5 comments about Holiday Classics.

1. I have been listening to James Last since I was 4 years old ( I am now 31 ).All his music is brilliant and this xmas cd is no exception . James Last is a great person with a wonderful outlook on life and this comes through very clearly in his music .Beautiful music that will leave you with the feeling that life truly is magical and playful despite all the problems the world seems to be experiencing .Sit back and let a musical genius entertain you with his amazing orchestra .



2. If you like beautiful Christmas music this is the cd for you.All of these songs are lush and also have Christmas bells in them.A lot of these got played on WKTZ in Jacksonville Florida last Christmas.Their website is jones.edu and you click on the wktz icon to listen.This is the kind of Christmas Music you use to hear on beautiful music stations.You don't hear this type of Christmas music on most radio stations anymore except for Wktz in Jacksonville Florida and Sunny XM'S Beautiful Music Channel 24.Wktz and Sunny has most of the instrumental Christmas artist like Last,Faith,Lex De Azevedo,Ingman,Chacksfield,Mancini and others.I highly recommend this cd if you like beautiful Christmas music.



3. In the review of this CD, Bill has his history correct, and Jeff and Murmick have their recommendations correct. The JL genius comes through again. It's an invitation to queue it up and decorate your Christmas tree!



4. My wife Pat, had this music originally on an 8-track tape from many years back. No 8-track players around now, for a good number of years, and we had looked high and low, but could not find it. Finally found it on Amazon.com. Really GREAT CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!! and we are listening to it now, as I type this review.
   Thank You.



5. This Christmas CD will get a lot of play this year around my house during the Christmas season. The mixture of religious and other Christmas music seems to be a perfect mix. If you like European Christmas music, this CD will be perfect for you. Well done music, typical (and masterful) James Last style.
   
   These are full-length songs with a good medley featuring "White Christmas" as well.

2 comments about Christmas in Vienna.

1. On the soundtrack to a PBS TV Special that coincided with the Christmas Season of 1992, this set reached the the Top 10 that Christmas in several European countries. La Ross, ever able to meld her voice around difficult arrangements and changing styles,once again holds her own with two opera stars.

   The novel "Upside Down" seemed challenging enough; Ross was able to hit the notes, while all the while adjusting the speed of her soft and airy voice to adjust to the tempo of the track. Even Ross' critics who contend her voice is too light and airy, or that she is one to emphasize style over substance in her pop work would have to concede that neither is sacrificed for the other here. Both elements are at play in a presentation full of grace and finnesse-which is what such a degree of a great performance would require.

   Here, she shines on solos "Amazing Grace" and "Ave Maria". "Ave Maria" is notoriously difficult to deliver-especially in a dead language. Ostensibly, "Ave Maria" is in Latin. Thrown in for good measure is her then-current British chart entry-that is, "If We Hold On Together" from "The Land Before Time", a huge hit in Japan years earlier that contains all the majestic power of an opera.

   Speaking of scaling majestic heights, the cut spent two years in the top-twenty in Japan and subsequently was certified quadruple-platinum and was at the time of its pinnacle the best-selling single by a foreign artist in Japan.




2. What a lovely album. Listen to Diana Ross's version of Amazing Grace! Play it loud!

5 comments about Bethlehem.

1. While I think Brian McKnight is a gifted singer - oroduction is weak. He seems to be ('till this point) one of those guys with alot of promise but no results. Perhaps he is circled by hangers-ons and family - he wouldn't be the first.

   The Christmas Song is patterned after Nat King Cole - even hurting that cut. Very disappointing. Would have gotten one star except he sings poor arrangements up a notch.




2. I bought this CD a couple of years ago and although I've bought several Chrismas mixes since, Bethlehem is still the one that stays in my player the most. I love Brian's smooth, suave voice and the arrangements of these songs are absolutely wonderful. There's not one song on here that I don't like. I think it's time for him to do another.



3. I am a huge Brian McKnight fanatic! This has to be one of the best Christmas albums I've heard! Even though the songs aren't traditional, they leave you with a real connection with the true meaning of Christmas. You won't get the warm fuzzies you normally get with the traditional Christmas albums. Instead, you get the heart wrenching tug that reminds you of why we really celebrate the holiday. If you haven't already added this to your collection, please do! You won't be disappointed! I would have to say "It's all about Love" performed with McKnight Jr would have to be my favorite.



