3 comments about Mahalia Jackson Sings the Songs of Christmas.

1. I listen to Mahalia Jackson Christmas music every winter and I just cant get enough of her.She has an good voice and can really sing so this dvd should include some of her best Christmas songs icluding;O Come All Ye Faithful,Joy To The World,Hark The Herald Angels Sing,Away in an Manger,and Sweet Little Jesus Boy.If thats on here I dont know though than this would be an real classic and would definetly spice up the holiday seasons!



2. Here comes a chrismas song DVD of Mahalia Jackson's TV-concerts in the 1950/60ies b/w as areissue of her XENON-video in good quality for a good price.



3. Not to detract from Ms. Jackson's incredible talent, whoever created this DVD was asleep at the wheel.
   
   The audio quality is... well, horrible. Absolutely, horrible.
   
   On the back, it says "Audio remastered at 'SoundScape'". I will watch for that name and never buy anything remastered by 'SoundScape'.
   
   I hope this is helpful to someone, I don't want anyone buying this DVD thinking they are going to get excell..., not excellent, just average audio quality would have been OK with me!!!

2 comments about Christmas On The Mountain.

1. We found this CD in a tiny little shop nestled, fittingly enough, in the mountains of Ligonier, Pennsylvania. It is the most delightful holiday music I have ever heard - I love it so much that I'm still listening to it in April! The music ranges from jubilant to contemplative, and it's so well-performed and arranged. It will make you dance and sing. I didn't even know I liked bluegrass music until I heard this - truly unique and adds so much to the Christmas season.



2. Pleasant, though routine, arrangements of favorite Christmas carols. Expertly played, though mainly nice background music. Similar to "Country Mountain Chirstmas," but with different tunes, of course.
   
   Country Mountain Christmas

5 comments about Christmas In The Country.

1. My husband bought this CD for me at Eddie Bauer (the case had their logo on it) during a promotion some five or six years ago. I absolutely adored it -- it is just too beautiful for words. Several of the pieces (especially the two versions - first cut and last - of "Huron Carol") are completely calming and conducive to restful contemplation. I wore my copy out, and thinking that it was an Eddie Bauer promotional item, and no longer available, I "mourned" the loss of my all-time favorite Christmas CD. When I found it on Amazon, I immediately bought several copies for friends, and of course, another for myself! The nature sounds are perfect - not overwhelming or obnoxious. For instance, on the last cut, if you listen carefully to the water sounds, you can hear what sounds like small pieces of ice in the brook, gently hitting each other and almost "chiming." I love this CD! It celebrates the season in which we commemorate God's greatest gift - his Son - with beautiful music and the lovely sounds of another of God's gifts - the natural world around us.



2. I thought this was a relaxing CD for the holidays. I have several of his other CD's and was happy to see he had another winter one out!! If you like nature and instrumental music this is the CD for you.



3. The music in this cd is absolutely wonderful. The sounds are so crystal clear, my kitties really think they are out in nature. I bought it first on cassette years ago, then I had to have it on cd. It's the most beautiful Christmas music I own.



4. This particular cd is a favorite of ours. We had only one and wanted to give some as gifts. It is relaxing and Christmasy. I highly recommend it!



5. Dan Gibson's Christmas in the Country is the best ever Christmas recording
   that I've ever heard. My son got me a copy for Christmas about 10 years ago and I think I've worn it out. It's nature sounds and instrumentals suit every selection that's on the CD. It connects so much more with the spiritual side of Christmas rather than the secular side. I just bought four copies of this CD for friends for this Christmas. Ten thumbs up if I had 'em!

5 comments about The Season for Romance.

1. She is a country star, right? However listening to this cd you realize that she does not have any boundaries.
   She takes a lot of Christmas standards and does not turn them into country standards, but uses some jazz.
   Her rendetion of BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE is by far the sexiest version of that song I have heard in a long time. Her duet with Harry Connick, Jr for BABY... sizzles. There is so much warmth and sexuality coming from this song. She uses her very smoky and sensual voice on her version of HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHIRSTMAS. I love the strumming on the drum on this song. On WHITE CHRISTMAS you feel like you are sitting somewhere in a jazz club. She keeps very true to the original by not altering the whole feel of the song. There is also a sense of childness and fun with the song THE MAN WITH THE BAG. The only problem I have with the cd is her version of SILENT NIGHT. It sounds slightly miscued. It seems the music is going faster than her. Then the biggest mistake on this song is the use of a saxaphone. It ruins the beauty and the majesty of this song.
   Overall it is a good cd to have for Christmas. She proves that she is more than just country music.
   Enjoy and Merry Christmas!



