4 comments about Christmas With the Trapp Family Singers.

1. The first 18 tracks on this CD are from an LP of the same name that was a family favorite of ours since the 60s. The vocals are very precise, with noticeable German accents (especially on "Jesus Rest Your Head"). The Trapps, directed by Fr. Wasner, perform songs from their native Austria, including the hauntingly beautiful Scheibendudler (a kind of solemn jodler). Some listeners may not much like their rendition of traditional English or American songs (Deck the Halls, Jesus Rest Your Head). The less familiar Latin and foreign songs are a real treat. Favorites are "A la Nanita" (Spanish), Nu ar de Jul Igen (Swedish), and "Zu Bethlehem Geboren" (German). Most songs are done a capella, although there is recorder accompaniment on one or two. A songbook containing the first 18 songs with music is available from Amazon. All in all, a fine recording and great change of pace from the more usual Christmas music.



2. This recording was my first experience with the Trapp Family Singers (other than knowing the story from The Sound of Music). I cannot state how pleasently surprised I was.
   
   First of all, the technical quality of the recording is extraordinary. The selections were originally mastered between 1951 - 1953 by Deutsche Grammophon. Yet, despite the early dates, they sound like they were recorded yesterday.
   
   The performances are even more extraordinary. The a capella settings of these traditional Christmas songs are rich in harmony and performed with a clarity rarely heard today. Of particular interest is the Michael Praetorius setting of Es ist ein Ros' entsprungen (Lo how a rose err blooming), Deck the hall with boughs of holly, and the Bach setting of Lobt Gott, ihr Christen alle gleich.
   
   The family is conducted by Dr. Franz Wasner and the enclosed booklet offers a wonderful history of the family by writer Steven Ledbetter.
   
   Overall, this recording has quickly become a new Christmas favorite of mine. I cannot recommend it highly enough.



3. I have the original lp's from which this collection is based. Originally, this was released on two volumes on vinyl. My editions were made in England. Side Two of the second volume is completey missing on this cd. They really should have made this a double cd set or released it in the separate volumes it was originally in. What is missing: Ava Maria-Canon; I Sing of a Maiden; El Rorro (The Rocking of the Child).
   
   The recording is still as beautiful as ever on cd, but I do hate that they butchered this release and did not give us the full monty.



4. The item was exactly as discribed and arrived in good condition. I would gladly buy from this seller again...anytime!

5 comments about American Christmas.

1. The Boston Camerata is the foremost group dedicated to early music performance in the country ... This recording is one of my favorites, and it always gets heavy rotation around the holidays. The tunes are all American, taken from 18th and 19th-century sources, and definitely remind modern audiences of the religious heart of Christmas. Some of the tunes are familiar ('Joy To The World'), and some have unfamiliar texts ('The Watchman' and the evocative words sung to 'Adeste Fidelis'). Many of the tracks feature the beautiful harmonies of the shape-note traditions. The performances are, of course, stunning. Don't miss the terrific liner notes by Joel Cohen, calling Americans to reclaim our musical heritage from the classical and ethno-musicologists.



2. There are many delightfully refreshing tracks on this CD. While I'm not a fan of soloists, there are many tracks with a chorus. Many of these selections have a real Civil War-era sound to them. I especially like track 18: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, done in the form of a round. I've become addicted to track 24. This is a CD for all seasons.



3. A note to non-early music fanatics (as, contrary to the Mr. Cohen's notes, this CD mainly attracts early music fans):

   This album is decent provided you don't listen to the entire CD in one sitting. It is a nice break from the run-of-the-mill Christmas music, whether it be of the "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" or "Jingle Bell Rock" variety. However, the arrangements become tedious after a while. There are only so many open-fifths one can hear... Most people will find themselves gritting their teeth 2/3 through the disc. The non-early music fanatic would do well to listen to several tracks at a time.

   The classical enthusiast will not be pleased with Mr. Cohen's notes as he tends to disdain most "classical" music as pompous, "stuff shirt" nonsense. He seems to believe that the music on this disc is FAR better than that of, say, Handel's Messiah, simply because it is the music of lower/middle class (18/19th Century) America. He laments the Europe's influence on American music; after all, we should not be following the horrible examples set by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, etc. Good four part writing, where--gasp--the tenor parts are not constantly following the sopranos?? And--Beautiful, full, varied instrumentation?! Counterpoint?!?! Hpmh!...what unmitigated gall! What sheer snobbery!

