5 comments about This Is Christmas.

1. The songs are not your typical carols, but are yet about Christmas. These are mostly songs I never heard Luther do, but am glad they are recorded for posterity. I always loved the Christmas song or two I heard on the radio during Christmas recorded by Luther and have longed for an entire album. They are love songs, with his typical styling, beautiful lyrics and vocalizations. I wish he were still around and could do a series of them.



2. This Christmas CD is so relaxing to listen to. You can feel Christmas in your heart as Luther sings the lyrics. This is a must to add to your collection, you won't be disappointed. My absolute favorite song is "Every year, Every Christmas".



3. I had gotten the cassette a long time ago, but needed the CD. I love all the songs and know them by heart. This the best Christmas CD I have and no one comes close to Luther. Please don't wait to get this. You'll enjoy it all year long.



4. This product is a re-released version of Luther Vandross's 1995 Christmas album "This Is Christmas." In the mid-90s, it seemed that every high-profile R&B act was releasing Christmas albums for a quick buck, but this is truly one of the very best. With ten songs, seven are originals written by Luther, so it makes for a very memorable listen among a sea of generic albums with nearly identical tracklists. "This Is Christmas" does not explore the Christian side of Christmas (the only song that even mentions Christ is his performance of "O Come All Ye Faithful"), but songs are split between one of two types: the slow Christmas love ballads and the upbeat Christmas party tunes. Production is wonderful throughout, often simple and consisting of well-written piano parts. The songs are both well-written and often catchy, quite memorable, which in my mind are all great signs of a good Christmas song. Guests are minimal, only one duet exists among the tracklist. I highly recommend "This Is Christmas," one of my favorite Christmas albums.
   
   The disc opens with "With a Christmas Heart," a slow and dramatic piece about the power of love at Christmas. He delivers a truly inspiring performance here. The title tune isn't quite as good but is another keeper, slow and thoughtful. You'll love "The Mistletoe Jam (Everybody Kiss Somebody)," a fast and funky party-starter that reflects Luther at his best. "Every Year, Every Christmas" is a classic ballad about a man's Christmas feelings after a breakup, it's excellent. He sings his own upbeat interpretation of John Coltrane's "My Favorite Things," then moves into a wonderful version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." My favorite song on this album is "I Listen to the Bells," a cleverly written pop duet with Darlene Love. The two trade off lines over a fast, soaring track about a Christmas breakup. Clarence Clemons of E-Street Band fame makes an appearance on saxophone. "Please Come Home for Christmas" and "A Kiss for Christmas" don't stand out quite as much, but are both pretty good, and his performance of "O Come All Ye Faithful" is just short of stunning, with old-fashioned production.
   
   This album gets non-stop rotation from me every year around Christmas, and it's a really fun holiday record. I highly recommend it to those Christians who love Luther and 90s R&B.



5. Wonderful Christmas album! Luther VanDross always added a special touch to anything he sang, and made the ordinary extraordinary.

5 comments about Christmas with Dino.

1. This CD compiles the "best" songs from Dean Martin's two Christmas albums (1959's A Winter Romance & 1966's The Dean Martin Christmas Album), plus the 1953 single "The Christmas Blues". Some songs appear twice on this disc, because Dean recorded them for both of his Christmas albums. The songs from A Winter Romance are "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!", "White Christmas", "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm", "Baby, It's Cold Outside", "A Winter Romance", "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Winter Wonderland" (don't ask me why "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" was on an album of "romantic" songs). The songs from The Dean Martin Christmas Album are "Silver Bells", "Winter Wonderland", "Blue Christmas", "Jingle Bells", "A Marshmallow World", "Silent Night", "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" and "White Christmas". Dean was a great singer of traditional pop songs, who projected a boyish sense of fun with his singing voice. He does quite well with these songs. His version of "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" is the best version of that song I've ever heard. Avoid the newer version of this CD, which has a contemporary remix of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Martina McBride dubbed in (nothing against her, but why tamper with a classic?).



2. Just a note on sound quality. Sixteen tracks are wide true stereo. Only track eleven is mono. Great fidelity.



3. THIS A WONDERFUL DEAN MARTIN CHRISTMAS CD. VOICE IS IMPECCABLE AS USUAL AND THIS IS A FESTIVE HOLIDAY CD. DEAN MARTIN IS WONDERFUL.



