3 comments about God Rest Ye Merry Jazzmen.

1. Buying Christmas albums is always a crap shoot, and if you like jazz, as I do, it's doubly perilous. I bought this album back in the '80s when it was first issued on vinyl, and I'm amazed that I still play it around the holidays after all these years. The main thing is that these renditions aren't treacly or contrived or sentimental -- as you might guess from the artists involved, they're serious, entertaining, sometimes funky takes on familiar standards ... something jazz has always handled well. (I'll never forget the first time I heard a jazz rendition of the Flintstones' TV theme song, but that's another story.) My hands-down favorite is Paquito D'Rivera and John Miller's duet of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". It's as spare as any jazz composition I've ever heard (and not especially long, either) but also one of the most unexpectedly moving and soulful. While it departs from the original music for some typical jazz improvisation, with Miller rumbling through a brief opening solo that betrays nothing at all of the "Gentlemen" to come, the full performance manages somehow to respect the solemn melody -- even the asceticism -- of the English carol. Which is quite an achievement, in its own weird little way.



2. I'm a jazz neophyte and probably always will be, but this is a great album. The old standards are given new life by true legends (including a very young Wynton Marsalis). You'll want to play it all year 'round...



3. This is my all-time favorite Christmas album and I heartily recommend it to everyone. A congenital Scrooge, this record melts my heart every year.
   
   Something is a bit odd about the release date, though. Both the CD and this page list the original release date as 1981, but this was also my Grandfather's favorite Christmas record. He died in 1962, yet there is no acknowledgement of the original release date on the CD case or liner notes. I can't even find it on the internet. Weird, huh? Guess I'm a geek about these things, but it sorta feels like someone's taking credit for someone else's work.
   
   Anyway, whenever it was recorded, it's a brilliant album and you should buy it immediately.

No comments about Winter.

4 comments about A Celtic Celebration.

1. This cd is one of THE most beautiful Christmas cds ever and yet it has not been recognised, which is a shame, for this is a work of art! Good King Wencelas; Away in a manger; Angels we have heard on high; What child is this?/Greensleeves; Christmas Back home; Jesu, Joy of man desiring; The twelve days of Christmas; Here we come a Wassailing and Silent night are among the best songs here, and every one of them are done beautifully! The songs are beautiful, quaint, folk-like, Celtic, its all just so glorious!



2. My family has owned this CD for quite a while now, and I'd have to say it is my favorite Christmas CD I've heard. The music is beautiful and haunting and will take your breath away. I suggest it to everyone who wants to listen to something different this Christmas.



3. The Night Heron Consort's Celtic Celebration CD is simply a gem. If you like any of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas CDs, you'll probably love the Night Heron Consort's performances because they too are "out of the box" Christmas song renditions. Listen closely to the "Greensleeves" track for the detailed guitar work which carries through the song. The way Steve Schuch uses flutes and non-traditional instruments is brilliant. And the "12 Days of Christmas" amazes me as I consider how much time and creativity it took to put together all the instruments and animal sounds used on that track. This CD is so overlooked as a quality work. If you're a musician, you'll be inspired by the complex and creative arrangements used on most of the tracks on this Christmas CD.



4. I have listened to and owned this album for years. It is a staple of my Christmas library, and part of the "tree-decorating music" collection in my home. Beautiful music with a touch of humour on tracks such as "Twelve Days of Christmas". If this hasn't found a home in your CD rack yet, buy it now and become lost in the wonderful harmonies as we once again approach the holiday season. Whether decorating cookies, putting up lights, or snuggling under a blanket with some hot cocoa and a loved one, this is the perfect accompaniment.

3 comments about This Ain't No White Christmas!.

1. A Christmas album by Rudy Ray Moore? Yes, it is. The CD opens with the only song on the album, which is the R&B classic "Merry Christmas Baby". Rudy does a good job with the vocals (he was an R&B singer before he was a comedian). This is a decent version of the song. The rest of the album consists of Rudy's raunchy comedy routines. The best routine here is "Night Before Christmas (Part 1)", which is a hilariously filthy version of the well known poem. The rest of the material is somewhat uneven, and it should be noted that many of the jokes have nothing to do with Christmas. I also should mention that the sound quality of the CD is not that great. It sounds like it was copied off of an old LP that has a few scratches on it. But Rudy Ray Moore fans will still dig it.



