5 comments about Christmas Peace.

1. Elvis has always been my favourite artist. This cd shows how wonderfully capable Elvis was at singing any style of music he chose. Great sound quality and packaging make this another winner from BMG .



2. Another repackaging of the 20 Christmas songs that Elvis recorded during his career. The twist on this package that makes it different from previous Christmas releases (such as "White Christmas" and "If Every Day Was Like Christmas") is the second CD containing 20 Gospel songs.
   
   Elvis' performance of the earlier Christmas songs (the ones recorded in the 50's and 60's) are outstanding! Elvis is in top form for these songs and several of them have become Christmas classics still receiving radio play 50 years after they were recorded! The Christmas songs recorded in the 70's are good but not in the same class as the earlier recordings. His performances of the Gospel songs on the second CD are excellent!
   
   If you are looking for a collection of Elvis Christmas music AND some of his mellow Gospel songs, this is the collection for you!
   
   However, if you are just wanting Elvis Christmas songs, I would recommend that you save a few bucks and buy the "If Every Day Was Like Christmas" CD, which contains all 20 Christmas songs found here plus 4 alternate versions on a single CD, making it the most comprehensive Elvis Christmas collection available. If you are just looking for some Elvis Gospel music I would recommend you buy the Elvis "Ultimate Gospel" CD.



3. I'll give this cd a 5 star---------BUT WHERE IS THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM ELVIS-----WHICH I REALLY WANTED TO HEAR ?????? On the Christmas cd #8 states Christmas Message from Elvis on the discription list of Songs. I received this cd and there is no suchChristmas Message !! (VERY DISAPPOINTING) !!!! On the Cd Disc #1 (Christmas) if you look at the back where the list of songs are it does not say anything about this message being on the disc----Amazon has this WRONG on their list---Because it IS NOT THERE !!! BUT I would still get this CD---It's Still GREAT because it's ELVIS !!!! I LOVE ELVIS -----So I WANT ANYTHING HE SINGS !!! So get this cd, Elvis' Singing will NEVER let you be sorry ! I could never get threw the Holiday's or any other day without this CD ! This is a great christmas CD, don't let the fact that there is no Elvis message on this stop you from odering this If you want to have Peaceful Holidays you will love this cd. There is no way I could handle Christmas without Elvis! Dina



4. The CD is great! It's a must have for all Elvis fans! It contains Elvis' greatest Christmas songs and a CD that contains his inspirational songs.



5. Christmas Peace is an excellent album that everyone who likes Elvis Presley should own. It combines one CD of Christmas songs with one CD of the Gospel songs that were so close to his heart. They are not only inspirational to listen to, they also show that Elvis was a deeply Christian man who was overwhelmed by his life circumstances. Would any of us do better? You cannot sing with the conviction he does on his Gospel selections and not believe it. The songs on this album capture both the sacred season of Christmas and the sacred theme of Gospel music.

5 comments about Christmas With The Rat Pack.

1. Even better than expected!!! A great collection of Christmas tunes done only the way these guys can........SMOOTH! Quickly became one of our favorite holiday CD's.



2. This is a wonderful sounding CD. The only thing that would make it better is if the track for "Baby Its Cold Outside" by Dean Martin would have been the original. However, with so many great songs to choose from, it isn't worth complaining about.



3. The music was enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the Ratpack or Christmas music.



4. I bought this for my husband for Christmas and he really enjoyed it! He put the CD in his car and played it every time he was driving. Glad I purchased it.



5. I bought this cd as a Christmas gift for my Dad. He absolutely LOVES it and listens to it constantly!
   If you're a fan of the rat pack, you can't go wrong with this cd.

5 comments about The Secret of Christmas.

1. This CD is a nice mix of music. The fun songs are the best (the Hippo song and Little St. Nick). I can't get over how imaginative the Captain is with his keyboards. On a couple of the songs you really do feel as though you're on a majic carpet ride through Daryl's imagination. I wish there were more truly talented people such as this in the music business.



2. Captain & Tennille's first-ever Christmas CD is one that had a lot of thought put into it. It has songs that are sentimental, touching, funny, nostalgic, joyous -- and even downright outrageous! Daryl "Captain" Dragon still has the chops, and then some, to create great things on the keyboard, and on the production overall. He is a terrific musician and arranger. Toni Tennille still has that MAGICAL voice. Some people still think all she can do is "Love Will Keep Us Together" and "Muskrat Love," but she has a wide range and versatility that has kept through the years, and is distinct from any other singer today. And this shows the most on what I feel is the most outstanding song on the album, which is "The Secret Of Christmas," the title track. You'll definitely be moved! Another great track was taken from their 1976 variety series, a Christmas episode, where Toni sings "Little Saint Nick" with her sisters, and there are three instrumental tracks by the Captain, which are FUN!



