5 comments about Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters.

1. The very 1st song grabs your heart, Michael and his daughter sing a duet that pierces anyones heart especially us dads...
   He gets serious and sings about his "faith", his "walk with the Lord and really brings down the house in a number of classic Christmas songs, band,jazz and all!!!
   This CD is worth every penny. Over the years I've seen Michael perform many-many times and it never gets old, just more refined.
   Michaels Christmas Collection CD is a must have!!!Its gone Platinum..
   God bless you Michael, Jim..........



2. I had not heard any of the tracks on this CD until before Christmas 2006. Once I heard "On this Night", I knew I had to have it. Never one to disappoint his listeners, "Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters" by Michael McDonald will be at the top of my favorite Christmas CDs for many years. Truly a man with a deep commitment to God, Michael melts hearts with this track and the others are just as good. He can rock and jazz your holiday with his smooth voice and writing skills in a way only Michael can do. You can't go wrong with this CD. Once I wear it out, I will definitely buy another!



3. If you're a true Michael McDonald fan, you'd have to agree that the sound of his voice is a little bit like Christmas every time you hear it. It's warm, it's emotional and it has its own feel that you can't get from anyone/anything else. I need to warn you, however, that there is a moment in the first track, "Angels We Have Heard on High" that will make you want to launch the CD into outer space. He has some completely out-of-tune child singing a line or two for no reason whatsoever. HOWEVER.... let that moment pass and there's the rest of the entire CD to truly enjoy. Because, eventually, you will get to track 6, "White Christmas / Winter Wonderland" and the transition between the two songs with none other than Jonny Lang's scorching guitar work will change your Holidays forever.
   This is not just a cover of every traditional Christmas song you've ever heard. There are plenty of newly penned originals here to embrace. For those of you looking for Michael's original Christmas album on his original label... it does not exist anymore. This is the exact same album, however, with every single track in exactly the same order. Let's just put it this way... when you load your CD changer with 5 Christmas music CD's, this will ALWAYS be one of them. Enjoy!!!



4. How exhilarating to hear these Christian songs from among the best singers of a generation. All of the songs are excellent, but for this listener "To Make a Miracle", "Peace", and "On This Night" are about as close to hearing a heavenly choir as one is likely to get in this world. On top of the incredible musicianship of the players, McDonald's powerful delivery conveys a deeply heartfelt sincerity. I will certainly be buying more copies as gifts. Blown away.



5. Love this CD! Love his unique voice and listen to daily during the holidays. Great addition to any Christmas Music Collection.

No comments about Christmas from the Heart.

3 comments about Country Superstar Christmas 3.

1. The first Country superstar Christmas contained a balanced mix of standards and originals, while the second was filled mostly with originals. This third volume is dominated by standards, but they are very well done.

   There are only four originals here - the tracks by George Strait, Mark Wills, Alabama and Toby Keith, and they are all wonderful, although some of them can be found on Christmas albums by the individual singers.

   Alan Jackson opens the set with a cover of Burl Ives' Holly Jolly Christmas and Reba closes it with her traditional country version of Silent night. In between, there are many fine performances, including Alecia Elliott singing a lovely version of What child is this.

   There is no filler here - it's all great stuff. While this volume is less interesting than Volume 2 to Christmas music fans like me, it may be more suitable for the casual buyer looking for plenty of Christmas standards.




2. I bought this CD for a family member so I have not personally listened to it. She wanted it for her husband for only one song, "Christmas Cookies" by George Strait. I was told that it is a very good CD. Sorry, that is all the feedback I can offer.



3. Great music ! It's the only CD with the song 'Christmas Cookies' by George Strait.
   
   Jen

5 comments about The Christmas Song.

1. I'd rather hear Nat King Cole sing Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire (The Christmas Song) than anyone else. And much more to choose from. This collection can't be beat. A Christmas staple.



2. Singing traditional Christmas songs with dignity and feeling, this Nat King Cole holiday album gloriously captures the spirit of the season. Without fireworks, improvisations, catchy rhythms, or unusual variations, Cole gives us songs full of love in his relaxed and unpretentious style. Accompanied by two orchestras and choruses, which are directed by Ralph Carmichael, Cole still manages to keep his style simple and the songs "clean," sometimes slowing the lyrics in order to make them more expressive of the meaning.
   
