5 comments about December's Child.

1. My Own Jo Ellen, Olson's previous release, was a five-star CD in my book and it was on my best of the year list, as well. December's Child treads the same turf but with less successful results. Not to say this is a bad release. It's not, but lacks the some of the innocent charm of 'Jo Ellen.'

   Alta's Song, December's Child, Nerstrand Woods, Climb These Steps, and How Can This Be? are wonderful songs--good feelings abound. I can appreciate the Carter family-styled Cactus Wren, but to be honest I usually skip this track. The inclusion of One Eyed Black Dog Moses--which the band usually closes their live performances with--seems unnecessary and plods along compared to the other songs. Say You'll Be Mine--the ballyhooed collaboration with Gary Louris--is a nice respite from the lo-fi proceedings.

   With each release I grow to appreciate Olson's skill as a songwriter. I can't imagine any other performer penning a song as personal and affirming as How Can This Be. More good news--fiddler Mike Russell has a big role here. Let's hope he tours with the 'Dippers this time around.

   Victoria Williams, whose spirit and nature jumped out of My Own Jo Ellen on practically every groove even though her involvement was minimal, is not nearly as visible here. This is a Mark Olson CD, not an Olson/Williams CD.




2. I hate to be too harsh to Mark, after all he is a talented musician and songwriter, but this CD is just plain wrong. There are times listening to this record that I thought Yoko Ono's worst efforts were dubbed in. Save your money and hope that Mark Olson gets his act back together for future efforts.



3. Mark Olson and the Creekdippers
   December�s Child
   Dualtone

   Any engagement with the songs of Mark Olson is destined to be a heartfelt encounter with a deeply intimate world. From his time as the founder of The Jayhawks through the course five Creekdipper albums, his is a world to which he opens to us completely and unconditionally. Through his music, Mark Olson has treated us moments of joy and hardship, he has offered us the hand of friendship and bathed us in love and he has led us along the dusty trails of the remembrance and paved the road to the future with hope and opportunity. Fittingly, the dynamics of Olson�s recordings have always reflected the tones of his compositions. Always rich in organics, a Creekdipper song has traditionally been imparted with the means it requires to serve its cause yet, an inherent discretion has dictated restraint. And while the Creekdipper recordings might have evolved from what was initially a collaboration between Olson, Victoria Williams and Michael Russell into a more cast orientated foray; the essence of their pursuit has not been lost. Mark Olson's latest Creekdipper sojourn, "December�s Child�, not only encompasses the contributions of Williams and Russell, but those of the band�s live contingent, Joshua Grange and Dave Wolfenberger. It also sees Olson reunited with Jayhawk Gary Louris for the first since his departure from the band in 1994.

   While the latest Olson/Louris co-credit is certain to solicit a little extra attention, it is but one in a number of magical musical moments that constitute �December�s Child�. Even though the honeyed overtones of �Say You�ll Be Mine� is certainly a welcomed addition to the album, the song does resonate a rather familiar 'Jayhawkish' feel. Not that this is a particularly bad thing, as the longing captured within its verses readily aligns itself with the overtones of the album's other recordings. It is simply that the most intriguing moments on this recording seem to be those where Olson explores more eclectic overtures. These can be found in songs such as �Black Dog Mosses� � a sprawling gem that literally jumps up and bites you on the ass. And while it might not be anywhere near as forthright in temperament as the album�s closing contribution, �Cactus Wren� presents yet another glorious encounter with Olson's musical versatility. But if the virtue of �December�s Child� were to be attributed to a single, then it would undoubtedly be Mark Olson�s remarkable empathy. �Climb These Steps (We Will)�, �December�s Child� and the exquisite �Still Have a Friend in You� are all shining examples that highlight this claim. It is indeed a special world into which Mark Olson solicits our presence. And it is one for which �December�s Child� will long stand as an enticing open invitation.




4. I will keep this review short. I love this disc. In fact, I have enjoyed all of Mark Olson releases, back to the Jayhawks, but I find myself playing this album more than any other of his great career. Say you'll be Mine is my personal highlight of the many great songs here.



