4 comments about On a Winter's Night.

1. I originally obtained this CD because I am a big Tim Story fan, and his The Earth Lay White does not disappoint. What was a plus were most of the other songs. This sampler reminds me of the many Winter Solstice CD's offerred by Windham Hill.



2. If you have enjoyed the Winter Solstice collections from Windham Hill, you will undoubtedly enjoy this collection as well. The style and format are very similar. Here too there is a mixture of some distinctly Christmas music with other songs, which, while not specifically holiday in nature, do evoke the feel of the season. This is a worthy acquisition.



3. This is the only seasonal release I am aware of from Imaginary Roads. After Windham Hill was sold, William Ackerman emerged with a new winter compilation on a new label--Imaginary Roads. Here you will find some of the tried and true musicians previously available on many of the Windham Hill "Winter Solstice" series of releases. There is a big difference, though--I really believe that they saved the best seasonal recordings for this CD, "On a Winter's Night". Being a seasonal CD for winter doesn't necessarily mean that the focus should be on religious music. A winter landscape is unique and the mood it brings is one of the defining traits of "living at latitudes". There is a beauty to winter which you will find throughout these selections. A quick read of the titles will give you an indication that this is not just a holiday music CD, but a celebration of the winter season. In particular I like the selections by Tim Story and Val Gardena. I received this CD last year and featured it throughout the winter on Public Radio in Alaska. Granted, we have a lot more winter up here than most of your in the Lower 48, but we can all share the landscape by listening to this music.



4. I bought this CD several years ago because I liked the cover. Every December it goes into my CD player and doesn't come out until Spring. The music is beautiful and relaxing....perfect for a winter's evening, watching the snow fall.

5 comments about Do They Know It's Christmas.

1. The original Band Aid version of Do They Know It's Christmas is on here, and that makes the purchase of this album worth it. There are 2 other versions of the song on here - one live, and one by "Band Aid 20" ...whoever they are. The live version is pretty good...but the other one, stinks. I just replay the original song anyway. Since you can't find the song on Napster, it's worth buying if you're a fan.



2. I have not received this item. When will I recieve this item?
   How long will this take?



3. 
   "Its knowledge is beyond intellect
   And its actions are driven by compassion
   Hope is wisdom"
   (Excerpt from author Kirby Thibeault's poem Hope in his book titled Wealth)
   
   Do They Know It's Christmas is an act of love and hope directed toward the betterment of all of humanity. The song was motivated by a compassion, a love for humanity, and a generosity of spirit that resonates and inspires like no other form of communication. This is the meaning of existence, and of human integrity in an active condition.
   
   There exists on this planet individuals who have achieved what Maslow terms a state of self-actualization. These individuals exist in every nationality, in every faith, and in every walk of life.
   
   Like a silent calling, a greater social conscience is directing itself toward the goal of the betterment of all of humanity. In essence, the seeking of higher states of spiritual awareness helps to nurture the flowering of love, hope, sincerity of thought, and understanding that otherwise would be amiss. It is a social universal conscience, a letting go of self -- a letting go of the illusion of ego in favor of a greater love... a global love... a self love... an integral identification with the feelings, hopes, and concerns of others.
   
   We all feel it. We all know the feeling that arises when we perform acts of love, sincerity, kindness, and integrity. We all know the feeling that arises when we inspire another, when we encourage another's positive self-development, when we affirm another's self-worth and -value. Such actions contribute to the betterment of all of humanity.
   
   "Life is about helping and caring
   Not rejecting and criticizing
   Learn how to accept and you will learn how to love"
   (excerpt from author Kirby Thibeault's poem Awakening in his book titled Wealth)
   
   This is the true meaning of Wealth. We all feel it in each and every moment -- with every action, deed, thought, dream, hope, reason, and word: "Accordingly, it is our responsibility as individuals and as a species to always attempt to help bring out the best in each and every one of us which is accomplished by seeing, or realizing the inherent 'wealth' that all of humankind possesses" --passage taken from Kirby Thibeault's acknowledgement section of his book titled Wealth --
   
   These are the spiritual and inspirational views taught to me by Kirby Thibeault, author of the book "Wealth."
   