   ...Please don't misunderstand me. I respect both Mr. Cohen's expertise (his sentiment is a different matter) and this music, and I do agree that the music presented on "American Christmas" is an enjoyable break from "Santa Claus is comin' to town. And, yes, SOME of this music deserves more credit than it is given nowadays (it sure beats anything sung or written by Britney Spears...) But lets be realistic: Handel's Messiah this is not.

   So, with that said, buy this CD... and remember, extreme moderation is the key to enjoying this album; if this sort of music was played as often as that oh-so-awful "music of reindeer," as Mr. Cohen puts it, you (provided that "you" are not an early music fanatic or Mr. Cohen) would find yourself desperately longing for the return of "Santa Claus is comin' to town."




4. While some tracks may be a bit tedious, there are some real gems here - enough to make you wonder why they remain mostly forgotten. The performaces are spectacular.



5. I happened to hear this in an mp3 newsgroup and immediately bought it for my folks and several other people. It is an incredible performance and unlike anything usually heard around Christmas . I listen to Classical music all day while working and yet I've never heard this before . Everyone who received it loved it.

5 comments about Linda Eder - Christmas Stays the Same.

1. From the first fabulous note to the last, this is a Christmas CD/DVD that will be a classic forever (step aside Bing, Andy, and Nat). From poignant to jazzy, this show has something for everyone. I especially really enjoyed the number of "Here Comes Santa Claus" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" - really cool "Broadway-ish" transitions. "Silent Night" is a revelation and a very unique and gorgeous 'take' on a classic -- fabulous! The concert shows off Linda at her best and is very poignant and heart-breaking at times and really happy and uplifting at others. I've had the CD since it was first published and will definitely be buying the DVD this season (or putting it on my Christmas list)! Linda Eder is by far and away the best female singer of the last hundred years (maybe with the exception of Ella Fitzgerald) and certainly the best female singer of our generation. It's never ceases to catch my breath to hear her voice with it's range, clarity, and interpretation of song. Frankly, if I could only listen to one female singer for the rest of my life, it would, without a shadow of a doubt, be LINDA EDER (OK, maybe with an occasional Ella thrown in).



2. Linda Eder's Christmas album has been a favorite of mine for the past six years, but I never got a chance to see her concert special on DVD until now. I wish I had picked it up sooner. The concert is just as good as the album, if not better, as Linda sings many songs from the album, plus some songs from her own repertoire including Vienna, Gold and her mesmerizing performance of Don't Rain on My Parade from Funny Girl. Linda is in top-form, and it's quite an emotional performance -- it was filmed not too long after September 11th, so many of the songs take on a new meaning in this context. A must-have.



3. Don't get me wrong. Linda eder can sing. but the deal with dvd is that she didn't pick her best songs for this dvd. The songs are good and she sounds fabulous on them but she has so many better one. I'm sorry Linda but i think you can do better.



4. If you haven't ever heard of Linda Eder like me, please take my word for it this is a great dvd! She is the best unknown singer in the world. I caught this performance on Bravo a few years ago and taped it. I have watched it so many times I have wore it out. I got the dvd this year and am in the process of doing the same thing to it. My wife loves it as much as I do. I took it to my Sunday school class to share with my friends over Christmas. "Oh Holy Night", Silent Night" are great favorites. My personal favorite on the dvd is "Vienna" WOW!! You're going to discover an amazing talent if you don't already know Linda.



5. Her favorite part of Christmas is being home with family and friends, so gather your family and friends and sit down with her. The DVD is better than the CD. You feel more in the Christmas spirit when you are watching the songs be sung "live". You also get some non-Christmas songs, like "God Bless America" and "Son of a Preacher Man". Linda Eder gives a high quality performance and I recommend this DVD. Merry Christmas! (If you like her, then you would probably like Christmas music from Martina McBride (special Target version with 16 songs), Suzy Boggus, Jo Dee Messina, and everything from Amy Grant.)

4 comments about Sing, Choirs of Angels!.

1. This brand-new recording of Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir is marvellous. Recorded on their own "Mormon Tabernacle Choir" label, this is the choir's first recording of seasonal music, and it surpasses any previous holiday release that the choir has made.
   
   Using the music of both John Rutter and the arrangements of Mack Wilberg, "Sing Choirs of Angels" enjoys a wonderful flow from track to track: from the propulsive "Fum, Fum, Fum" to the sublimely meditative "What Sweeter Music"; from the majestic "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" to a brand new music and lyric setting of the gentle "Still, Still, Still" there is something here for everyone. Listening to this recording brings a warm holiday spirit into my heart and home.
   
