal textures, and musical expression of the Jesus nativity story. My deepest thanks to the artists who created this deeply moving collection of seasonal music.



2. What else can I say. If you are a fan of Christmas music and of the King's Singers you will like this album. I was originally trying to get CD versions of some older vinyl King's Singers Christmas albums I had purchased while living in Austria in the 70s and 80s. Unfortunately, they are not available. This is a fine replacement. I would still like to be able to get the German album in CD form, though.



3. Words fail to rise to the task of describing this collection. The words, melodies and performance are simply transcendent and sublime.



4. The King's Singers bring their mastery of blend and tone together for their latest Christmas album. It's difficult to comprehend how 6 men can produce such an amazing sound, but they do. They sing traditional Christmas music, such as Coventry Carol, Lullay my Liking, and Stille Nacht. This is the King's Singers at their best- exquisite acapella music that is contemplative and will lift up one's spirits. In particular, I recommend listening to their rendition of Bogoroditsye dyevo. If you still have time, I would recommend downloading the MP3s and listening to it for Christmas. If not, this can be listened to at any time of year.

5 comments about A Soulful Christmas.

1. Brian Culbertson does a tremendous job on this album of taking old classics and revisiting them without ruining them. Many artists try so hard to be new and creative they do the songs an injustice - not so on "A Soulful Christmas".
   
   As you listen to this album you realize the double-meaning behind the title. Culbertson mixes gospel singers (Joy To The World) with the soaring soprano of his wife (Some Children See Him) to put the attention on the `soul' of man. Note the rest of the tracks included.
   
   He opens with a classical rendition of Joy To The World that swiftly transitions into a rollicking version of the same and keeps the quality at the highest level throughout. Some of the biggest names in smooth jazz collaborated with him in the studio such as Eric Darius, Eric Marienthal, Warren Hill, Peter White, Nathan East and the list goes on. There is not a track I would skip as they flow together effortlessly creating a treat for your family and loved ones as you gather during this special time of year.



2. I loved every song! Especially Jingle Bells and Joy To The World. Michelle has a beautiful and calming voice! Listening to it every year will surely become a part of my family's Christmas tradition. Brian makes it seem so easy! He is truly talented and I would hope that one day, I could play 1/2 as well!



3. Trust me, I know you probably have a dozen or more Holiday CD's. But if you are a smooth jazz lover like I am, you need to add lucky number 13 to your collection. Brian does a tremendous job tickling the ivories on these favorites. The music is crisp, tempo just right, and puts you into the right spirit for the holidays. Just sample it and then either purchase the CD or download it. You won't be sorry.



4. I had contemplate buying this album for some time. Some christmas albums leave you tired. lol Not this one!! I wish that I would have brought it when it first came out.
   
   No one does it better on the keys then Brian Culbertson. This christmas jazz album has everything you need. Joy and happiness. Every song is wonderfully made. My favorites are: Joy to the World and Christmas..by the Man Micheal Macdonald.
   
   
   Buy this album and you'll be playing this over and over and over...
   
   Merry Christmas



5. I've been a fan of Brian Culbertson since 1995 and his Christmas CD is very, very enjoyable. If you get the chance to check out his Christmas concert, I highly recommend it!!

5 comments about All I Want for Christmas Is You.

1. The title song makes the whole cd worth the price. I don't know how many times I heard it before I found out who it was. We saw them live a couple of years ago, but the lead singer had changed. It made a big difference. LeAnn Rimes has felt the need to remake this song, but you are way better off sticking with this one. This is not to be confused with the different Mariah Carey song of the same name. While it's good too, the Vince Vance is way superior.



2. I got this item in great condition. Packing CD is really important.
   The Cd is Great!!! All the tunes are right in line with the Holiday!
   
   Mike



3. I thoroughly enjoy this CD every time I play it. I especially enjoy All I Want for Christmas. I heard it on the radio and I really wanted the CD. I am so happy that Amazon carries it as I don't think I have seen it in any of the stores where I live. Very, very pleased with it. Ordering was simple and easy as well and I received it in record time.



4. This Christmas album was purchased because of the title track heard on local radio. I was really pleased to hear the whole album because it was fresh and fun.



5. this cd was a xmas present and it was a nice gift. the songs are good and it could only be found online. The first song is the favorite of all the songs on this cd.

4 comments about Best Loved Christmas Carols.

1. I put the CD in and was met by club music, I thought maybe it was some strange take on "Morning in the City of David" nope, the CD had been burned with the wrong image. I sent it back and received a new copy, it had the same issue. I listened to the second CD and loved ever moment of it, but until EMI/Amazon can rectify this issue, I cannot fairly rate it.