4. This has been one of my favorite Christmas CD's for a number of years, always the first I reach for to start the holiday season. Very nice diverse collaboration of talent.



5. Most Christmas albums are nothing more than cash cows for record companies. This isn't the case with McKnight's Bethlehem which has an quiet storm feel to it even though it's R&B. Let It Snow 98 is a great follow up to the 1993 Boyz II Men classic. Religious Christmas songs like "The First Noel," "Hail Mary," "Silent Night," and "Bethlehem Tonight" are mixed in with contemporary tracks such as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Home for the Holidays," "Christmas Time Is Here," and "Christmas Eve with You." Overall, Bethlehem is a diverse collection of traditional and modern-day Christmas songs with something for everyone celebrating the season.

5 comments about Snowfall.

1. Sorry to say but Snowfall, hasn't hit the spot like, In the Mirror, or If I Could Tell You. The 2 best cuts on this CD are also on, In the Mirror



2. Even though some of the tracks in this CD are good, I am not very pleased with this work of Yanni. This CD is really a far cry from Yanni's Live at Acropolis, If I could tell you, In My time. So, if you are experimenting Yanni, try to get another one...you have to try Yanni at his best, and this CD is not it. For the devoted fan, I think this will still muster a 4 star rating. so, in short, good addition to a Yanni collection if you are a devoted fan. else, try another one of Yanni and you will become a devotee!



3. This recording was released from my understanding without the guiding hand of Yanni who usually had his hand in the selecting of the songs released on his albums. Because he wasn't involved as he usually is, this recording lacks the clarity that is often found in his musical layouts. If you are thinking of trying a Yanni album, I would not make this one your first choice.



4. This album is amazing. Its probably the greatest album of all time. The strings, the piano and oh the voice. Yanni is a genius and this his opus. This Opus is Yanni's christmas present to all people living or dead. Because of this masterpiece in my (spiti) house there will be snowfall all year long! Thank You Yanni, Thank You.



5. Yanni's music can be an awe-inspiring at times. I wished that I was listening to this compact disc collection of his music while it is cold and in the wintertime. The title, Snowfall, makes you wish for winter once again and snow. Yanni's music is great new age. Maybe it's better because there are no lyrics or vocals. It would spoil the sound of his music which can be heard endlessly without getting tired. It's not elevator music but good elevating music to soothe the soul after a hard day at work or at home. Each song makes you forget your troubles for just a little bit.

5 comments about Drummer Boy.

1. This CD is wonderful although it was released twice. I personally prefer the original releasing which instead of "Little Drummer Boy" (Grinch mix) and "Blind" (Fluffy Sav mix) it had "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "He" (Acoustic). If you can I suggest you get the first release but I will comment on both.

   Both CDs have the extraordinary rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy" and a great instrumental "Wicker Baskets". I enjoy both songs immensely. "The Little Drummer Boy" is just done beautifully by Jars of Clay. It is awe-inspiring. The vocals are really superb and the music is incredible. "Wicker Baskets" is also a nice soothing song of reflection.

   Regarding this CD's songs, the remix of "Drummer Boy" is good as well. I enjoyed the original more but the remix does add some "spice" to the song with some great effects. I personally didn't like the "Blind" remix too much though. It isn't all bad but it didn't seem like it belonged on the CD.

   Now the original release of this CD had an excellent version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" on it. The song had exceptional guitar work on it. Then there is the song that I think is the best out of both releases. "He" (acoustic) is just beautiful. It sounds magnificent and is very emotional and touching. Both releases are great and should be added to your personal CD library but if you can try and get the first release. I personally own both and enjoy them both very much.




2. Excellent Christian music. Only 4 songs, but each one is so great. This was my very first CD, great for all Christians. Really something to keep your faith strong.



3. I became a casual fan of Christian rock group Jars Of Clay through their hit single "Flood", but once I heard their version of one of my favorite Christmas songs on the radio several years ago, I instantly feel in love with its modern acoustics which blend flawlessly, and without detracting from the original feel of the classic Christmas tune, perfectly! I can seriously listen to this one song over and over again without growing tiresome of it! That's honestly how good their rendition of "The Little Drummer Boy" really is! And while the Grinch Mix of the same song pales in comparison to the original single version, having it be slower in pace as it reduces to nothing but drums and subtle synthesizers work rather nicely.