   Recorded in the Tabernacle at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and using the versatile Orchestra at Temple Square, the choir and orchestra sound luminous and warm; these new recordings truly are miles above anything the Choir has done before - the polish and feeling that they bring to these new recordings are stunning.
   
   The booklet that accompanies the CD is beautiful as well, with full color photographs of traditional Christmas symbols, full lyrics, track by track commentary, and a glossary of what each Christmas symbol means. This is a quality gift to give to friends and neighbors to help usher in the Christmas season. Unreservedly recommended.



2. I have about 40 Christmas CDs, and this one is in my top 2 or 3 favorites. The orchestra compliments the choir so beautifully and the offerings here are varied and interesting. 5 stars!



3. A fantastic album! A great variety of songs... many that you can sing along to. We literally had this in the c.d. player the whole Christmas season. You can't beat MoTab!



4. If there is a better choir to listen to during the Christmas holiday season, I don't know their name. For at least 60 years the sounds of Christmas have always been something I look forward to, and this DVD doesn't disappoint my expectations. Only Scrooge could be dissatisfied by this one.

5 comments about Here Comes Santa Claus.

1. Gene Autry was responsible for keeping one of the world's greatest Christmas traditions alive the "Hollywood Christmas Parade", when bad times surfaced and needed some assistance financially...it was Gene who came to the rescue as Johnny Grant (Honary Mayor of Hollywood) did whatever it took to keep the parade the class-A Holiday event from going under...drawing approximatley one million spectators along the parade route each year, Hollywood's biggest single-day event and the kick off for the Holiday Season...this was all from Gene's generous support and giving spirit.

   The year was 1946, on a Thanksgiving weekend and a Gene rode tall in the saddle, and Santa Claus was right around the bend, heard the children excited chants of "HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS"...and a song was born from Gene and co-written by Oakley Haldeman...recorded on August 28th, 1947 and became an instant hit. Then in 1949 songwriter Johnny Marks composed a tune from a poem - "RUDOLOPH, THE RED-NOSED REINDEER" many artist turned down the chance to record this classic, but Ina Autry, Gene's first wife loved the song and felt the children would love it too...she was right...and the rest my friends, is history.

   By 1969 Gene's version of "RUDOLPH" had sold 6,500,000 copies and was the all-time top selling single for Columbia Records (the 1957 version, recorded for Gene's Challenge label, is included here)..."RUDOLPH" ranks as the second favorite Christmas song right behind Irving Berlin's "White Christmas".

   Varese Sarabande and Gene share with fans old and new these popular Christmas songs recorded in the late '50s and early '60s...hope you enjoy them and they bring you wonderful memories with many happy returns from "America's Favorite Singing Cowboy" - GENE AUTRY!

   Total Time: 45:20 on 16 Tracks...Varese Sarabande VSD-6034...(1999)




2. I was very upset when this CD arrived. I was under the impression that these were the "original recordings" of Mr. Autry's Christmas records. They have been re-recorded and by no means are they bad.......their just NOT THE ORIGINALS! I want the original Columbia recordings. I gave it 2 stars because he does sound great....again just not the originals!



3. A time of innocense, a reminder of growing up with smiles and adventure. Better than meditating!



4. This is a compilation of Christmas songs that Gene Autry recorded for his own record label after he left Columbia Records. Seven of the songs here are re-recordings of songs he previously recorded for Columbia. In most cases, they are not quite as good as the originals, but they are still very good. The arrangements are slightly different, and a few of them have commentaries by Gene before or after the songs. Notable original songs include the novelties "Buon Natale", "Nine Little Reindeer" and "Santa's Coming in a Whirlybird". The latter two feature Mel Blanc as the voice of Rudolph! And then there's the 13 minute long "The Story of the Nativity", which is Gene telling the story of the birth of Jesus to his "nephew". Sure, it's kind of corny, but I found it to be quite moving. While these recordings aren't as essential as Gene's Columbia recordings, they are still quite good and I would recommend this CD.



5. I loved this CD. I bought it because when my brother and I were little kids we always listened to a Gene Autry Christmas record while decorating the Christmas Tree. I just had to find a Gene Autry CD for me and my daughter to listen to while decorating ours.