5. I don't understand how fans could quibble about 'December's Child' - overall it's a quality Mark Olson recording. It contains the idiosyncracies of his earlier stuff which can be endearing enough. Most of the songs on 'December's Child' are well-crafted and the homespun nature of the material manages to comes across as genuine. Perhaps that's because it is. When compared with 'My own Jo Ellen' I found this album to be equally rewarding. This is how music "felt" on rare occasion in the early 70's, before slickness became hipness. Think early, countrified Neil Young rather than Gram Parsons, a little frayed and shabbily endearing. Gram was a genius with a breadth of vision rarely matched in popular music. Mark Olson is a greatly talented musician whose gentle muse can refresh and inspire.

4 comments about Christmas Piano Collection.

1. Love it!! No words but just listening to the music the words come to you.



2. I wanted background piano that would sound like someone (possibly a member of the family) was over at the piano playing for us (without the mistakes of course). This is beautiful yet uncomplicated. Perfect!



3. Tim Janis is simply outstanding; these superb piano presentations of many beloved traditional Christmas Hymns display his own personal faith via his introspective interpretations of each piece,----very well done.



4. I like the album but I'm very disappointed with Amazon. I was supposed to get a $25.00 Rewards off and you charged my credit card for the full price. Next time I get a so-called Rewards gift certificate I'll toss it in the trash. What a rip off!

No comments about An Olde English Christmas.

4 comments about Reggae Christmas.

1. This CD is a delight for the Christmas season. The reggae music compliments each song and always brings a smile to my face. I originally bought the audio tape on a coastal island city and have started each Christmas season with these songs ever since. I would recommend this CD to any one who is looking for a reggae twist to the standard songs of the season.



2. These songs are a fresh twist to the usual Christmas songs. The 12 days of Christmas song is so funny; the lyrics are changed to reflect the rasta culture. I highly recommend this CD.



3. Laughter is the best medicine, Christmas is stressful, this album, particularly The Ras Family's "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," is what I recommend to my coaching clients, and I spread it liberally through my own holiday season. Can't recommend it enough. Listen to that girl laugh and then go out and spread Joy to the World (let June Lodge get you started). My all-time favorite Christmas music album. Buy it, listen to it on the way in to work, and enjoy your holidays! The EQ Coach



4. THIS WAS A GIF FOR MY SISTER THAT WAS IN THE ISLANDS WITH ME IN NOVEMBER. SHE LIKED IT VERY MUCH.

5 comments about Christmas at Our House.

1. When this recording was first issued in 1984, it's a shame that it never got the recognition it rightly deserved, being largely overshadowed by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton's "Once Upon a Christmas" album. Nonetheless, this CD features song of the most heartfelt songs sung by Barbara yet. There's the cheery "Christmas at Our House", the bluesy "Santa, Bring My Baby Home", my favourite: "It Must Have Been the Mistletoe", the poignant "Born to Die", to the sacred "Christmas Story", which closes the album and reminds us all what the season is truly about. I highly recommend adding this title to your holiday collection, along with CD's from The Carpenters, Anne Murray, and Kenny Rogers among others. Kudos to Barbara for such a timeless album.



2. This has been the number one favorite Christmas album of our family since we first bought it in 1984. We've worn out several copies and now our grown children are adding it to their collection.



3. I was so excited to find this on CD! I have worn out my record from years and years of playing it. Even my 6 year old knows the words to "It Must Have Been The Mistletoe". To me, my Christmas season can't officially start until I play this and Elvis's Christmas album.



4. I ordered this before Xmas at a total price of $8.42...Then got an email that it was out of stock--then after Xmas I look again and found it for $30-35 what gives?



5. I had this album and love the title song...needed to upgrade to CD. Bought one for my daughter too!

No comments about Best Carols 100.

1 comments about Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits.