2. Lee Ann and her creative team have come up with a lovely
   seasonal album.
   No rooty-to-toots on this album to jar the
   jazzy, stylish, romantic ambiance.
   This would be the album to listen to while drinking a glass of wine
   and snuggling with your honey on the couch.
   Some wonderful arrangements of familiar
   tunes. Rich with guitar and piano to highlight Lee Ann's
   almost sultry vocals.
   Stand outs: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.
   Forever Christmas Eve.
   A jaunty The Man With The Bag
   and a great version of What Are You Doing Christmas Eve.
   I was surprised by the non-traditional route she took.
   Many of the country artist christmas cds I have tend to
   go for tried and true arrangements.
   I hope she tackles a cd of the american songbook sometime.



3. Lee Ann Womack puts the traditional spin back into Christmas music with this old-style country Christmas album. This is one of those “relaxing around the living room after dinner” Holiday albums, when you’re too stuffed to move a muscle.
   
   The most corny (and forgettable) track is the duet with Harry Connick Jr., but apart from that, songs like “The Season for Romance”, “Let it Snow/Winter Wonderland”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, and “The Christmas Song” are enough to set the mood for a lazy evening.
   
   Relax with Lee Ann, and sing along if you can, but she doesn’t expect you to dance this time.
   
   
   Amanda Richards, December 19, 2005



4. Her choice of songs are wonderful, and I was going to buy the CD, for my personal favorite, "What are you doing New Years Eve."
   After listening to all the songs, I decided NOT to buy the CD as I cannot stand listening to her taking a breath, into the mic all the time. Someone should teach her about not breathing into the microphone, in other words, learn breath control. She has a beautiful voice. I wish her well and I would like to buy one of her CD's. But, the ones that I have heard are all the same.



5. It Has Some Realy Good Tunes In It. Great For X-Mas..

1 comments about Christmas Echoes, Vol. 1.

1. Beautiful songs sung with clarity, interpretive artistry and attention to blend. Some of the more particularly lyrical songs (e.g. Zgodava's Out of Oriental Crystal Skies, and Paulus' Sing Hallelu to name two) are not found in more common choral album Christmas repertoires and are a delight to experience for the first time.

5 comments about John Denver - Montana Christmas Skies.

1. Overall an excellent video. The only thing that keeps it from being a 5 in my book is the interuption of some songs with talk that is not related to the song -- the most glaring occurs during the song "Wild Montana Skies" when after 2 verses it is interupted for a cowboy poem (about a cowboy's bad luck when it comes to marriage) when the song resumes it is for the ending chorus.

   If you love John Denver then this DVD is a must have.




2. I am thankful that John Denver was a contemporary of mine. He has inspired and motivated me during most of my adult life. Only John Denver could have given us Montana Christmas Skies. I cherish its beauty, its warmth, and its message. John Denver's music is a Christmas staple at our house, and this DVD, along with John Denver's legacy, will continue to touch my heart and spirit in the years to come. I recommend John Denver's music in general, and Montana Christmas Skies in particular, as nourishment for the soul.



3. I found this DVD in the bargain bin at Wal-Mart. Not being a particular John Denver fan (I like some of his stuff, but for the most part I can take it or leave it) I decided to take a chance.
   
   I was very pleasantly surprised. JD, Clint Black, Kathy Mattea, and Patty Loveless jammin' in the barn is the best! Personal highlights for me are Clint Black's "Till Santa's Gone", Kathy Mattea's "Christ Child Lullaby", and Patty Loveless & Kathy Mattea do a great duet of "Someday Soon".
   
   There are other highlights too like the JD classic "Grandma's Feather Bed", John singing "Rudolph" and "Away In A Manger" with a group of kids, and the bittersweet emotions evoked by John singing "I want to Live". Although I'm not a number one fan, the world is a much sadder place without him.
   
   If you're thinking twice about purchasing this video, think no more. It's a wise purchase that you'll enjoy for years to come. I know I have.