4 comments about The Best of B.B. King: Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters.

1. This is my favorite Christmas CD, hands down. I'm a little biased, as I've been a BB King fan for years, but I was blown away by the production quality of this album. I expected something more along the lines of Andy Williams, but this is one hot blues CD. I would rate this right up there with Blues on the Bayou, which in my opinion is BB's all-time best (I prefer his later albums).

   I don't know why they reissued this CD under the 20th Century Masters label, only two years after the first CD was released. It appears to be the same album, except that they apparently substituted Merry Christmas Baby for What a Wonderful World. But if you love the blues, then you will want this in your Christmas CD collection. My favorite tune turned out to be Merry Christmas Baby, where BB demonstrates that he's still got the pipes, and Lucille can still sing, too.




2. Well produced, with BB sounding like he is enjoying himself. "Back Door Santa" similar to Johnny Winter's "Back Door Friend" in its meaning.



3. This CD has a very warm sound throughout. You can't go wrong riding with The King this holiday season.



4. I pick this up the day before Christmas because I had gotten sick of "standard" Christmas music. I really enjoyed BB (as I usually do) and I liked the selections. My wife is not a big blues fan but even she remarked about how much she enjoy this set. This was definitely worth buying!

5 comments about Elvis' Christmas Album.

1. One of the few "rock and roll" Christmas albums I can stomach, "Elvis' Christmas Album" was recorded in the heat of summer 1957 and was regarded as an act of blashphemy upon its release later in the year.

   How dare this ducktailed rock and roller with his pink Cadillacs and sexually suggestive performing style...this pelvis thrusting pied piper of indecency...this...this...multi-millionaire juvenile delinquent, record "White Christmas"? Even the song's composer, Irving Berlin, was upset and asked radio stations not to play Presley's version.

   There are moments on this disc when the King seems to playfully mock the sentiments of some of these songs as if to taunt his critics, but for the most part he sounds sincere and never fails to be anything but superb. He breathes startling new life into "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" and makes "I'll Be Home for Christmas" his own. "Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane") is delightful, and "Santa Claus is Back in Town" is as raunchy in its way as his recording of "One Night."

   The album is padded out with four sublime gospel recordings originally released on the "Peace in the Valley" EP that break the lighthearted mood a bit, but also place the focus on the season's true meaning.

   This is a true classic, but Elvis fans who can't get enough of the King in yuletide mode might be advised to pick up one of the Christmas compilations (there are several) that include all of Presley's seasonal recordings.




2. This was Elvis's first Christmas album, recorded in 1957. It's a certifiable classic. Side one featured Elvis doing secular Christmas songs. "Santa Claus is Back in Town" is an awesome blues song that features D.J. Fontana's best drumming ever, arguably. "White Christmas" is a fine performance that owes a lot to the Drifters' version. "Here Comes Santa Claus" is a cool rockabilly style performance. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is a good ballad. "Blue Christmas" is Elvis's best Christmas song, and it made everyone forget the original Ernest Tubb version. Side one closed with the original pop rocker "Santa Bring My Baby Back". Side two of the album featured religious songs. However, only two of the songs are actual Christmas songs. The last four songs are taken from the previously released "Peace in the Valley" EP. But when the songs are as great as these four are, why complain? I highly recommend this CD.



3. When Elvis' christmas recordings were reissued on CD, there was apparently some mixing and matching going on. While I totally love this CD, it is not the same one I listened to that my mom had on LP when I was little. It has several additions and omissions from that one, most notably the lack of "If Everyday Was Like Christmas". That song can be found on a CD of the same title, but the track listing of another one called "It's Christmas Time" by Elvis looks more familiar as the one I liked as a kid. Elvis' stuff is always great, though, so I still recommend this one, too.



4. This is the original Elvis Christmas Album as released in 1957. It was considered very controversial when it was released (as were most Elvis releases during that time), but it was still a huge hit commercially, hitting number 1 on the Billboard album charts (before they created a separate category for Christmas albums).
   
   Eight Christmas songs were included in his original 1957 Christmas album along with the 4 Gospel songs from the "Peace In The Valley" EP. His original Christmas album was repackaged and re-released in 1970 with the 4 Gospel songs being replaced by "If Every Day was Like Christmas" (which was originally released as a single in 1966) and the non-Christmas song "Mama Liked The Roses". The 1970 edition was then re-packaged and released on CD as "It's Christmas Time" a few years ago.
   