   "The Christmas Song," written by Mel Torme has always been Cole's biggest Christmas hit, beautifully sung to an accompaniment of piano and strings. "O Holy Night," with a 27-string orchestra, maintains its sense of quiet awe, instead of becoming loudly triumphant (as it is in many other recordings), while "Adeste Fidelis," sung partly in Latin, speaks to the listener on a personal level and invites him/her to "come, let us adore him," instead of demanding it. The jaunty "I Saw Three Ships" and "The First Noel" are sung with an a capella chorus, and two less-recorded songs, "A Cradle in Bethlehem," from England, and "Caroling, Caroling," written in the US by A. E. Burt add new songs to the Christmas repertoire.
   
   The orchestra and choruses here, while large, are used to highlight Nat King Cole's vocal interpretations, instead of making their own statements, and the use of bells, bell lyre, flutes, and harp often add depth to the background while adding emphasis to the lyrics. Traditional and restrained, Cole's album honors the season and its message, an album one could listen to all day without tiring. Mary Whipple



3. "I've been around the entertainment business for about 50 years, so I consider myself a good judge of the arena and the people who inhabit it. I worked for, and with Nat King Cole for many years and it was the most fulfilling time in my adult life. Hardly a day went by when I didn't learn something from him. He was warm; he was loving; he was tender; he was generous; he was respectful; he was gifted; he was disciplined; he was professional; he was real; he was my dear friend; he was Nat King Cole. I'm deeply honored to be a small part of this project. ~ Dick LaPalm, Liner Notes, June 1999 ~
   
   Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song" is one of my favorite Christmas CDs from my collection simply because it consists of the greatest and the best-loved traditional Christmas carols of all-time. With his smooth and velvety voice, Nat King Cole sings these carols so sincerely and solemnly. It's always nice to listen to this CD at this time of the year. It gives me a certain touch of nostalgia that brings back my most cherished memories of Christmas time.
   
   "The Christmas Song" is Nat King Cole's signature Christmas carol. From the very first time he recorded this song composed by Mel Tormé and Bob Wells in 1946, he stamped his signature on it and made it his very own. One other version is a "duet" with his equally talented daughter, Natalie Cole. According to Dick LaPalm on Liner Notes, "Capitol furnished the 1961 master tape and Hallmark was able to isolate Nat's vocal and integrate it into another beautiful father and daughter performance." The outcome is really astonishing and one of the highlights of this CD.
   
   "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "O Holy Night" and "Silent Night" are all sung in a sacredly fashion. The chorus makes them sound almost like sacred hymns. There is that old-fashioned feeling that will strike you upon listening to these carols. These are the songs that epitomize Christmas - the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
   
   I've always loved an old-fashioned celebration of Christmas and truly love traditional Christmas carols to listen to during Christmas holidays. If you're like me, you'll absolutely and merrily enjoy this CD. Keep it playing during your Christmas celebrations.
   
   Fill your Christmas with peace, joy and love and welcome the New Year with a blast and good cheer!
   
   Happy Holidays to one and all!



4. One of the greatest CD's to purchase to bring back memories of what a fabulous Christmas is. Needs to be in every music lovers library. Excellent!



5. There is something very special about this album. It's hard to define or put into words, but this album accomplishes what so many set out to do and fall short: It reaches out and almost literally touches you. No other Christmas music that I have heard captures the feeling and spirit of Christmas like this one. I have bought this album several times over because when i find out someone doesn't have it I feel duty bound as a friend to let them have mine. Sinatra, Bing, Motown? They have nothing on Nat.

5 comments about All Angels.

1. OK, this really IS pure, fresh, angelic singing that gives you that "tingle factor"! (I know, it's hard to find that, but this did it for me!)
   
   Simply gorgeous singers, crunchy arrangements, top-notch instrumentalists, fresh sound, well-crafted engineering and production. It's hard not to gush with positive adjectives!
   
   I like the mixture of mainly classical favorites with a few pop, folk and spiritual songs thrown in. I'm a classically trained singer/composer/musician who also loves pop and rock, so I appreciate good quality music of many genres, especially those that integrate different influeces, like this does.
   
   When you play this CD, you will find it hard to do anything but listen in awe - it makes your skin tingle, your soul awaken, your breath deepen! It's better than a shot of...well...you can fill in the blank!
   