   Do They Know It's Christmas is a song of celebration, felt within the social conscience and beyond the finite nature of existence. It is a universal act of love and caring, performed through a wisdom beyond knowledge:
   
   "It unites humanity through its desire for good
   Hope is love"
   (excerpt from Kirby Thibeault's poem titled Hope from his book Wealth)



4. Does anyone know if the original has been remastered and is available on CD? The new one is worthless.



5. Honestly, the original version sounded much better than the new update of the same song because it was very New Wave-y and apt for its time. Though the new version comprised of today's rising artists, it is beyond comparison to which is which. But... should Bob Geldoff decides to re-issue the original track... adding the remixed, "Feed The World" and instrumental version", I wouldn't let that pass. I'm a new wave music fanatic so I can well understand where everyone here is coming from. Still, it may be worth to those who aren't exactly too partial.

5 comments about Jazz for Joy.

1. I was browsing through Music World on Brigade Road, trying to find something "different" this Christmas. I spotted the Jazz for Joy album and thought, what a boring album cover!

   I hardly recognised any of the singers/musicians, but thought I'd take a chance and buy the album.

   And man, was I impressed!

   It's got all the usual Christmas oldies - but they're all jazzed up. If you want "electric jazz" don't buy this album. But if the sound of a piano, guitar, trumpet, bass and drums makes your day, this is the album to buy this Christmas.

   Put this CD on, put your feet up and sip something stiff. You'll have a Merry Christmas.




2. One of the best jazz Christmas albums of recent years. Any jazz fan who wants some Christmas music will find this CD a worthwhile purchase.



3. For true jazz lovers, this is a CD that must not be missed. I have an extensive collection of Christmas Jazz but this has become my absolute favorite. It stayed in my car CD changer from Thanksgiving until Dec 24, when it was brought in to provide background for our Christmas Eve party. Most jazz holiday compilations feature many different artists and result in a mish-mash of dissimilar styles on the same disc. On Jazz for Joy, the rhythm section mostly remains the same, with different vocalists and instrumentalists such as Shirley Horn, Roy Hargrove, Betty Carter and Mark Whitfield featured on various cuts. This result is truly a joy for the jazz fan. I've just ordered several more copies to give as gifts.



4. Seems everybody cranks out a Christmas album at some time or another but this is great jazz for any time of the year. Christian McBride really shines on "Deck the Halls" and Betty Carter's unique style on "Let It Snow" is classic. I've owned it since its release it's still a favorite.



5. 
   Christmas Music is part of the American Way of Life. Year after year, American people get full of joy and the pleasure of listening to Christmas Music becomes a must.
   
   Also artists from many different styles and their labels are very conscious about it. It is rare to find an artist from the traditional pop scene who has not recorded at least one Christmas Album. Unfortunately, this Christmas tradition in American music scene is fading away among young artists though sales keep hot in the season. This proves traditional pop artists have got a market niche which maintains year after year even selling the very same album that has been recorded many decades ago.
   
   Repertoire is basically the same and this is another peculiar facet of Christmas Music. This is an indicator of the traditional `American way of buying music'. It is commonplace in the USA that many different traditional pop artists record the same hit song in a season. I remember one well-known song that has been recorded by Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Peggy Lee, and even Astrud Gilberto, besides its sensational original take. This shows Americans like to listen to that same song or repertoire as recorded specifically by their favorite artists.
   
   It is different than the music industry and customers' mind in Brazil, for instance. If an artist records the same songs as other one does, he is minorly categorized as a `cover artist'. This is a bad category which labels the artist a minor artist, lacking creativeness as for Brazilian market parameters.
   
   It is very interesting, anyway, to listen to the same repertoire as recorded by so many different artists from so many different times under so many different arrangement concepts. Comparison arises inevitably. Somehow, a delicious comparison. What's the best `Jingle Bells' from Johnny Mathis to Diana Krall? Who's recorded the most creative `Silent Night' - Wynton Marsalis or Nat King Cole? There is a killer `Jingle Bells' recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra under arrangement by Michel Legrand and with Jean Pierre Rampal on flute. Ooooh God!
   
   Year after year, those albums are made available by continuous reissuing or not. Some even keep in the label's catalog on and on even out the Christmas season.
   
   Sometimes a different album comes into the scene and this is the case for this `Jazz for Joy' performed by so different artists in the Jazz scene, vocal or instrumental, in a delicious diversified program containing some gems.
   