   Elvis' performance on the songs here are excellent! Several of these recordings have become Christmas classics, still receiving significant radio airplay nearly 50 years after they were recorded!
   
   While this was a great album in its day, it has since been superceeded. All the songs on this album are currently available on the Elvis "White Christmas" CD along with "If Every Day was Like Christmas" and "Mama Liked The Roses" and every song from his "The Wonderful World of Christmas" album which was released in 1971. Unless you just want to buy this CD for its historical significance, I would recommend that you spend a few extra bucks and buy the Elvis "White Christmas" album instead. You will get a lot more Christmas cheer!



5. To reviewer Bon Jovi Fan a bit of history. This CD release contains the exact songs that appeared on the first Elvis' Christmas Album, released in 1957 on RCA Victor LOC-1035. The one you recall with the same title was released in 1970 on RCA Camden CAL-2428, containing a mix of some of the earlier tracks with new ones, including If Every Day Was Like Christmas. Written by Red West, it was recorded on June 11, 1966 in Nashville and first released that year as a single b/w How Would You Like To Be?
   
   As another reviewer points out, this one, when first released, became the target of that element of society self-righteously "scandalized" by the "vulgar hip-swinging degenerate" who was "corrupting our children" led by the son of C&W legend Hank Snow, one Jimmie Rodgers Snow, the most pious of them all. In other words, those yabos who were doing all they could to kill R&R at birth. Of course, the R&R DJs, when playing anything from the album, had zeroed in on tunes like Blue Christmas (which actually dates back to 1949 by Ernest Tubb, Russ Morgan, and Hugo Winterhalter) and Lieber & Stoller's driving Santa Claus Is Back In Town.
   
   Only when they eventually heard his mellow tones on White Christmas and I'll Be Home For Christmas, the carols Silent Night and Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem, and the four gospel tunes included (especially Take My Hand, Precious Lord), did some of them - not all, mind you, but a few - admit that they had perhaps over-reacted. Snow, thankfully, just faded into obscurity.
   
   The sound reproduction is excellent, and although there are no liner notes with the insert, you do get nine pages of vintage colour photographs of Elvis. No collection of Christmas music is complete without this one.

5 comments about Christmas with the Smithereens.

1. It's already beginning to look (and sound) a lot like Christmas with the Smithereens "Rockin' Around The Christmas tree" on their own "cool yule" holiday album. And they really do rock the house here. Listen to Dennis "The Little Drummer Boy" Diken "bash away, bash away all" during the intro to the Smithereens' own version of "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" while Jim Babjak's electric guitar decks the halls with reens riffs, Severo's bass pumps along at full "thrilla throttle" and Pat DiNizio croons in maximum rock `n' carolling mode. This is obviously not your average piped-in holiday music at the mall snoozefest.
   
   There is much to enjoy on this Christmas album beginning with its majestic opener "Waking Up On Christmas Morning" written by lead guitarist Jim Babjak. It is one of three Smithereens originals on this CD that also includes "Christmas (I Remember)" and a rerecording of their song "All Revved Up" that's been re-revved up and revamped as "Christmas Time All Over The World". The Smithereens also add their own holiday dressing to some Christmas classics and semi-rare covers. Pat contributes some exuberant harmonica playing to Elvis' "Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)" while the guitars chug along like a runaway "Polar Express" train. The Smithereens also surf the yule tide with an excellent cover of the Beach Boys' "Merry Christmas, Baby" and do a really rollicking version of Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run". The album later takes a side trip to Who-ville when Jim Babjak sings "Christmas" from the Who's "Tommy" album "and you know that can't be bad" when the Smithereens joyously revisit fab four territory with the Beatles' "Christmas Time Is Here Again". They even salute the Ramones with a catchy punk vs. Motown re-arrangement of their holiday song "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)". The band also rocks in the New Year with their Christmas carolers on steroids version of "Auld Lang Syne".
   
   "Christmas with the Smithereens" delivers a much needed kick in the Christmas balls to an often tired and tiresome holiday music industry. It's the perfect antidote to overly treacly Christmas "pap music" and sugar shock inducing holiday elevator music. If you like your seasonal music "sugar free" rather than piped-in and played-out, then you should spend your "Christmas With the Smithereens".



2. It seems like every season we come to accept the force-fed nostalgia of Christmas originals we've heard a zillion times or worse, treacly covers of these same done by "contemporary" artists (you know who you are - paging Sting,Celine and you "American Idols"). Not since Ray Davies and the Kinks snuck "Father Christmas" under our proverbial tree has a set of holiday tracks rocked this hard -- and good.
   