   I know all these songs are "popular" classics, so maybe some music snobs won't like the "mainstream"-ness of this. But on the other hand, those who aren't "into" classical music would actually like this (I challenge ANYONE not to like this CD!)
   
   It was fun (and a nice surprise) to hear an arrangement of the British pop artist, Robbie Williams' song, "Angels" on the CD! This was one of Robbie William's big hits that made it across to the USA (I think)...
   
   And what an orgasmic arrangment of "Windmills of your mind" - I love the subtle accordion in this, just tugging further on the heart strings! Wow.
   
   I've heard many different arrangements of the classical songs, "The Flower Duet", Pachelbel's "Canon in D", "Barcarolle", "Cavellera Rusticana", "Ave Verum", "Ave Maria", and Barber's "Agnus Dei", but these really are fresh sounding and stirringly performed. Enough to make even the seasoned classical musican sit up and take notice. And entrancing enough to hook the new-comer to classical music.
   
   I've started playing this CD to my young kids - what a fantastic introduction to classical music for them. (Watch out, it will make them distinguish good quality from cheap imitations!)
   
   Infact, I'm so impressed with this CD, I am now going to buy several copies of it to give to my musician and non-musician friends for Christmas... I'm pretty sure they will all get as much joy from this as I have.
   
   This would also be wonderful for wedding music, or any special occasion. (As well as just lovely for relaxing to at home). Very powerful.



2. If you are even considering buying this CD, do so - you will love it! The beauty of this music, and their voices, is beyond explanation; you must experience it. The choice of songs was wonderful for their talent. This CD is absolutely some of the most lovely music ever recorded.



3. My wife orginally discovered the group in Classic FM magazine and we picked up the CD to give it a try.
   What a great CD!
   Easy listening and a joyful experience.
   Their version of Robbie Williams "Angels" may be even better than the orginal(almost).
   Great music by established young voices who really put their heart and soul into these popular songs performed "classically".
   A must have CD and I look forward to seeing them in concert soon.
   Sam Hendricks, author of "Fantasy Football Guidebook" and the May 2008 release of "Fantasy Football Almanac 2008".



4. Very pleasant to listen to. A must have? Perhaps in a few years of maturing will this group be in the must have category.



5. buy it and listen to it--
   
   if you don't like it, go see a doctor--you're already dead!!

5 comments about Ultra-Lounge: Best of Christmas Cocktails.

1. Ultra Lounge Presents Best of Christmas Cocktails is a great CD; you get many classic Christmas tunes by great vocalists all remastered carefully to sound as good as they could ever sound. The quality of the sound is therefore excellent; and quite a few singers are featured on this album.
   
   Peggy Lee's "Happy Holiday" starts the album off with a snazzy, jazzy rendition of this classic Christmas tune. The percussion is great and Peggy never sounded better! Listen also for Dean Martin to deliver "Winter Wonderland" with panache and a certain boyish excitement that really is infectious! Moreover, Billy May's "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer" sports that late 1950s/early 1960s Latin flavor--it's more than enough to keep you toasty warm both inside and out!
   
   I really like Bing Crosby's "Frosty The Snowman;" Bing delivers this perfectly and his excellent diction bolsters his performance. The backup vocalists on "Frosty The Snowman" make the number even better! Lena Horne delivers a heavenly rendition of "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" as only she could. "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" uses the brass, strings and percussion very well.
   
   "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" gets the royal treatment from Wayne Newton who delivers this with great sensitivity; and Julie London sings a silky smooth "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm."
   
   The liner notes have great artwork and we get the song credits as well. Awesome!
   
   Overall, any fan of Christmas music is sure to love this album. You get hit after hit after hit without a single dud in the bunch. Get this today and enjoy it--`tis the season!



2. All songs (except the two discussed below) are taken from the previously released 3 volumes of "Christmas Cocktails", which are highly recommended.
   Jing-A-Ling by the Starlighters was on a Capitol CD called "Let It Snow" back in the early 90's, now long out-of-print.
   My Favorite Things by the late Martin Denny, is previously unreleased!



3. For baby boomers who remember these tunes and renditions, it is a great CD. This music helped me recall Christmases as a child with my family in the 1950's and 1960's - especially the silver tree with the illuminated color wheel.
   