   Common Christmas songs here include `Let It Snow', `Rudolph The Red-Noised Raindeer', 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas', and others, all wrapped in original jazzy arrangements that make the difference. The world Christmas anthem by Mel Tormé `The Christmas Song' shows up here too, in a beautiful rendition by Ms. Shirley Horn. Would you prefer it with Nat Cole or with Mathis or with Ms. Horn? I prefer all.
   
   There is Shirley Horn and Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln! Oooh God! Horn also offers a sensitive and original 'Winter Wonderland' (no way to compare it to the standard Johnny Mathis' rendition). Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln show up with uncommon repertoire.
   
   This is a great Christmas album. You'll specially love it if you are a Jazz fan.

5 comments about Symphonic Rock: British Invasion, Vol. 1.

1. First, these outstanding songs were performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, one of the BEST orchestra in the world!

   The LSO has a great reputation for playing Rock & Pop music, and they done it again with this album. I really love some tracks, like Night in White Satin, House of Rising Sun, Bohemian Rhapsody, Another Brick in the Wall and Layla. The atmosphere was grand, and that helped unleashed the spirit of the songs.




2. dear all ....words are not enough in this case .... i realy dont know how to thank you all for the great stuff you'r doing ......i'v ben searching for this albume for ten years .... it makes me feel that am in my own world .....thank you all .. and keep on beieng the best .... emad



3. I love this cd, I found it at a thift store. I listen to it all the time. If you want awsome music BUY IT!!!



4. This CD is very amusing. It reminds me of Radio Jordan - The English station Broadcasting from Amman Jordan & is recieved here & different cities around Israel & the PA... You see, they played these sorts of instrumentals all the time. Anything they could get their hands on - Yani, Kenny G, and lots of this stuff... so this is kinda like Radio Jordan... but in a good way! :-)



5. This CD is truly incredible.I liked it much better than just about anything else the LSO has done. As many have already stated before me, I think this CD will appeal to a wide variety of audiences-and especially for those who are used to listening to rock and are now enjoying classical music. This CD deserves the"cult classic" status it has attained over the past few years, and amoungst rock symphonies is only surpassed by the "Door's Concerto".

5 comments about A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas.

1. What Shall We Give to the Babe in the Manger. What an incredible piece, and how well- conducted it is. The music brings tears to my eyes, to be sure. The album is a classic example of how holiday choral music should be performed. This is done with spirit and tenderness.
   
   If only other orchestras, choirs, and arrangements could be performed as well. Some are, but how often do we purchase an album just to find it not what we like? Fortunately, one can listen to clips of each of the pieces, before purchasing.
   
   "What Shall We Bring" is becoming now my fondest Christmas song. The performance by the Mormon Choir and orchestra is incredible, to me. I've found other versions of the song, but this version is the finest, by far.
   
   For those interested about my favorite piece: It is from a traditional Catalonian Carol, translated from Spanish, called, "The Son of Mary."



2. There have been so many Christmas albums over the years, when I saw this I thought 'Oh no, not another one?' Then I looked at the track titles and saw that this was something different. Among the traditional carols there were many unfamiliar titles (I say this as a foreigner - some may be better known in the USA than in Australia). I decided to buy the SACD version of this release. What a revelation! Where do I start?
   The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is famous for producing very enjoyable choral recordings, usually with a religious theme, but frankly, on an international scale, they do not rate with the best (compare them with some of the better UK symphonic choirs, which is how the Tabernacle choir must be categorized, to see what I mean). But on this album, they have placed themselves well and truly in the international arena. Every aspect of their singing is, to me, perfect - diction, phrasing, musical expression, ensemble, and of greatest importance, a total involvement with and perfect expression of the words and the music. They don't sing about Santa Claus; they sing about the true meaning of Christmas, and mean it. And you really hear how well they sing in the few 'a capella' sections - musical moments that are unsurpassed.
   Then there are the arrangements. These express everything from the implicit grandeur of God coming down to earth, through to the greatest tenderness of the simplicity of his birth as Jesus. All the orchestrations and choral arrangements are completely fresh and unhackneyed, ranging from the most exquisite harmonies through to extraordinarily bold key changes - the people who did these arrangements are amongst the best in the business.
   Then there is the program. This ranges from fresh arrangements of old favourites (sample the fantasy on 'What Child is This?'), to an exploration of the most beautiful unfamiliar songs and carols you will ever hear.
   Finally the engineering. Telarc are famous for the audiophile standards of their recordings, and this is one of their best. The SACD fully utilizes the multiple channels, without resorting to gimmickry. If ever there was a 'you-are-there' recording, this is it.
   In summation: no matter how many Christmas CDs you own; buy this one too. The CD version works well (and remember, if you buy the SACD version - Telarc SACD-60552 - it will play on an ordinary CD player as well), but if you have the equipment to play the multi-channel SACD, you will get an even more rewarding experience.
   All the above may sound over the top, but, as you may have gathered, this release has had a massive impact on me at every level. It is a prize in my collection. The greatest Christmas album ever? Quite possibly.