   What if there was a Christmas record that you actually wanted to listen to for more than just teary-eyed nostalgia? Sure, there's nostalgia here with the boy's own covers of Chuck Berry, Elvis, Ramones, and Beach Boys Christmas tunes. But there are also some nice originals and surprises: a cover of the Who's "Tommy" set piece and their own take on the Beatle-fan-club-only "O.U.T. spells out" Christmas sing along. All this and great guitar riffs, thumpin' bass, killer drumming, and a chance to hear Pat and the other Smithereens show off their vocal chops.
   
   If you are a Smithereens fan, or just a fan of great straightforward pop a la the aforementioned Kinks, the Who, Beach Boys, Phil Spector, etc. you will enjoy this record. Speaking of Phil, his other recent troubles not withstanding, he should watch his back: the Smithereens have arrived with a collection of holiday tunes to rival his '63 classic.



3. Every year, we hear the same Christmas songs and although we know them and love them, it's always nice to hear new and rare versions of even the most loved favorites. The Smithereens are giving you both new and rare! Along with Pat DiNizio, we also get Jim Babjak and Dennis Diken taking over the vocals on a few songs.
   
   Just when you think you've heard every version you ever wanted to hear of "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"....the Smithereens deliver their electric punch flavor of the classic. I love their version of Auld Lang Syne. It starts with acapella then turns into a full blown rock song. The new original songs along with the classics really make this well rounded. There is a little something for everyone on this "classic in the making" Christmas CD.
   Simply put, it rocks!



4. The Smithereens have been one of the most consistent and genuine no frills rock bands for over 25 years and have now produced a Christmas album in keeping with tradition of quality. In many ways, "Christmas with The Smithereens" can be considered a tribute to the rock legends that the group admires and by whom they have been influnced. But there are also 3 brand-new Smithereens songs that reflect their own unique blend of styles.
   One thing to keep in mind is that while The Smithereens are covering well-known versions of past Christmas classics they are not attempting to best the original hits. From start to finish they are simply having fun doing their own takes on songs. You'll hear songs originally done by the Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, Elvis, and The Ramones (you can tell the group has a real affection for the original punk band. There's a cover of the rare Beatles song "Christmas Time is Here Again" and if you've already heard The Smithereens Beatles tribute ("Meet the Smithereens") you'll know how well they cover the Fab Four. There's also a nice surprise in their sharp cover of The Who's "Christmas" from the rock opera Tommy. It's amazing that this song hasn't become a rock yule tradition--until now.
   As for the three original songs, The Smithereens make use of their own personal memories of Christmas and create songs that are lively as well as sentimental. These are not sing-songy compositions but they'll grow on you with repeated listenings.
   If you're looking to break from the usual tradition of well-worn holiday covers then "Christmas with The Smithereens" is a great NEW tradition to start.



5. Remember the two types of Christmas albums that you listened to as a kid? There was the 'reverential' album of devotional songs and hallelujah stuff. It was the one that you put on late at night during a soft snowfall and looked at the Christmas tree and remembered Christmas past.
   
   Then there was a the album that captured the fun and the joy of the holiday. You know what that was. It was the album that you put on when the cousins came over to visit. The one that you reached for automatically when the party started. The one that captured the fun and the excitement when the family was all together and the kids went one way and the parents went another. The album that was on when the kids would wonder what they would be getting when the presents were opened later on.
   
   Christmas With The Smithereens captures perfectly the feeling and the memories of that time and makes it fresh. The Smithereens bring new life to the old classics. You can tell that they aren't just going through the motions but actually enjoying themselves as they play common Christmas tunes like 'Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree' and not so common Christmas tunes such as their take on Art Carney's version of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas'. You can HEAR the Christmas Spririt Of Fun in these recordings. The band must have been smiling all the way through the recording sessions.
   
   As I write this we sit on the edge of summer. So what? What law says that you can't play Christmas songs past the 'Christmas season'? Who says that you can't rock out for the summer to The Smithereens playing Christmas tunes? Do you only play 'Autumn Leaves' in autumn? Do you only play 'Riders On The Storm' when it rains? Do you only play 'Here Comes The Sun' when it's sunny? No! You don't.
   
   Indulge yourself! Get 'Christmas With The Smithereens' NOW!!