4. Excellent Christmas / Dean Martin album. Much better than a Frank Sinatra Christmas album I bought last year.



5. If you love Dean Martin, you will love this. His smooth, easy way of singing is a joy to the ears. If you're unfamiliar with Dino's music and are just looking for some Christmas music, watch out. You will fall in love with this fabulous singer!

1 comments about Always Ready Semper Paratus.

1. This disc is great for anyone who is a fan of rousing marches and big wind ensemble pieces. Even though the Coast Guard is the smallest of the Armed Forces branches, their band is just as talented and musically diverse as any of the larger branches. The majority of the disc is devoted to familiar Sousa marches and Coast Guard service marches. The last six are wonderfully American wind ensemble selections. I am considering enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard and, as a euphonium player, would love to be a part of a such a fine group of musicians.
   Semper Paratus!

4 comments about A Very Special Christmas.

1. While some of these videos are great (and some decidedly mediocre), it is notable that the audio is in mono. The special olympics website about the DVD has artists' names spelled incorrectly.
   
   While it is a worthy cause, this is NOT a great product and my suggestion is to avoid it until something better is available. Stereo tracks for all the audio is clearly available, so to release this collection in mono is baffling.
   
   I plan to try to return my copy to Amazon, as this is clearly subpar.



2. I know this was a compilation for a charity, but it was too varied for me. My suggestion would be to do one in a mild version and one in the hip-hop, wilder version. I could not show this at my Christmas party because of the wilder nature of some of the video!! After all, it is Christmas, not Spring Break!!



3. hey guys,
   I love it.For any Jon fan it's a must have.I really enjoyed the U2 video too.GO OUT AND,GET THIS FOR NEXT CHRISTMAS!!
   Thank you,
   Sheila Lance



4. a very interesting dvd - but i think there a too less songs. there are so much more xmas songs and a dvd would offer more place.

3 comments about Wassail! Wassail! Early American Christmas Music.

1. I find this album to be an exciting and moving holiday cd. The singing is robust, lively, exciting and fun. It is both moving and rejuvinating. A must for the Christmas season.



2. With John Langstaff and Jean Ritchie's names on the front, any folk music fan should know that this is an album to grab. While there is a Christmas theme to the album several pieces are not seasonal - The Young Convert (a Sacred Harp number), Shall We Gather at the River? (turn of the century gospel), I Will Bow and Be Simple (Shaker). My favorite track is Wondrous Love from Kentucky Harmony - a song a am frustrated is so little known.

   This album presents a broad spectrum of the American folk cultures. They are performed well, as one always expects with Langstaff's projects. But most importantly, the performers clearly love the material they perform and want you to have as much fun listening as they have performing.




3. I truly love the Christmas Revels. They evoke a spirit of Christmas seldom found anymore. I find this especially true of Wassail! Wassail! perhaps because it is from the roots of our American culture. From the Native American carol to the Kentucky clog dancing, this CD is sure to get you ready for Christmas!

5 comments about 20th Century Masters: The Best of Amy Grant - The Christmas Collection.

1. This is a really good CD, better than the other Amy CHristmas CD.
   
   I'd still recommend that you pick up the GENIE 4 CD set either in addition to or instead of this one. THe Genie set has plenty of Christmas material and itsn't much more expensive for 4 cd's instead of one, with the special they have going here. I find that this CD makes me feel much like Genie's but there's a peace and serentiy in the GENIE set that no other artist really matches... well maybe Fernando Ortega.
   
   I'm not knocking Amy, I think she deserves our respect and support and has much to offer. Just being honest about my feelings.
   
   WIth the greatest love....
   Your friend



2. I don't own Amy's other 2 Christmas albums, but I really love this one!!! These Christmas songs can really fill you with cheer and put you in the Christmas spirit! It's even safe to listen to this Christmas album at any time of the year! It still sounds so great.
   
   I'm so glad there are some Christmas classics on this one!... Including "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year", "I'll Be Home For Christmas", and "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"!! ...She did an ace job covering these classics!
   