   The next two songs aren't exactly Christmas tunes but they're very nice to listen to if you feel the need to relax or to rewind from the stresses that Christmas sometimes generates while trying to manage your money while shopping!

   I especially enjoy the Fluffy Sav Mix of "Blind", which I would recommend buying if it was a song by itself! And then there's "Wicker Baskets" which is a short, mellow instrumental that closes the album with calm acoustics.




4. The best way to explain this album is that "It works". Jars take a classic christmas song and make it thier own without detering from the original feel. on Drummer Boy, the blend of accoustic guitar with stings and haunting backing vocals is really amazing. And they make it sound so easy. Coming from a huge Jars of Clay fan, this review might be slighted, but this really is a gem. The "grinch mix" may not appeal to everyone instantly, but after repeat listenings, it catches on. The Blind remix is another example of Jars' awesome range creativity parting completely from the feel of "Drummer Boy". And ends perfectly with "Wicker Baskets", an instrumental works really well with this collection. If you can find the original release of the Drummer Boy cd with "God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (a dark accoustic rendition), and an accoustic version of "He" from thier self-titled debut which is amazing, I HIGHLY advise you buy it. Bottom line, this album works well anytime of the year, I listen to it reguardless of the season.



5. When I started listening to Jars of Clay's music, this was one of the first CD's I bought because of my love of Christmas music. It perfectly blends a traditional Christmas song with their unique style. It whetted my appetite for a complete Christmas CD from them.
   
   There are a total of four songs on this CD. The regular recording of "Little Drummer Boy" is followed by the Grinch Mix of the song. I tend to like the original arrangement of a song and not care too much for remixes, and that rule applies to this as well. Same can be said for the next song, the Fluffy Saw Mix of "Blind" from their debut CD. Finally, we get "Wicker Baskets," an acoustic instrumental piece I really like.
   
   It's been almost 10 years since this hit the market. Here's hoping they finally get around to following it up with a full length Christmas CD soon. If this is any indication, it would be great!

No comments about Gregorian Chant, Christmas Chants.

5 comments about Songs of the Season.

1. If you are Jane Olivor fan I hope you will get this albumn. I had the good fortune of seeing her in concert in Asheville, NC. in December 2001 and thoroughly enjoyed myself. She sang many of the songs from this albumn. She is a great artist that gives her all and she exudes a sincere love and caring for her fans. We had three wonderful encores, with Jane performing "We go Where there is Love" as her finale. If you ask me, that was the perfect end to a perfect evening listening to my favorite singer. It was great to hear her unique voice again. I purchase the albumn a few days after the concert and I am still listening to it. My favorite cuts are You Don't Know How Beautiful You Are & Elusive Butterfly, great cover!. I could write a small book about what the concert and albumn have meant to me, but I am limited. Buy it and Enjoy it. It's not all about Christmas but will add to your Christmas sound collection.



2. The choice of material for this album is hardly original (with a couple of exceptions) but there is no denying the sheer quality of this album.
   
   Jane has a crystal clear voice which see uses to good effect on a range of Christmas songs, mostly carols, several of them cleverly put together in two medleys.
   
   Perhaps the oddest choice of song here is Elusive butterfly. It is one of my favorite songs but I can't see an obvious Christmas connection - if anything, it suggests warm (or hot) summer days. Still, Jane sings it so beautifully, who cares?
   
   You don't know how beautiful you are was adapted from a religious poem. Other rare (original?) songs are Spirit of Christmas, The Chanukah song and Madrigal quando amor i begli occhi.
   
   This is an excellent Christmas album from a singer who visits the recording studio all too rarely.



3. Jane Olivor is one artist who we don't hear enough from, now comes this wonderful holiday package every note clear and well placed,particularly on Stephen Schwartz & Steve Young's "We Are Lights". Most of the album has pared down arraingments letting the beauty of Olivor's voice and the choice of material come through. My only complaint would be that in the "Christmas Potpourri" she does only snippets of the relatively unknown "A'Soalin" by Paul Stookey (of Peter,Paul& Mary) and "Breath of Heaven" by Amy Grant-these are song that should be made known as new standards of the Holiday. Hats off the Jane Olivor, and now I want more!