5 comments about Snowfall: The Tony Bennett Christmas Album.

1. Frank Sinatra once remarked that for his money, there was no singer he'd rather hear than Tony Bennett.
   
   As one of the last surviving crooners of his generation, Tony has become a swingin' elder statesman of the music world, and has even enjoyed the unlikely honor of a buzz clip on MTV in the 90's. When it comes to tunes with a holiday flavor, you will not be disappointed by his velvety vocals, and Snowfall certainly delivers quality material.
   
   It is decidedly commonplace to repackage gifts for the holidays, and Snowfall neatly fits that idea. Many of these tracks are original recordings from around '64, during Tony's peak, and showcase his pleasant, smooth warbling. This album was originally released to CD in 1994, and comes back to the forefront again in 2004 with the added bonus of a previously unavailable performance of "I'll Be Home for Christmas".
   
   The new track (recorded live on the Jon Stewart Show) is worth the re-release, and easily this reviewer's favorite for its up-tempo swinging bounce. Fans who own either of the previous two versions of this album may be a little skeptical on purchasing it again for one new song, glorious CD packaging notwithstanding.
   
   The body of this album has some really nice pieces, including Bennett's elegant, fast-waltz interpretation of "My Favorite Things" and a moving, emotive "The Christmas Song" that would make Nat "King" Cole proud. There's a great well-arranged medley of "I Love the Winter Weather" and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" that does something fresh for both songs, particularly when you consider how often they get recorded.
   
   "Snowfall" and "White Christmas" both serve the purpose off stimulating reflection by way of Tony's clear, intoxicating vocals. "Christmasland", "Winter Wonderland" and a medley packed with traditional standards like "Silent Night" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" create a sense of nostalgia for classics-and that's no surprise, Tony Bennett is a classic himself.



2. During the most recent heat wave, I actually thought it might help to drag out a few of my favorite Christmas recordings and, at least, chill out mentally. It was worth a try, I suppose--not that it actually worked. In fact, all it really did for me was load Christmas anxiety on top of my already burdensome heat exhaustion.
   
   But then I figured, hey, before you know it, the clime will have shifted and we'll be hankering for chestnusts roasted on an open fire--instead of feeling like WE'RE being roasted on an open fire. And since, I never think to post reviews of actual Christmas product until, I dunno, maybe Christmas Eve, at least this year, I get a jump on the gun and maybe even garner a couple of "helpful" votes by Thanksgiving weekend.
   
   Tony Bennett's SNOWFALL is arguably as much a "winter" record as a purely holiday one. It's always seemed something of a shame to me that all the joyful Christmas music gets put away well before winter has really set in. (At least the Russians are smart enough to celebrate it in January, which can help forestall the winter doldrums for a short while at least.) The fact that the title song on this seasonal album is "Snowfall" and not "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" at least gives you some kind of excuse to play it well into January, heck, maybe even February. Or as in my little experiment, in July.
   
   And, of course, "Winter Wonderland" and "I've Got Our Love to Keep Me Warm" are good for the whole calendar season too. "My Favorite Things," is a canny choice for an opener too. It's seasonal the way its source film THE SOUND OF MUSIC is seasonal: it evokes familial warmth and good times, even if the packages are in brown paper and "tied up with string" rather than ribbons.
   
   And then there's the almost bizarre medley of actual Christmas songs that concludes with a conventional romantic ballad ("Where Is Love?"). Musically, it fits just fine, but thematically, it's a bit strange--almost as if Tony's saying, "Hey, I'm down with the holiday stuff, but THIS is what I really do..."
   
   As an interpretive singer, Bennett has the unique ability to be warm and a little breezy at the same time. When I read somewhere recently that "I'll Be Home For Christmas" was actually a WWII song, and meant to be sung with at least a hint of melancholy, I thought of the live version included here(from a JON STEWART SHOW broadcast), which is certainly more breezy than reverential. But, of course, by this point in that song's history, it has lost much of its sombreness, and, hey, it really does lend itself nicely to a little jazz pizzazz.
   
   That track, by the way, is the album's closer, and it is really the only new entry on this collection, most of which is culled from material released in Bennett's 60s heyday. It's certainly interesting to hear how his voiced has changed and how he's learned to compensate in warmth and wit for what he may have lost in vocal technique.
   
   Bennett was and is a singer for all seasons.