   And of course, how could I not mention her version of "Grown Up Christmas List"? This song is a real tear-jerker. It's just so beautiful. I love the lyrics.
   
   Other songs you'll find yourself liking...: "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", "Winter Wonderland" ..
   
   This is such an essential Christmas album! I guarantee you'll fall in love with Amy Grant's "I'll Be Home For Christmas"!



3. Recently I installed a Hatori SB-15FH on my Raptor. This is a 50 to 70 size muffler. I will need several flights on it to do a full review but one thing I wanted to mention is that with this and the Curtis Muscle Pipe 2 you need to cut the canopy so it will clear. I had a strange problem on my R50v2 recently. I found the bottom brass ring of the autorotation hub had moved down and was dragging on the snap rings.
   Looks like my TT50 has developed some slop in the rear bearing after 500 tanks. I put a used TT50 I bought a year ago in it but did have the local bearing shop order a front and rear bearing for it (just $3.50 each) and should have the engine back running great again.



4. I bought this CD a month before the birth of my first child, who was born on December 22. He is now almost 13, but I remember listening to "Breath of Heaven" and crying tears of joy and gratitude for all that song means. This CD is still a favorite of ours at Christmastime, despite the many trials that have come our way since that beginning...
   
   Thank you, Amy.



5. "The message of Christmas is timeless ... a message of hope to a world in need of peace ... sung through the ages from countless hearts ... young and old ... in songs remembered and songs forgotten." ~ Amy Grant ~
   
   Amy Grant has been in my list of favorite singers of all-time since the early '90s when one of my best friends, who is a singer, introduced her inspirational music to me.
   
   This Christmas CD, "The Best of Amy Grant: The Christmas Collection" is one that I love to listen to for Christmas holidays this year. I've been listening to it for a week now and been enjoying every minute of it. It's always nice to listen to a beautiful voice with the backing of an orchestra and a chorus. This collection is a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs that will surely add a sentimental feeling to your Christmas spirit.
   
   With the support of the London Studio Orchestra under the sublime orchestration of Ron Huff, Amy Grant, with her great vocal artistry and heartfelt renditions, gives her very best to offer the listeners a remarkable listening experience this special time of the year starting off with a favorite of mine, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" down to the beautiful finale, the only non-vocal track with a derivative melody by Carl Marsh, "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," my all-time classical favorite composed by Johann Sebastian Bach from Baroque Era. It features Tom Hemby with his exceptional guitar playing, Mark O'Connor with his mastery in violin, and the tasteful keyboard playing of Carl Marsh who also orchestrated the London Studio Orchestra. Ms. Grant has this to say about this masterpiece and I quote:
   
   "The voice of the soul can never be fully captured in words. Thank you Tom, Mark and Carl for playing the yearnings of my heart."
   
   Special mention to me is another favorite song that brings tears to my sentimental eyes particularly the chorus, "My Grown-Up Christmas List," a meaningful song with exquisite music composed by David Foster and intelligent lyric penned by Linda Thompson Jenner. Listen closely to its wonderful arrangement and orchestration by Allan Moore and the heartfelt delivery of Amy Grant with Robbie Buchanan on keyboards and Tom Hemby on guitar.
   
   "Do you remember me?
   I sat upon your knee
   I wrote to you with childhood fantasies
   Well, I'm all grown-up now
   And still need help somehow
   
   I'm not a child but my heart still can dream
   So here's my lifelong wish
   My grown-up Christmas list
   Not for myself, but for a world in need
   
   Chorus:
   No more lives torn apart
   And wars would never start
   And time would heal all hearts
   And everyone would have a friend
   And right would always win
   And love would never end
   This is my grown-up Christmas list
   
   As children we believed the grandest sight to see
   Was something lovely wrapped beneath our tree
   Well, heaven surely knows that packages and bows
   Can never heal a hurting human soul.
   
   Bridge:
   What is this illusion called the innocence of youth?
   Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth."
   
   This is one of the best Christmas CDs ever produced and a welcome addition to your Christmas collection. I merrily recommend it.
   
   May the true spirit of Christmas dwell in your hearts not only this Yuletide Season, but also all year long, year after year, forever and a day! Happy Holidays!

2 comments about Chant Noel: Chants For The Holiday Season.