3. First off one has to realize that I have always enjoyed the Captain & Tennille. More for their southern jazz and boogie woogie than their traditional pop. But enjoyed them none the less. They seem to have followed another 70's pop group into the Christmas spirit this year, that of Tony Orlando & Dawn's A Christmas Reunion I loved this CD and was hoping for something similar. Not quite what I got but it has grown on me.
   Toni has written several fun songs, "Tahoe Snow", "Boogie Baby Christmas" and chosen a fun mixture of classics and non-traditional favorites like "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" (this is pure fun and Toni is having fun with it) Where Tony Orlando & Dawn's CD is more spiritually focused, the C&T's is light, happy and fun. We had a great time wrapping presents while listening to it. I would definitely recommend it if you have a bit of child in your heart for Christmas...and as always Daryl creates a couple wonderful instrumentals with his keyboards that you just can't help humming and singing along with. Isn't that what music should always evoke? Merry Christmas to all who listen!!



4. This is a very nice Christmas CD especially if you are a C and T fan



5. I think the Captain and Tennille are grossly under-rated these days but this CD just doesn't do anything for me. The samples don't always tell the whole story so I thought I would give it a shot. If it wasn't for the title I would not have known who the artist was. Unless you are a die hard C&T fan, skip this one.

5 comments about The Christmas Album.

1. I've had this particular Canadian Brass album for so long that I have it on cassette! But it's become a classic family Christmas album for us. It's a great addition to any Christmas, especially as background music. It's very calming and just plain good. I can't imagine my Christmas without it.



2. Lousy musicianship here, frankly-- missed notes and poor intonation. I was hugely disappointed when I heard this album. Greatly recommend A Festival of Carols in Brass (Philadelphia Brass Ensemble) instead, which is pure joy for the listener.



3. Just be sure to buy this version (18 tracks) rather than what appears to be a very pared-down later issue (same cover, only about half a dozen tracks).
   
   This is by far the best holiday album I have ever heard. I am a double-reed player and I must take issue with the complaints about intonation and musicianship by the one negative reviewer on this page. The song selection, mix of secular and religious, mix of serious and light, mix of familiar/less heard - Good as driving music, gift wrapping, or sing-along. This is the Holiday CD I listen to year round. If you are looking for ONE CD to buy for the season- for your collection or as a gift- This is it!



4. What has not been said about the Canadian Brass? The album is a wonderful blend of brass and voices. I especaily appreciate the non-traditional selections. It is a heart warmer.



5. I especially liked the 12 days of Christmas. Very unique!! I heard a CB xmas song on the radio, and ran right out to buy this. I am very glad I did.

5 comments about Songs of the Season.

1. Peter White is the best smooth jazz guitarist going. Every one of his CD's are total ear candy. I like this CD so much, I play it anytime of the year, especially when my homebased business problems seem to gang up on me. It soothes the overwrought nerves and clears the mind of the little things that have become big. Peter's newest CD, "Glow", is fantastic. "Songs of the Season" is much better than any smooth jazz Holiday offering. I feel lucky we have such a talent as Mr. White.



2. This is my favorite Christmas album. And, I own about 35 Christmas albums. Peter White's guitar is distinctive and emotional. You will never mistake another guitarist for Peter White. This album has some of the most magnificent arrangements of standard Christmas music. O' Little Town of Bethlehem is absolutely breathtaking; it is like an Elizabethan carol. My favorite of all is The River, a Joni Mitchell song. Peter accompanies Kenny Lattimore who offers a hauntingly aching version of this song. If you can buy only one Christmas album, buy this one.



3. I bow to the greatness that is Peter White. I am blown away by this album. My only regret is that it took me so long to purchase it. I have been a Peter White fan for years and somehow I neglected to purchase this one. The songs on this album are so pure they will stir emotions deep within you. "River" with Kenny Lattimore is exceptional in its innocent vocal sweetness.
   
   Peter White is a man who can strum a guitar with the finesse only someone who truly has passion for his art can do. He has enraptured me yet again with this CD. I am torn because I like to savior my Christmas music and only play it during Christmas time. However, there is no way I can only listen to this album around Christmas. Music this good must be played year round.



4. I bought this one because I was looking for a very hip Christmas album. Knowing Peter White, what else is there but hip music. Wrong. This wasn't Peter White at all (except for 'Jingle Bells') - or not the Peter White I've become familiar with. It was just another 'dime-a-dozen' Christmas album... boring.
   