2. A Christmas album by Rudy Ray Moore? Yes, it is. The CD opens with the only song on the album, which is the R&B classic "Merry Christmas Baby". Rudy does a good job with the vocals (he was an R&B singer before he was a comedian). This is a decent version of the song. The rest of the album consists of Rudy's raunchy comedy routines. The best routine here is "Night Before Christmas (Part 1)", which is a hilariously filthy version of the well known poem. The rest of the material is somewhat uneven, and it should be noted that many of the jokes have nothing to do with Christmas. I also should mention that the sound quality of the CD is not that great. It sounds like it was copied off of an old LP that has a few scratches on it. But Rudy Ray Moore fans will still dig it.



3. I ain't lying. Rudy Ray Moore has One singing song and the rest is his routine which always has cracked me up. I've always been down with Rudy's brand of Humor. this is a tight Party record and He will have your sides hurting from laughing out loud. Rudy has always done his own thing and Kept it real.

4 comments about Vampire Songs.

1. THIS IS A WONDERFULL CD WITH EACH PIECE EITHER BEGINNING OR ENDING WITH THE SPOKEN WORDS OF A VAMPIRE AND HIS VICTIM...THE TITLES TRANCE ROMANCE AND DARK ECSTASY ARE JUST ABSOLUTLY FABULOUS...REQUIEM FOR A VAMPIRE IS A BIT TOO MUCH LIKE FUNERAL MUSIC TO ME, HOWEVER IS STILL PART OF THE "STORY." THIS IS A GREAT PIECE OF WORK FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WOULD ENJOY A REALLY NICE ROMANTIC CANDLE LIGHT DINNER...WITH THIS MUSIC PLAYING SOFTLY IN THE BACKGROUND AND MAYBE SOME RED ROSE PEDALS LYING ON THE FLOOR...AND OF COURSE A NICE CHILLED BOTTLE OF WINE AND A GOOD DINNER WOULD ALWAYS IMPRESS THE DATE...IT HAS FOR ME ANYWAY...I WOULD RATE THIS CD A 4.5 STARS ONLY BECAUSE THE REQUIEM FOR A VAMPIRE PIECE IS, LIKE I SAID, A BIT MUCH FOR ME...SINCE I HAD TO CHOOSE A 4 OR A 5...I CHOSE THE 5...BY THE WAY THE SOUND EFFECTS ARE A GREAT THING FOR HALLOWEEN!!!!



2. I AM TOTALLY INTO ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE RENAISSANCE OR VAMPIRES.THIS IS THE ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS I HAVE FOUND TO DATE.I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MUSIC OF THE DARK MINOR KEY PHYRGIAN KIND.EVERY SONG ON THIS ALBUM BESIDES SOUL STALKER I LOVE.DEFINTETLY BUY THIS ALBUM,ENJOY WITH A GLASS OF WINE DURING THE FALL AT NIGHT WITH THE CLOUDS CUTTING THROUGH THE MOON!!! AWF VETA ZANE!



3. I Got this for 50 cents in a used bin at the local hi-fi shop. Different cover and title, same songs and song titles as this one. The Bela Lugosi samples make the recording. Heh... if you want the album, search for the title Horror Movie Madness.. It is a two disk set, but includes this as the second disc.



4. For Halloween or just an exotic interlude....Vampire Songs will move your soul and your heart.
   
   It's much more than any "Halloween" CD...it's phenomenal!

3 comments about Lou Rawls Christmas.

1. 
   The best of this year's Christmas releases is Lou Rawls Christmas. The last thing the barrel-chested soulman recorded before his death on the feast of the Epiphany this year (January 6), it's the swingiest seasonal album since Ella wished us a Swinging Christmas back in 1960. And the band is even hotter, an eleven piece, four-horn freight train of soul, jazz and brassy power that delivers a bagful of familiar classics in colorfully vibrant wrappings.
   
   You'd never know that Rawls was dying from cancer when he recorded these tracks; in fact, he hadn't told anyone of his diagnosis. He sounds as potent as ever, stamping "The Christmas Song" with his own distinctive vocal mark, driving "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" with that carefree nonchalance so familiar from the Garfield specials. The arrangements are well conceived--"Deck the Halls" decked out as a samba, "Winter Wonderland" cool and clean, "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" announced with a trumpet fanfare before settling into a gently swingin' groove. Rawls' touching take on "Silent Night" is even more poignant when you realize that it was the last song he ever recorded.
   
   
   originally published in Port Folio Weekly, 12/12/06
   copyright © 2006 Port Folio Weekly. Used by Permission.