1. In the 1990s, an album of Gregorian chants by the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo De Silos called Chant became a multi-million selling worldwide hit. That success inspired the release of several "sequels", including this Christmas album. The chants on this album were actually recorded several years before the CD came out. The entire album is in Latin. I don't speak Latin, but the CD booklet does include English translations. Several of the chants don't seem to actually be about Christmas, but I'm not sure that makes much difference, since all the chants sound pretty much the same anyway. It is pretty monotonous, but I suppose it would be relaxing to listen to this while you meditated (not that I would ever meditate). New Age music fans will enjoy it more than I did.



2. I love this CD. Their diction and everything is amazing and I love the sonorous, beautiful sounds that they create. It's amazing to listen to and you could do much, much worse than to buy this CD.
   
   There are three things that I have to say about the technical details of this CD: (1) the recording quality is high and there are no recording glitches; (2) their diction is great - you can hear all of the words; (3) they recorded in a great facility and there are no annoying echoes or other issues.
   
   Plus - the $$'s for this CD go to a good cause - a Benedictine order that deserves the support.

2 comments about C.P.E. Bach: Magnificat; J.N. Bach: Missa Brevis.

1. This recording has some very good things going for it and only a couple of strikes against it. First, the good things: Number 1, there is C. P. E. Bach's Magnificat. If you don't know this music, I envy you your first acquaintance with it. Except that the final fugue outstays its welcome by at least a couple of minutes (apparently young Bach wanted to show off his contrapuntal skills and thus make Daddy Bach proud), this Magnificat is just about the equal of the elder Bach's towering work. Whereas Johann Sebastian's is one of the glories of the High Baroque, C. P. E.'s is a superb example of the ascendant galante style, with a tender soprano solo ("Quia respexit") redolent of Emfindsamkeit and a boldly militant setting of "Fecit potentiam" that I would submit are the equal of any of the solo numbers in J.S.'s setting. The writing for all the instruments, but especially for brass, is entirely of the new era and brilliantly effective.
   
   Second, there is the solo quartet in the Magnificat. It is stellar. Auger, Watts, Equiluz, Schone--these four were some of the finest singers of Baroque music in their day, and to hear Bach's lovely solo writing presented by such first-rate vocal artists is a great treat.
   
   Third, there is Helmut Rilling. Always a fine choral conductor, he brings to this music a propulsive energy and a leanness of texture that show him fully aware, even in the 1970s when these recordings were made, of trends in original-instruments performance practice.
   
   The downsides are really only two: One, the recording shows its age. There is some spotlighting of individual instruments and overall a sort of two-dimensionality to the sound--odd, especially given the recording venue, a church in Stuttgart. Then there is the J. N. Bach Missa Brevis, not a world-beater by any means, though it is a pleasant enough listen. However, you'll mostly return for the C. P. E. Bach, and as a performance, this one is pretty hard to beat.



2. C.P.E. Bach's "Magnificat" is one of the glories of the choral repertoire, and, like other reviewers, I envy you your first experience of this magnificent music. I first heard it in the impressive performance by Philip Ledger and the Academy of St.-Martin-in-the-Fields. I think Rilling's performance is even better, though, more supple and nuanced, without sacrificing speed and intensity. I have an old friend who is a highly accomplished choral conductor, and I gave her a copy of this recording. As I put it on, she said she did not uniformly admire Helmuth Rilling's work in Bach. I said "Listen," and began the thrilling opening chorus. She shook her head with admiration and said, "This is perfect." The J.N. Bach coupling--just a fragment of a mass that has otherwise been lost--is rare and therefore welcome. It does not have the brilliance of C.P.E.'s work, but there is a certain grave beauty to it. I've given at least a dozen copies of this recording as gifts, and no one has been disappointed.

5 comments about Hung for the Holidays.