1. The idea of a greatest hits album for a classical composer is nearly an absurdity,but the selections for this package are almost perfect.The signature magic sound of Ormandy and his great Philly Orchestra open with Symphony 4 movement 1.Ormandy and crew reappear later with the war march from Athalie-a true crowd pleaser.Not to be missed is the On wings of song piece sung by Elly Ameling in all her pristine glory.The song is simply beautiful beyond words.Movements 3&4 of the Incomparable Octet for strings are included. At the tender age of 16 Mendelssohn may have reached his peak with this work.The 6 Children's pieces are delightful,if insubstantial.The 4th movement of the 5th Symphony is a force of nature,perhaps the highlight of the disc.The only quibble is the inclusion of the hackneyed Wedding March instead of the achingly gorgeous Nocturne from A Midsummer Night's Dream.Even for the Mendelssohn fan there are performances here you'll want to add to your collection.At such a low cost you cannot go wrong.

2 comments about Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Complete Ballet Music).

1. The Leningrad-born conductor Semyon Bychkov was only 26 when he made this complete Nutcracker with the Berlin Phil. He had debuted with the orchestra the year before but had already taken them on a Geman concert tour, the first time a guest condcutor was invited to (one suspects that Karajan's abrupt departure from the podium led to a sudden vacuum). In any event, Bychkov was the real thing, an accomplished musician with lots of good ideas.
   
   This Nutcracker yields to none in terms of orchestral virtuosity, but it is also light and springy, carefully detailed but never fussy. A delight in every way, I would say. No doubt you've never heard of it, even though it rivals Previn, Temirkanov, Jansons, and Dorati. In my opinion it excels them all, but then, I can't account for what happened to Bychkov's career.
   
   Now 51, he did a stint with the Buffalo Phil. in the late Eighties--never a great career move--and is now relegated to a provicial German radio orchestra in Cologne. He's on the comeback trail with a recent well-reviewed Ein Heldeleben and a current Daphne on Decca starring Renee Fleming.
   
   There are lots of early Bychkov recordings on Philips besides this Nutcracker--I own a splendid Rachmaninoff Second Sym. and Shostakovich Eighth, along with an acclaimed Eugene Onegin. But a lot of other CDs, especially those done with the Orchestre de Paris, are out of print. We'll have to wait and see if this outstanding musician gets reborn. He deserves a major orchestra again. Meanwhile, here is a lyrical, dream-like Nutcracker which takes us into the realm of fantasy beyond any other reading I've ever encountered. Highly recommended.



2. I so strongly agree with Santa Fe Listener. This Nutcracker, which I have owned ever since it was released, leaves all other versions earthbound. Nobody else captures the emotion within the fantasy so delicately and yet so forcefully. As a former ballet critic who saw more Nutcrackers than he cares to remember, this is the one that leaves visions dancing in this kid's head. Bychkov, whose Eugen Onegin also remains nonpareil, gets a spectacular and detailed sound from the BPO. Yes, Bychkov's Rachmaninoff symphony is also ravishing. Now exceedingly hard to find, this Nutcracker is a treasure. Pounce when next you see it.

No comments about Music of Percy Aldridge Grainger.

3 comments about The Carols Of Christmas II: A Windham Hill Collection.

1. Although this album is pleasant enough, the variety of music is not as great as the first album of The Carols of Christmas. It is OK if you want mostly guitar music. One of the tracks is misnamed (i.e., Angels From the Realms of Glory is actually Angels We Have Heard on High), and is just plain weird. Loreena Mc Kennitt's Middle-Eastern twist on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen is unusual, but has grown on me.



2. I THOUGHT I WAS GETING EITHER TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS MUSIC OR
   NEW ARRANGEMENTS OF THE OLD FAVORITES. FOR ME PERSONALLY, THERE WAS TOO MUCH PIANO AND GUTIAR SOLOS. I AM SURE THERE ARE A GREAT MANY PEOPLE WHO LIKE THIS TYPE OF MUSIC, IF YOU DO THEN YOU SHOULD LIKE THIS CD.



3. I was given this CD as a gift, and I wasn't sure I would like it since I tend to stick to classic renditions of well-known songs - especially Christmas carols. I was wrong! The artists on this compilation have put a very tasteful and unique spin that (dare I say) seems like a refreshing change to some of my holiday favorites.