   The music quality is good, the performances are classic.



4. I really like this CD. When I am sick to death of hearing the same old same old of Christmas music this is a nice change.



5. 
   Christmas Cocktails is a interesting Christmas CD. It reminds me of the
   
   hard to find misic that you can hear on the Radio Stations. I would
   
   recommend it to listen to.

5 comments about Christmas Eve.

1. This fine recording of ethereal solo piano interpretations of traditional Christmas carols, along with a few originals by Lanz, falls right in the tradition of the classic and trendsetting recording, "December," by George Winston.

   These two titles, along with Vince Guaraldi's "Charlie Brown Christmas" and "A Dave Brubeck Christmas" (both a bit more jazz flavored) are among my all-time favorite piano recordings for the holiday season.

   While they all serve nicely as background music in the workplace or at home, they deserve serious listening, and contemplation, in their own right.

   With all the different artists who feel a need to cash in on the holiday season, it's nice to find a gem like this that still treats the music, as well as the season of Christmas, with respect.




2. This cd has really been a joy to listen to. I puts special emphasis on our most holy songs for the season. This cd is a must for solo piano fans. It is perhaps one of the better Christmas cds around.

   David did a marvelous job with this cd. He knew when to play and when to pause the song. His feel for these songs was real genuine and heartfelt. I feel like David really knows about the meaning of Christmas and the need to perform these songs in a special way.

   The only thing I didn't like about this cd was the original music that David used. I have never been a fan of comtempory music and this cd is no exception.

   Recommendation: I would like to recommend this cd. It really fits the spirit of Christmas.




3. I cannot say that I am a huge fan of the arrangement of the songs on this CD, and that is the only reason I gave it only 4 stars out of 5.
   What I can say is that the recording itself is absolutely superb. You will hear the action of the piano itself, with zero background hiss. This is as good a recording as my DVD-A disks. It is very life-like and warm; you will feel every note, and if you like the piano, this is a must have Christmas CD.



4. I've just recently started listening to his playing and I do wish he would branch out a bit. This is not as good as His "Christmas Album" but he does a creditable job. He does need to branch out more and do some less known work than these old standards.



5. This is a lovely piece of Christmas music. It's all piano -- very soft, almost somber interpretations of Christmas standards plus a couple of originals. I've told friends that if one could hear snow as it fell to the ground, this music is how it would sound. Christmas Eve is a Christmas lullaby.

5 comments about Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters.

1. Everything associated with the purchase of this product was A-OK; the description of the product, the quality of the product, the delivery time, and receiving the product in good condition were all excellent. I would definitely do business with conficence with this company again.



2. Love this classic album. Glad it's still in "print". Couldn't find it anywhere else but Amazon. Thanks.



3. I have enjoyed The Statler Brothers music for many years. I had worn out my tapes of their Christmas music & was delighted to see that a CD had been made. This CD will be enjoyed all year long-- not just during the Christmas season.



4. Having the Stattler Brothers Christmas CD sure added to our enjoyment of Christmas. What a wonderful sound.



5. This is a great CD. I love the Statlers & this is a wonderful addition to my Christmas music.

5 comments about Christmas Story.

1. I have to admit I'm a sucker for Christmas music. However, one CD that gets repeated on my CD player at any time of the year is this one by the extremely talented group POG. The instrumentals are beautiful and when accompanied by the women's vocals, provide emotional impact at every listen. The songs dealing directly with our Savior's birth are vivid reminders of why we are celebrating the holiday in the first place without being preachy. The secular songs showcase the fun and joy of being together with family and friends. Overall, I think this is POG's best work.



2. Beginning with a very brief (and barely recognizable) cover of Joy to the world, Carl Marsh's complex and dramatic orchestral arrangements are the distinctive feature of this album. This orchestra is not lush - it rocks. The beautiful harmonies of the four ladies (Denise, Shelley, Heather and Terry) are sometimes near to being drowned out by the orchestra, yet somehow they never are.
   
   Their harmonies combine with the orchestra to best effect on the old classics, which sound fresh and vibrant in such a setting. However many versions you've heard of Angels we have heard on high, Let it snow let it snow let it snow, Sleigh ride, Carol of the bells, What child is this, O holy night, O come O come Emmanuel, Santa Claus is coming to town, Jingle bells and Coventry carol, Point of Grace and their orchestra are different, even where (as on O holy night), the orchestra is restrained - this merely heightens the effect of the orchestra on the other tracks.
   