1. I really like William Hung's music! I do admit, however, that some of his songs are just plain funny! But maybe William thinks so too. Or maybe not. You can't be sure. Anyway, I loved "Inspiration". I listen to it AT LEAST once a day. (And that says something, because I have a busy schedule!!) I listened to samples, and read up on this CD, and I think I'll buy it! The songs are either beautiful or funny, (take your pick). But this CD does fall SLIGHTLY short of "Inspiration". But, anyhow, I have a bone to pick with you mean reviewers! First of all, if you don't like this CD, you either don't have ears, or you don't have a sense of humor, depending on which way you see this CD. Second, a lot of you didn't even LISTEN to the CD, and are just ASSUMING that it was bad. Now is THAT a way to be?! Third, if you DID listen to this CD and didn't like it, you are entitled to your opinion, but don't you have better things to do than criticize someone who has done NOTHING wrong to you. (And making music you don't like is NOT wrong!) So, please, LIGHTEN UP!!!! (:



2. What an addition to any Christmas collection.
   
   an added bonus is the We Are The Champions!!!
   
   How those guys and girl on Idol were so very WRONG!
   
   I like his little inspirational affirmations
   
   He truly is making Joyful Noise for the World!!!!



3. Ok, people looking at this CD, or anything else William Hung has released, fall into 2 categories. The ones who think it's total crap, and the ones who somehow think it's a joke. It is a joke. It is a joke on anyone who buys the CD.
   
   People, the record label saw Hung, saw people support him, and thought to themselves "Wow. We can make a load of money by giving him a CD and conning people into buying it." There's no intentional humor, there's no fad or collector quality to it at all. It's blatant commercialism. William Hung should be ashamed of himself for this. The record label should be ashamed of themselves for not giving some other "Idol" hopeful who has talent a record contract.
   
   Bottom line, you wouldn't hire a plumber who didn't know what he was doing, so why facilitate the career of a singer who can't sing? Why put money in the pockets of record executives who have no respect for you?



4. Back for yet another album, and this time, a Christmas album, William Hung continues to make the music world appear to be a big, laughable joke.
   
   Sure, who hasn't seen that famous clip from Season 3 in 'American Idol' where William butchered Ricky Martin's 'She Bangs'? It's one of the most famous clips in history. And I confess, when I first saw it, I chuckled a bit.
   
   But the joke isn't funny anymore. Hung is tone deaf, but you already know that. So why buy his music? He's not funny. And since he's getting signed, as I've stated before, why isn't the tone deaf lady in the shower getting signed? I mean, seriously, folks, this has gone on long enough.
   
   Enough with the CDs and stupid inspirational messages, Hung!
   
   I can't recommend this to anyone. For the first time in my life, I wish I could give this 0 stars. Please, do yourself (and your ears) a favor and stay far away from this tone deaf kid we call William Hung.
   
   Not recommended.



5. Quite possibly the most moving of Christmas covers of all time. Mr. Hung's interpretations of some of the world's most beloved Holiday songs are sung with true feeling and reverence rarely heard in these modern times. Bravo! (This is, of course, not serious).

5 comments about Cafe Europa.

1. As is true of David Wilson's previous CD's, this one is wonderful too. In searching for words to describe this music, the ones that comes to mind are "sweet" and "relaxing." Though I've never been to the tropics, I can almost picture myself in a chaise lounge by the ocean, sipping a pina colada and listening to David Wilson. I've always been partial to the older songs and would never have thought I'd be attracted to violin music. My sister heard his music in a boutique in Florida, bought the CD and got the whole family hooked!



2. I have always had a special place in my heart for Liberace and his interpretations of the older wonderful songs, but since his passing I have looked for a replacement for my musical yearnings and I have now found it in David Wilson. His style, his interpretations and his feel for the beauty of the song are so completely expressed in his songs that it takes my breath away! I absolutely love everything he plays. I would really love to hear him in person and I do hope to be able to buy each and every one of his cds as they become available. Buy all of his recordings and you will be swept away believe me!!!!! .



3. I really enjoy David Wilson's musical interpretations of some of the old and new classics. It's soothing and reminds my husband and I of some great fun times.



4. David Wilson makes the violin talk. The result is breathtaking. Those who appreciate artistic expression will love hearing this master. Each piece is stunningly alive. A must for anyone that has ever had a feeling, sense of rhythm, or memory of something wonderful. David Wilson brings it all into incredible focus. A true and rare talent. So glad to have found him!



5. Heard this CD in a Bed and Breakfast. Makes nice atmosphere. Pleasant music.