   If you want some smooth jazz hip music.. look elsewhere. If you want to sleep.. this is the baby for you. Just try not to snore too loud!



5. Though I enjoy Traditional Christmas music at Christmas time, this CD is one of my new faves of "Holiday Music" that is enjoyable all year long

1 comments about The Real Meaning of Christmas Vol. 2.

1. This albums was well put together. I loved it. I loved this one and the last one. Next time I think they should add more choirs like Hez. Walker, James Hall, John P. Kee, Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence. Maybe even have all of them on one track. I think that was the only thing this project lacked. But if you like great solos by artost like Fred Hammond and the RFC, Yolonda Adams, Twinke Clark and Vanessa Bell Armstrong you'll love it.

4 comments about Schütz - The Christmas Story · Cantiones sacrae · Psalm 100 / P. Agnew · A. Crookes · M. McCarthy · Oxford Camerata · J. Summerly.

1. As of this writing this CD ranks 86,775th on amazon.com's sales charts. This is wrong. Schutz's Christmas Story is a fantastic piece, the kind of music I would recommend to anyone, no matter what their tastes. The performance is lovely, the CD is 6 bucks. If you buy it, you'll be glad you did.



2. This is one of the best recordings of The Christmas Story I have ever heard. I am a music collector, so I know what I'm talking about. The performer, Oxford Camerata, is a fine ensemble in and of itself, but it is strengthened exponentially in this recording by the participation of tenor Paul Agnew. Agnew's voice is extraordinary in its bittersweet timbre and flute-like quality. He lends an unmatched expressiveness to the role of Evangelist. The music itself is remarkable, structured almost like a mini-opera, with Evangelist's recitative illustrated by arioso-style vocal scenes. You should definitely buy this recording, especially if you're new to Schutz: you can't get introduced to new music cheaper than this. If you decide you like Schutz, then also don't miss a CD entitled Geistliche Chormusic (dir. Herreweghe; soloists include Agnes Mellon and Mark Padmore). Another excellent choice is Vol 12 from the long-running series of Deutsche Barock Kantaten, which features Schutz's Die Siebe Worte and Historia der Auferstehung, sung by some of the best voices in baroque music including Mellon, Agnew and Padmore.



3. The story of the Nativity is as packed with incident as any Passion - Christ's birth, Roman tyranny, supernatural portents, genocidal despotism, persecution, flight - and yet, with the exception of Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio', it doesn't carry the same weight in the sacred canon. Unlike Bach's Passions, which subordinate the 'action' onto the recitative, using the choruses and arias as commentary of affirmations by the faithful, Schutz makes his 'Christmas Story' entirely dramatic, with arias and choruses setting the dialogue of the characters. this means that instead of Bach's pieces of more abstract beauty, Schutz's have their own distinctive flavour, matching the role of the character(s) singing them - so the angel's are ethereal, though grounded by violas; the shepherds innocently pastoral (with predictable recorders); the wise men nobly attitudinising (violins); the sinister pomp of Herod and the elders marked by self-important trumpets. this is not to say that the recitatives are merely static and functional: they are actually more dramatic and colourful than Bach's, and that describing the slaughter of the Innocents has a terrible desolation.

   The three Cantiones sacrae from much earlier in Schutz's career, demonstrate a vibrant pleasure in choral writing, with male and female voices complementing each other in works of spiralling beauty, supported only be a low organ. the third, 'O bone, o dulcis', with its mention of the crucifixion, takes a sombre turn. 'Psalm 100', a jubilant prayer to the Lord, also moves to a more reflective climax.

   Jeremy Summerley and his Oxford Camerata have done their usual precise job, the sensitivity of the sparse instrumentation matched by the gymnastic expressivity of the singers.




4. I am a casual listener of early music and have found that the Naxos label Rarely disappoints. A case in point is this recording of Heinrich Schutz. The music is beautiful of course: Heinrich Schutz, with one foot in the renaissance and one foot in the baroque era, composes music that is of a higher form than his predecessors yet is true to its sacred spirit and without so much opulence and flair as the Baroque composers. This CD is indicative of his style and the final chorus of the work is a terrific piece and full of power. The CD is well recorded and very dynamic... given the price it is a definite "good purchase".
   
   It is a shame that Heinrich Schutz gets less air-time on classical radio than he deserves and one way to ensure you get enough of him is by buying this CD. It is perfect incidental music for a Christmas dinner or party, however I will admit that I often break the rules and listen to this CD throughout the year... -shame on me. I recommend Schutz highly and while he is no JS Bach he should be regarded nearly as well. I hope you heed my advice and pick this one up it is bound to please.
   