4. This is a wonderful John Denver live concert. Enjoy this one along with John Denver's Wildlife Concert. This one mixes in some nice holiday music. Good sound and video quality on the VHS tape. Some of the songs are:
   
   1. Away In A Manger
   2. Someday Soon
   3. Grandma's Feather Bed
   4. Jingle Bells
   5. Feelings Of Love
   6. Wild Montana Skies
   7. Eagles And Horses
   8. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
   9. A Change In The Air
   10. I Want To Live
   
   (Amazon Marketplace)



5. John Denver loved Christmas! And it really shows on this DVD. I have a tradition of watching this every year, and I never tire of it. The songs are beautiful, the scenery gorgeous, and it's fun seeing John singing along with some wonderful country singers in a barn. The barn atmosphere brings a real intimacy to the entire experience. Some highlights for me are "Christmas for Cowboys", "Someday Soon", " A Change in the Air", and the Scottish lullaby that Kathy Mattea sings, while rocking a tiny infant. That song never fails to bring a tear to my eye!
   If you love John Denver, or even if you don't, I highly recommend this Christmas DVD. I think it will become a family tradition to watch it every year in your home too!

2 comments about Scary Stories: Frightening Tales for Halloween.

1. Not your usual horror recording, which ordinarily consists of some Poe stories or mildly frightening children's tales. The most appealing feature of these selections are the narrators, which include Boris Karloff and Theodore, who sounds convincingly psychotic. Jackie Torrance, known mainly for children's recordings, is also vividly gifted. I would not recommend this collection for children under the age of 12. There are some disturbing aspects to the tales, including death and madness.



2. This CD features seven "scary" stories. They are all pretty good, although they didn't really scare me. Nelson Olmstead gives good readings of three Edgar Allan Poe short stories. The Poe story read by James Mason is not quite as effective. Boris Karloff is, of course, great. And Jackie Torrence gives an effective reading of "The Golden Arm". The weirdest story here is "Berenice" by Brother Theodore. If you ever saw Theodore's live act, you know he is a strange guy. The story here is typical of his live performances, and I'm guessing he wrote it himself, although the CD has no writing credits. This is a good CD to get if you are looking for a collection of spoken word horror stories.

2 comments about The Donut Man's Favorite Active Time Songs.

1. My two year loves this video. It's fun and lively, he loves to dance to it. We will be getting more donutman video's for sure.



2. We have several Donut Man Videos and love them. All four of our children, ranging from 2-6 years old sing and dance with these tapes. The messages are great!

5 comments about Handel - Messiah / Harper, Watts, Wakefield, Shirley-Quirk, LSO, C. Davis.

1. The Philips Classics series has many appealing features, not least of which is good value. This series typically offers two CDs for the price of about one-and-a-half. They feature top-rank and often legendary performers. Finally, they are digitally remastered recordings from the sixties and seventies, many of which rank as standard-bearing readings of the classical canon.
   
   This 1966 London Symphony Orchestra performance of Handel's incalculably beautiful MESSIAH is robust in the old-school, English, big-voiced, fully-orchestrated, modern-instrument manner. This is the MESSIAH that first put the lump in your throat and made you wonder at how regular folks stood when 'Hallelujah' came up.
   
   I find it almost breathtaking to sit here - again - among the speakers and come to grips with the fact that the pure sound emerging is from a recording that took place *four decades* ago. Harper, Watts, Wakefield, and Shirley-Quirk are in marvelous voice.
   
   Do yourself a favor. Break the Messiah-at-Christmas routine (though *do* listen at Christmas), buy this CD, and sit down with it for an evening at some atypical time of year, say, when an autumnal nip is in the air.
   
   Handel's uniquely musical hearing of a Christian retelling of the biblical prophets and their adumbration in the New Testament that was conventional in its day is a work for the ages. Resonant, effortlessly intertextual, energized by both faith and art, MESSIAH is one of Christendom's jewels.
   
   It is nearly a fool's errand to review Messiah in a few paragraphs, even more when the reading is question is that of Sir Colin Davis and a throaty English cast.
   
   Simply impeccable.



2. I must say that the "Messiah" was very off-putting to me for a very long time when I first started collecting and listening to classical music, as I had only ever heard a couple excerpts from it, and those with deadly frequency, like the Hallelujah Chorus, which I "hated", so I stayed away from it like the plague.
   
   This recording,(other than the Hallelujah Chorus, and one or two other bits), was my first exposure to this great work. I researched for a long time to find the "best" recording available, and at the time (late 60's) this was IT!
   