3. CD arrived in perfect condition; however, the front of the jewel case was cracked.



4. I should've realized that this was the actual performance CD of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I was expecting more of a studio version. Although the songs were good, I had to keep adjusting the sound level up and down to hear the music- not an easy thing to do while working, studying or reading. This made it difficult to keep my mind on the work at hand with me constantly getting up to change the dynamics.



5. A total disappointment. A Broadway-ish production. The music insipid. The choirs tastelessly arranged and poorly balanced. The instrumentation vulgar. Sounds like music for a Tom and Jerry show. Wasted my money.

3 comments about The Mighty Tubadours.

1. This album is excellent! Three tubas and a euphonium. I especially love it for the beautiful Christmas half, tracks 18 thru 35. (It's not a new album, it's just the same album wrongly listed here as out of stock, under the title "Mighty Tubadours" [without the "The"] and a different ASIN.



2. This arrived today and I had to listen to it right away (normally CDs and DVDs sit in their original packaging for years before I get a chance to enjoy them). As a "retired" tuba player, it brought back fond memories of the good ol' days of playing. I was shocked to even see one of my favorite Civil War era songs on the CD (I used to play in a Civil War reenactment band). The only downside was that the CD ended in a little over an hour, and I wanted to hear more! I highly recommend this, especially if you like fun brass music.



3. Played once, then filed it away. It hasn't called out to me since to be heard.

5 comments about Holiday Inn & White Christmas.

1. I think they should place a disclaimer at the top advising would be buyers that Rosemary Clooney does not perform on this CD. It lacks the romance and magic without her. I wish I had read the reviews of this CD before purchasing it, but I was so excited to see the White Christmas Soundtrack on CD that I just one-clicked it.



2. This is not exactly what I had hoped for, but it is still good. I was hoping that it would be selections from the soundtracks of White Christmas and Holiday Inn. It is not. The songs are from the movies, but the artists are not the same. Bing and Danny are there, but it has Peggy Lee instead of Rosemary Cloney.



3. Although the album was hard find due to the obscure title, the CD is excellent. However, there are more regular songs than Christmas songs. If you enjoy music from that era it is an incredible CD.



4. Not all of the tracks are original from the movies and the replacement tracks STINK!



5. This is a wonderful christmas classic cd. I am enjoying very much and would recommend it to all.

5 comments about Pretty Paper.

1. One of the best Christmas cds I've ever heard, and I've listened to dozens. Highly recommended..



2. This CD is my favorite Christmas CD. Along with the title song, there are nice traditional songs. Worth every penny and a small price.



3. Beautiful CD. Nice clear,simple,music and lyrics appropriate to Christmas.
   I love this CD.



4. I loved this album on vinyl. I am just updating my CD collection so I can use it anywhere!



5. This was Willie Nelson's first Christmas album, which was released in 1979. It reunited Willie with the musicians who worked on his classic Stardust album, including producer/organist Booker T. Jones. Most of the songs are traditional Christmas songs, with a couple of exceptions. "Pretty Paper" is a song written by Willie, although it was not written for this album. Roy Orbison had a hit with it in 1963, and Willie recorded his own version of it in 1964. The only original tune on the album is "Christmas Blues", which is an instrumental written by Willie and Booker T. This is a very good album, with Willie doing these songs in his own inimitable style.

5 comments about The Roger Whittaker Christmas Album.