2. I was very disappointed when I listened to CD 1 and realised it was club music.Having now read the other review I don't think I will get satisfaction,therefore I cannot rate this item properly.
   
   
   
   
   Errol
   Barbados,West Indies



3. ECLECTIC CAROLS THAT TRANSCEND THE COMMONPLACE
   
   Listening to these carols extracted from the various Festival and Nine Lesson services held in the Chapel of King's College, Cambridge on Christmas Eve is incredibly inspiring and brings out the real meaning of Christmas and the joy of Jesus' birth. Why pick it apart??? They are recorded between the years 1969 and 1985. The conductors are firstly Sir Thomas Willcocks who directed the Choir from 1957-73 and Sir Philip Ledger from 1974-82. Both are excellent and I cannot tell the difference between the various choirs who would have had a different group of performers through the years.
   
   The King's College Choir is an outstanding choral group that includes 16 male Choral Scholars who sing the alto, tenor and bass parts. (The Alumni of the Choral Scholars read like a list of 'Who's Who in the Vocal Music World- Michael Chance, Mark Padmore, Michael George, Stephen Varcoe, etc.)The Choristers, usually numbering about 20, are boy sopranos. To hear these beautiful, sometimes old familiar carols sung so skillfully and with much feeling is a thrill beyond compare. GO FOR IT!!!!!



4. This is an excellent collection of choir Christmas music. I adore choirs and the Kings College choir is one of the very best in the world. I played it all during the holidays and will enjoy it for many years to come.

5 comments about Ten Years After.

1. Studio versions of their then hot shows according to the great liner notes.., TYA on this their 1st studio set came out with this album of the then current blues standard with a jazzy feel courtesy of the keyboard work and Alvin Lee's guitar playing which takes off but with a nod to professionalism rather than flash...
   We have here some standards such as Spoonful also covered by Cream, The excellent Blues Project song I Can't Keep From Crying,Sometimes..I want to Know, about 30 minutes of extra tracks not on original release making this a value at the price shown here.
   The psychedelic cover is a good representation of the music released in 1967, the moody blues payed by Ten Years After as a band has it's parallels to other UK bands of the day such as Cream,and Savoy Brown yet TYA carved out a niche for themselves as a very hard working touring band with limited commercial success...their entire output is well worth listening too.



2. As for the other CD's of Ten Years After I bought in the last months I am enthusiast of the great feeling this record gives me.
   The quality of their music is already full throttle as they are off their excellent start: no need for gradual growth of their thypical style.
   The risk in this my personal opinion is that I'm influenced by my hystorical musical background: are really TYA a great group? May be their cultural impact wasn't as revolutionary as other English groups in the 60/70's but I do hope that new generations will enjoy this sound



3. If you're time tripping, skip over this one and go right to Undead. This for the most part is just dead.



4. Before degenerating into the musical masturbation of whining heavy metal guitars and boring drum solos, the socalled British Blues Boom of the mid-60s was a passionate and innovative scene. Ten Years After's 1967 eponymous debut is a remarkable albeit often overlooked document of that time.
   
   Hearing of Ten Years After's reputation as one of the best live blues-rock acts around, Decca's A&R man/producer Mike Vernon snapped them up without having so much as a demo. Once they got into the studio, the group put together an album showing themselves as firmly grounded in jazz as they were in blues: "Advenures of a Young Organ," an original collaboration between organist Chick Churchill and guitarist Alvin Lee, owes more to Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery than Booker T and Steve Cropper; the band's version of Al Kooper's "I Can't Keep From Crying," goes even further, proving Alvin Lee's debt to George Benson as well.
   
   In it's original format the album opened with the speedy blues of "I Want To Know" (a number credited to one 'McLeod,' who was actually Manfred Mann vocalist Paul Jones); it closed with "Help Me," a chilling 10 minute rendition of Sonny Boy Williamson's "Help Me, Baby."
   
   This CD reissue includes the original debut album, plus six bonus tracks from 1968. Except for the previously unreleased version of Woody Herman's "Woodchoppers Ball," these additional songs are all Alvin Lee originals: "Portable People," "The Sounds," "Rock Your Mama," and "Spider In My Web," come from the group's first two singles, while "Hold Me Tight," was previously available only on the 1972 compilation ALVIN LEE & COMPANY.
   
   For this reissue, along with the original scribblings of Marquee Club manager John C. Gee, are updated liner notes from group drummer Ric Lee, who provides a track-by-track commentary and some interesting insight into the band's early history.



5. "Help Me" is the best song on the whole cd . Just totally awesome ! Play it at midnight on Halloween night . Alvin Lee just rocks . Love it !