4. Mixing traditional with the unexpected ("Elusive Butterfly"???) is the forte in Olivor's holiday package. While she is less successful on the jazz-tinged tunes and she strains on hitting those fa la la high notes, "Madrigal" and "You Don't Know How Beautiful You Are" reiterates her remarkable voice. Olivor interprets the latter song so breathy and intimately that she becomes the lover laying beside you whispering in your ear.



5. For those of us lucky enough to know the music of Jane Olivor, we need say nothing. The only way that she can go wrong is by selecting bad music to sing (which she does not often do). Fortunately, this album contains only wonderful music that has a fantastic selection of not-so-common seasonal tunes, and just a few typical holiday tunes to plug into our hearts. The result is a treasure to keep (and play) for years.

   Jane's artistry helps you to connect with your soul, and that is the best any artist can do.

1 comments about Voices of Praise.

1. These are absolutely glorious and a must-have for your library! Great music, great voices and spiritually beautiful!

5 comments about Coolest Christmas.

1. Love the Bowie/Crosby duet and especially the beginning, of
   course The Beach Boys, Brenda Lee, even Eartha Kitt make some
   magic. I just love the very under rated Dean Martin, he has
   to be one of my favorites as I get older his music,especially
   the Christmas songs are timeless. Roy Orbison is great as are
   The Temptations, even the Cocteau Twins suprise. This is a nice
   varied set, not perfect but well worth the money. I make great
   mixed burned Christmas Cd collections(for stocking stuffers) so finding songs (and this one has
   some hard to find great versions) makes it a great holiday set.



2. I bought this cd for the Bowie/Bing duet, which is my favorite Christmas song. There were a few other songs that were good, the rest I skip. But who doesn't like to hear Eartha Kit sing "Santa Baby" one more time ?



3. I would have given this cd 10 stars if possible if Eartha Kitt's Santa Baby wasn't on it. That is one of these most overplayed/overhyped songs.
   That being said, I bought this cd for the David Bowie/Bing Crosby duet. That is one of these best duets ever. I could listen to that song along over and over.



4. This CD is put out by the same folks that produced the fine "The Edge of Christmas" CD. This disc is more of a mix of classic and modern tracks than Edge. It contains some must have classics like the Beach Boys, Eartha Kitt, and Dean Martin, but also has some duds like "Gradma Got Run Over By a Reindeer", "Auld Lang Syne" (which I don't consider a christmas song), and The Alarm's rote cover of "Happy Xmas". The main selling points of this disc are the Cocteau Twins fab verison of "Frosty the Snowman", and the Bowie/Bing duet. Note that this is the only holiday compilation CD I've heard that includes the complete Bowie/Bing dialog from the televison special, not just the song. This disc can usually be found for less than $5, and at that price it is well worth it.



5. Producer Carl Caprioglio of Oglio Records, Redondo Beach, California has put together 14 Christmas selections which include some that seem to be part of every such compilation (Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree, Santa Baby, Little Saint Nick, Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer), to several that are not easily found on CD.
   
   Among the latter are the Crosby/Bowie now-classic 1977 duet on Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy, including the amusing preamble when Bowie arrives to assume Bing is the butler, Jingle Bells presented in a brief, but rousing rendition by The Clancy Brothers (including Gaelic) from their album Christmas With The Clancy Brothers, Sleigh Ride given The Ventures treatment, the driving Rock & Roll Christmas by George Thorogood & The Destroyers, and my particular favourite in this set, Christmas Everyday by The Temptations.
   
   If there is a fault it's the lack of liner notes. The insert contains only a personal note of thanks from the producer to those who helped put the CD together, along with a listing of other CDs available from Oglio Records.
   
   What would have been helpful is some information on when each track was originally recorded, including single or LP label numbers where applicable. Also, who the lead bass voice is on Christmas Everyday, in view of the fact there was such a turnover in Temptations personnel, and information for the uninitiated that The Cocteau Twins were not twins, or even a duet, but a group founded in 1980 in Grangemouth, Scotland and consisting of lead Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie, and Simon Raymonde.
   
   That being said, this is a collection that will give you several Christmas tunes you are not apt to find anywhere else on CD. Enjoy.

No comments about Winnie the Pooh Christmas.