1. My mom bought this album in the 1970's. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without hearing it at least 8 times (much to my mother's aggravation), especially Darcy the Dragon and The Governor's Dream!
   A.A. Riley
   Author of The Key of Aramath



2. I have such fond memories of my father whistling. So, when my children were little in the sixties, Roger was part of the family. We all knew every word of every song. When we gathered this Christmas they were pleasantly surprised to hear this wonderful compendium of non-traditional Christmas songs. Highly recommended.



3. My dad played this album every Christmas for as long as I remember. It was always on when we put up our decorations. I love all the songs. They're original and put you in the Spirit. "Tiny Angels" is a song I will always hold dear to me. I now share it with my own tiny angels every season. It's what it's all about. Enjoy.



4. I grew up with this LP (I think I just dated myself). It was great then and even better now in the CD format! - Natasha



5. I bought this as a cassette many years ago. The CD I bought for my daughter because she was wearing the cassette out. And now her children are enjoying his music as well.

5 comments about The Essential Leontyne Price: Spirituals, Hymns & Sacred Songs.

1. This is a great CD. The only problem I have with it is that on some of the selections there is a boy's choir screaming in the background, and this takes away (a bit) from her performance. That said, her best selections are those that are either unaccompanied or those where her voice is not buried. Songs that strike me are - His Name So Sweet, He's Got The Whole World, Were You There, I Wonder as I Wander, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and my all time favourite Summertime. Enough said.



2. IMMACULATE, SUPERB vocal range and style! There's no other words that can complement Miss Leontyne Price's vocal arrangements. Miss Price's voice is strong, and shrills very nicely to the instruments played on many songs listed on this double CD which is a joy to treasure; every song listed are songs I was raised to hearing and singing. Miss Price is the reason why many of these songs remain in popularity and presently used. Miss Leontyne Price has been incredible in many of her past performances. This is my fourth CD of Miss Price and I am glad to own this particular CD forever and ever. Many thanks to the executors who found this remarkable album and upgraded it to a CD format! **Angi**



3. Agreed this is a good cd for a beautiful voice, but this is not, repeat not, for someone who wants to hear that old-timey religious fervor that you think of when you've been to a Black Baptist hand-clapping, standing, swaying, and singing service.



4. Leontyne Price (still alive) and already passing into immortality amongst vocal artists, both classical and popular. Leontyne Price stands at the pinnacle of her classical art, but those who only know her work in La Forza del destino or the Verdi Requiem are in for a heart rending treat with this album where Leontyne Price goes home to her roots in Mississippi and gives an unabashed account of the classic spirituals she sang as a young woman. Like John Mc Cormacks rendering of Irish songs there is a personal longing and devotion expressed here that reveals a side of the artist not known in the bulk of their "classical" repetoire. A sense of going home like Citizen Kane's rosebud, or as Dorothy Gale observes at the end of the Wizard of Oz "everything I could ever have wanted was right in my own backyard "



5. "I am here," said Leontyne Price when interviewed as she opened the new Metropolitan Opera with Samuel Barber's underrated ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA, "and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. The color of my skin or the kink of my hair or the spread of my mouth has nothing to do with what you are listening to." Back in the 1960s Price was one of the greatest divas in all of opera, and it wasn't just her voice but her magnificent stage presence, combined with her social activism. All of the above come into play in this collection of secular songs and ditties, some of them traditional plantation chanties and others, art songs and a scattering of pop music. And some of them, like Gershwin's "Summertime," cross the ever-permeable boundaries between Broadway and classical. These recordings were made at different times in Price's career, and her voice, while always angelic, has different shadings and reaches a different range of timbre in each separate recording date, but there is no question that, as time goes by, she is able to impart a richness of life experience noticeably absent from some of her earlier work.
   
   "Ave Maria" sounds heavenly no matter which way you slice it, and as for "I Wonder As I Wander," it brings tears to your eyes. If you have a heart that's beating you will be moved by this rendition. "Ein feste Burg" is pretty strong, but Price seems more comfortable with the traditional spirituals, though perhaps it is the slightly off-kilter sounds of the Ambrosian Singers (what a name) who back her up on many of these tracks, that detract slightly from the experience. Compare "Lead Kindly Light" for a clear sense of what constitutes authority vs. what is a wee bit overproduced. If you had this compilation, and perhaps one of Leontyne Price's Christmas albums, you could attain nirvana any time you wanted to, just flip a switch and close your eyes, let her lift you up on wings of song.