   There are five original songs, all of which are magnificent, for which lyrics are provided in the accompanying booklet. One other song, How great our joy, was new to me when I bought this. I haven't heard it anywhere else but it's a great song.
   
   If you are looking for a traditional Christmas album, look elsewhere - but if you are looking for something modern and distinctive, this may interest you.



3. I love Christmas music. I bought this disc on a whim - good choice. It is a very simple, relaxing holiday album. The harmonies are smooth and the arrangements are new but familiar. Definitely a keeper for the collection. I also picked up POG's newer Christmas album - also good, but I like this one better.



4. It is hard to find great original Christmas music. I gave it 4 stars because there one or two songs that I don't care for but because of the quality of music, has several songs that are new. This cd is truly inspired with Christmas meaning and feeling unlike many Christmas CD's.
   
   I have never heard Point of Grace prior to this, Wow these ladies can make music!! The majority of songs on this album point to the real meaning of Christmas in this beautifully crafted and produced album. Extra points for originality and that It is a must have!! You'll be will be very surprised.



5. I have had this CD since it came out and it is by far my favorite Christmas CD! It is so good. Each song really gets you in the Christmas spirit!

4 comments about Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Complete); The Sleeping Beauty (Highlights).

1. I bought this CD from over 30 different choices because of the Philips label; their digital remastering of old stereo recordings is first rate and I expected no less from this recording. Having never heard of the orchestra or the conductor, I was reluctant and unsure of what to expect. Little did I know what legends were performing here! That said...
   
   WHAT A SHOCK!!! I have NEVER heard an orchestra play with such gusto, spark, and verve... I own dozens of classical recordings, but this one is, by far, the most dynamic and passionate. The Nutcracker's overplayed music is freshened by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra with youthful, razor-sharp accuracy, bringing out undercurrents in the score that I never noticed before, even in a live performances. It is wonderfully overwhelming to hear a live orchestra play with mechanized MIDI precision and still find room for an enormous amount of expression.
   
   Antal Dorati's conducting is legendary, to say the least. The orchestra seems to have a spinning sound, with different instruments flying wildly out from a very tight epicenter. The orchestra gets so carried away that at times I worried there would be a musical train wreck, but Dorati holds the reins tightly and the frighteningly fast tempos work, providing a white-knuckle ride. His conducting is reminiscent of Herbert Von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein, though without the erratic speed changes and unnecessary theatrics. He brings out the best in the orchestra time and again, especially in the battle with the Mouse King, the Trepak, and the Pas de Deux.
   
   The result is one of the most exquisitely tight, compact, and lustrous sounds I've ever heard. The recording quality is first rate; no static, hiss, crackles, or splats. The uncanny sparkle in the music makes it sound almost digitally recorded while the dynamic breadth allows for rumbling low notes and shattering high notes. Even Telarc and EMI can't match the crisp clarity of the sound. I had to bust many of my pervious reviews down to 3 or 4 stars because this CD set a new standard for me. Money VERY well spent!
   
   (And if you want The Sleeping Beauty, buy the complete recording by Dorati with the Concertgebouw Orchestra... Fistoulari is good and the recording will put most others to shame, but the LSO is simply not as alive as the Concertgebouw.)



2. Fast tempos at times, bland interpretation,no emotion or magic for that matter this is what you need in this work of Tchaikovsky and you dont get it here from dorati,the amsterdam players play well still dorati ruins it.Get his sleeping beauty with this same orchestra its better, but if you want a great performence of the nutcracker get ernest ansermets 1959 (decca),charles dutiots complete version with the montreal symphony (decca),or eugene ormandys 1960 (columbia) version there a lot better.



3. The item was shipped quickly. The entire suite is on the CD which was hard to find. It was very nice to have over the holidays.



4. There are many interpretations of the nutcracker. All of them are wonderful to listen to. I like this version from Antal Dorati and the concertgebouw orchestra with it's gentle flowing nature, like the ticking of a timepiece, with visions of a wintery landscape. To hear this done in this manner is like a tone poem of gentle sounds with ones own introspective images coming together so nicely.Dorati and Concertgeboew do it just right here.