   It still is, although through the years my favorite "Messiah" has "graduated", become more "brilliant", become more "soft", more "strident", more "original instrument", more "chamber-like", etc. I have loved and revered many recordings since discovering this one. Currently, the John Butt on Linn records truly is the best recording I've ever heard, followed closely by the Renee Jacobs. (See my "Messiah" Listmania list, by all means.)
   
   BUT, this review is of the Colin Davis recording, and I will get back to it.
   
   This recording is like an old "school friend", and I come back to be with it very often. I still treasure this effort on the part of Colin Davis and his soloists, truly a "benchmark" recording. I see here that this has been remastered on the "Philips 50" series, and I am sure that I will seek out this new pressing for my shelves, as I will ALWAYS want a copy of this old friend nearby.
   
   Whether you are coming to the Messiah for the first time, or have many recordings of it, by all means pick this great treasure up for your collection...you will discover a truly great Desert Island disc. Happy Listening! ~operabruin



3. This classic recording still stands the test of time. Sir Colin Davis leads his small ensemble of singers and players in a polished and clearly articulated rendition of this often heard oratorio. Every voice and every instrument is heard in a perfect blend. No massive chorus and orchestra with a muddy sound on this recording. I have owned this version since it came out on a LP recording when I was in college. It is still the best.



4. Maestro Davis employs modern instruments, a relatively small chorus and orchestra and first rate soloists in a performance that's not wacky, weird or wayward. Sincere expression and tasteful ornamentation are emphasized-there aren't any life and death struggles going on here. Yet the spiritual elements are not slighted-consider for example, Heather Harper's wonderful "I know my Redeemer liveth.." She sings with great purity and no artifice. The chorus has good diction and is vigorous when it needs to be. Sir Colin's conducting flows and allows the listener to get "caught up" in the performance. He doesn't impose any particular interpretative viewpoint but allows this masterpiece to speak for itself. For forty years this has been a top choice.



5. From the opening Sinfonia, this Messiah is far too subdued. While it may be nuanced and even, it lacks passion, grandeur and any sense of the sacred, and has little narrative drive. The Choruses, except for the Hallelujah Chorus, have little majesty. There is also something wrong with the sound mix. I can't quite put my finger on it but somehow the bass-treble balance is just off. I tried the special anniversary 24 bit rerelease and found that the sound of it was, oddly enough, even worse. I would instead very highly recommend Sir Colin Davis' other recording of The Messiah, with the Bavarian Radio Orchestra. It is a bit difficult to find but just spectacular.

5 comments about Please Come Home for Christmas.

1. Being from New Orleans, this song always reminds me of Christmas. Charles Brown's original rendtion of this song is my favorite by far. This song has been covered other more mainstream artists like Aaron Neville, Don Henley and Jon Bon Jovi. But none match the same soulful plea as Charles Brown does when he sings, "please come home for Christmas."



2. After spending entirely too many years giving in to my Mother's desire to listen to Judy Collins' insipid Christmas album, I brought home this album for her. The songs are beautiful, bluesy and delicate in classic Charles Brown style, and it just makes for such a nice change from all the old standards. This album is truly wonderful and every Christmas library should have it.



3. If you want the best christmas CD out today, This is the one. Charles Brown has been bring the Soulful sounds of christmas to this household since the mid-sixty's, And the sound is good. This CD is #1 and the first to be played at Christmas time in this household.



4. Wanted this CD to remember the days of old and it really helped. Great
   music.



5. It's nice to see 10 other 5-star reviews, as this is a classic and under-appreciated Christmas album from a blues giant. Charles was in a slump and largely forgotten by the record-buying public when he recorded this in 1960-61. The original hit version of PLEASE COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is here (Charles wrote it with Gene Redd), and you can't really find it anywhere but on this King release and other King releases "Charles Brown Sings Christmas Songs" and "The Very Best Of - Original King Recordings". (There are re-makes on several CD's including Rhino's Christmas Classics - shame on them).
   
   I recommend the King CD "Charles Brown Sings Christmas Songs", because it features the original 12 song album (see note below), without the Bill Doggett instrumentals, and it also features the original album art. However, it is much harder to find.
   
   Collectors note: the original 1961 LP featured a song called "My Most Miserable Christmas". The LP was available in mono and stereo. It was later reissued with a 1968 re-recording of "Merry Christmas Baby" replacing the "Miserable" track. The CD versions feature "Merry Christmas Baby" - "My Most Miserable Christmas" has never been on CD.