   -- Ted Murena

5 comments about A Christmas to Remember.

1. When this album was originally released, there was a version available at some Christian bookstores (and elsewhere?) that had a bonus track with Amy doing an exquisite rendition of the Carpenters' classic "Merry Christmas Darling". Apparently they didn't include it on this reissue, which is a real shame. The other remasters of CD's in this Amy Grant series sound great; I won't need this one though, because I'd lose that great extra track....
   This was her 3rd Christmas album, and is not nearly as enjoyable or festive as the first two - "A Christmas Album" and "Home For Christmas".



2. Amy's third Christmas CD (the 4th if you count the "Animals Christmas" collaboration with Art Garfunkel) is by far the weakest of the batch.
   There's little of the festive frolic or energy of the earlier releases and in fact Amy's vocal performance sounds just plain tired and melancholy on many of these songs.
   The project starts off with a pretty good bang with the title song and then it's all downhill from there.
   >The bonus track of "Merry Christmas Darling" is not on this version but it's no great loss. Amy's take on the Carpenters classic contains little of the sparkle or passion of the original.



3. I have all three of Amy's Christmas CDs (I don't know about the one with Art Garfunkle). I like them all for different reasons.
   
   This one shows a real maturity in Amy's offerings. The songs are more grown up, her voice has beautifully grown up. There are several songs on here that I play over and over again.
   
   If you like Amy Grant, you should have this CD along with all the others.



4. I love all of Amy Grant's CD's and Christmas CD's, but this is definitely her best Christmas CD of all!



5. To me, Christmas isn't Christmas without an Amy Grant CD being played. I wait impatiently for the holiday season to roll around so I can dig her holidays CDs out and play them incessantly. My favorite of hers is the now classic "Home For Christmas" which should be in every Christmas lover's CD collection. I place this offering, her third, right behind that one and before her first one, "The Christmas Album."(Which hasn't aged well). Heresy, you say? Not really. Granted, she doesn't really offer much here as a songwriter, but she still has an amazing gift for making a song her own. Her voice and delivery bring out so much emotion and is well suited to this, for the most part, well-chosen collection. There really isn't a bad track here, though as a few people have noted, the addition of "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Mr. Santa" stand out in a less than flattering way. They're not terrible, but they don't really belong here among such serious and thematic songs; they're more suited to a children's album. The best songs on the album are surprisingly the more melancoly and reflective ones, such as "Till The Season Comes Round Again" and "Christmas Lullaby (I Will Lead You Home)", which is my favorite off the album and never fails to tear me up! Her use of choir and strings on "Silent Night" give it an almost ethereal feeling and "Welcome To Our World" is simply stunning. If there's a downside to this album, it's simply that it's too short, clocking in just shy of 40 minutes. I highly recommend this often overlooked album by one of the best vocalists around. Merry Christmas!!

5 comments about Hawaiian Slack Key Christmas.

1. My family and I travel to Kauai each year, and we love Hawaiian slack key guitar music. Since we have gathered a pretty extensive collection of traditional Christmas music, we were looking for something different, but NOT "cheezy" or over-commercialized, and this CD fit the bill perfectly. Great combination of reflective Christmas music, with a soothing slack key presentation style. Wonderful!



2. This compilation album features many artists not well known outside Hawaiian music circles. The music is very soft, quiet, relaxing and in general enjoyable. We played it over the holidays and the music was great for background music. It also became my favorite gift-wrapping music, too, right along with the Brothers Cazimero, Hawaiian vocalists.



3. I grew up listening to and playing some slack key. The CD I ordered came to me in excellent shape and within the time frame I was given. I have taken it to my aquatic classes during Christmas and the ladies all loved it! Thank you Amazon and your extended family they do a really good job.
   
   Mahalo,
   
   Jeanne



4. This album is a refreshing take on the Christmas classics and is a perfect gift at holiday time. High quality recording; mostly guitar with a couple of vocal numbers. The only downside of this album is that it makes me long for the islands. Mele Kelikimaka!



5. If you're not familiar with Hawaiian Slack Key guitar, then press the "Add to Cart" button right now because I guarantee you will become a fan. These are beautiful interpretations that you deserve to own. You'll be amazed how your friends and guests will respond to these mellow and personal interpretations of Christmas favorites.
   
   For the fans of holiday music who want something new but full of songs they love. You won't be disappointed!

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.