3. Each year, I pick up a new Christmas CD or two to add to my very diverse Christmas music collection and make my own compilation CDs of favorites to listen to in the car and around the house. I always search for something that stands out above the other music I usually hear. This year, I've heard this CD's version of "I'll be home for Christmas" many times on a local radio station that's playing all Christmas and Holiday music throughout the season. It really has a great swing to it and it stands out among many great versions of this song. Tony's voice has a really cool warmth and slight edge to it in these recent years and it really adds a lot to this performance, which is making this CD a definite need for my collection. The other songs sound good in the audio samples too, although I prefer his upbeat stuff with the voice of recent years best.



4. If you enjoy the cool and uptown Christmas sounds from Tony Bennett, then I know you will enjoy this C.D. from the artist Frank Sinatra enjoyed listening to. There are some great tracks including "Snowfall", "Winter Wonderland" and the track that appeared on an MTV program, "I'll Be Home For Christmas". It's great to listen to!



5. From Rodgers and Hammerstein's "My Favorite Things" down to a previously unreleased track, "I'll Be Home For Christmas," this stellar album offers an array of Christmas songs that you'll greatly enjoy and will add a glow to your holidays. It boasts of some of the greatest musical moments of the bright career of Tony Bennett, who believes that his key to success is "making music that lasts." He is backed by an orchestra and a choir conducted by none other than a fine arranger/orchestrator, Robert Farnon, whose body of work has greatly influenced Johnny Mandel, Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, John Williams and André Previn. In this album, he brings a wealth of experience in the field of creative chart arrangements and gleaming orchestrations to Tony Bennett's unique vocal artistry and timeless style.
   
   Some of my favorites are the spectacular tracks that were recorded in London - "The Christmas Song," "White Christmas," "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." The medley of "I Love The Winter Weather/I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" is an absolute beauty! His takes on "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "Winter Wonderland" and the title track, "Snowfall" are such delights and so remarkable. The inclusion of "Where Is Love," an achingly beautiful theme song from the musical "Oliver" is such a surprise, but it blended harmoniously with the rest of the Christmas carols from the medley. A previously unreleased track "I'll Be Home For Christmas" was sung in a jazzy fashion and this was taken from "The Jon Stewart Show."
   
   "Christmasland" composed by Brian Farnon and Dennis Farnon is a sentimental Christmas song that brings to mind fond memories of childhood. It is so melodious and Tony Bennett gives a heartfelt reading of the lyric making it one of the highlights from this collection.
   
   With Tony Bennett and Robert Farnon teaming-up artistically in this album, I guarantee there's not a single dull moment and there's nothing to whine about. This is Christmas music that can warm your hearts even on the coldest winter day. So give it your welcoming ears and enjoy it with your Christmas celebrations.
   
   Have the Merriest Christmas ever and Good Cheers for the New Year!

5 comments about 12 Soulful Nights of Christmas.

1. This cd came out before alicia keys ever got banging. I think that this was a good love and rememberable cd to have for life.



2. Jermaine Dupri outdid himself with this release. After the monumental success of his first debut, the classic Life in 1472, Jermaine Dupri continued his genius and timely production with this sleeper. Even with all the big names (of then & now) such as Kenny Lattimore, Xscape, Tamia (Grammy Nominations!) Jodeci, Chaka Khan, Gerald Levert, Faith Evans, Brian McKnight, Jagged Edge and the now ever popular Alicia Keys (Yes THAT Alicia Keys!), this cd failed to gain the proper attention and play. The album is so soulful and is very smooth. The few interpretations they do are excellent especially Tamia's Christmas Song. She has one of the best voices of all time (for my generation--late 70's early 80's on up). The Xscape song Christmas Without You is a really magnificent piece with the four sisters singing with serious soul; a great song. KCi & JoJo's In Love At Christmas is another soulful christmas production.
   
   Overall this Christmas album is a musthave. Jermaine Dupri and So So Def records put their foot into this one with memorable songs and great voices to make this a great release. 5 stars.



3. This is a really great album. My old roommate gave it to me a few years back. I've played it so much. I just discovered a crack in my cd and if it stops playing b/c of the crack then I'm going out to get a new 12 Soulful Nights of Christmas cd. I really like tracks 5 and 9 but all of the songs are great.
   A must have!



4. This is a great way to spend a wonderful holiday night with the family or a friend with this cd.



5. This album is a christmas classic for the ages because you're never to old for the holidays. Yet it's always the season to have a christmas spirit with your friends and familes and love ones.