2. Either you're bron with genius talent or you're not. It's really that simple. Mr. Rawls was bron with IT and a lot more. Though he is well known for his classic R&B songs, you'd think Christmas was his greatest love from hearing this album. It's no coincidence that this was his last album ever. It's real;y terrific, both from a vocal point of view and from a production standpoint. The arrangements swing and the production sounds amazing. Though he sings the classics, the sound of this album is very much of today, well, timeless....



3. Lou Rawls' didn't sound sick on this album at all and truly brought emphasis to Jazz/R&B for the Christmas sound. He really did justice for the majority of the holiday songs on the album and for me personally, it was an extraordinary purchase, one that I don't regret. It's a must have for anyone that wants to add to the Christmas cheer.

5 comments about All I Want For Christmas.

1. There is true magic on this album. I was lucky eenough to be on the Slim Man mailing list so I ordered this CD as soon as I heard about it. and WOW.

   If you are familiar with Slim Man, well, he surpasses all expectations. That sensual voice we know and love is more intimate than ever. Track 1 "Winter Wonderland is kind of predictable in that "smooth jazz" way. But when you get to track 2 "Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - oh my - I must admit it moved me so that I actually got goose bumps. The live piano, the sulty sax, then comes the Slim Man vocal - ! - this is it! (I have been waiting for YEARS for a Christmas CD that could just repeat and repeat and repeat, and this is IT.)

   And it gets better as you get deeper into the cuts. Every track is fresh and surprising. Slim Man has never been so versitile in his approach. Who would think of recording "Christmas Time Is Here" (Charlie Brown's christmas theme song). Well, the Slim Man did and this track will melt you. Randy Brecker on muted trumpet , oh my, it is really worth a listen.

   A couple of tracks will definitely make you smile. Rap. Yes, the Slim Man raps and it is a smile! If you only buy one new CD this season, this is MUST HAVE. I love it, and I'm giving all my friends a copy for Chjristmas. There goes my shopping list!




2. A friend at work has been trying to get me to listen to Slim Man for years. I wasn't too interested because I'm not exactly a "smooth jazz" fan. Mostly just too boring. Ho hum. Prefer Latin, dance, R&B

   BUT, I have learned that Slim Man is NOT boring. When my friend got her hands on this Chistmas CD, and FORCED me to listen, well, I don't have the words to express how it affected me.

   I couln't stop listneing. With every song I heard something new, something more enticing, more moving. And by the time we came to the last couple of songs, I just couldn't stop dancing. Dancing to Chistmas music!

   Just wait til you hear the cha cha cha on "Feliz Navidid". And the swing on "Blue Christmas". Oh yeah.

   Where did this guy come from? And how come I've never heard of him before? He's incredible. This is my first Slim man CD but now I want MORE Slim Man. All I want for Christmas is all the Slim man I can get. Oh yeah!




3. Hey! If you are considering this CD, GO GET IT! It is fantastic! Just listen to the music samples and you will get a taste of how WONDERFUL this CD is and how GREAT SLIM MAN is.

   If you are not familiar with Slim Man's music, style and unbelievable talent, this CD is a perfect introduction to his music. It is a must have for the Holiday CD collection - put in this CD at your Holiday get together with your family and friends and share Slim Man's talent. Everyone that I have shared his music with LOVES it!

   If you are familiar with his music, WOW - ! - this CD is great and I hope you agree. It is about time Slim Man released this CD for us devoted fans!

   Slim Man puts his style on some of our Holiday favorites, and has included two original songs which are BEAUTIFUL!

   PICK UP THIS CD and share it with everyone! Share his talent and music with everyone you can... What a TALENTED artist!

   Peace!




4. Oh my, Oh my, Oh my. Slim Man has really outdone himself on this one. The style and grace of this recording will surely go down in history as one of the greatest Christmas albums ever.

   If you don't know Slim Man, what a great introduction this album would be to his unique - sweet - sensual - semi-jazz - semi-pop approach. I'm surprised he's not up there in the top 40. He's way more appealing than any other male vocalist out there these days.

   I happened upon him in 1995 in San Francisco when he had just released his first album END OF THE RAINBOW; I saw him live at the Great American Music Hall and couldn't believe I'd never heard of him before. He is an awesome entertainer (not just a pretty face: great voice, great moves, very sexy on stage. Not to mention the fact that he write all his own material and produces himself. A "total package".) So anyway I bought END OF THE RAINBOW at the show, and it has been played thousands of times over and over with great enjoyment.

   But this is even better. My favorite cut (hard to pick, they're all great and the album gets better as it goes on) is probably , well, either White Christmas, Blue Christmas, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, or . . . oh darn I love them all. But be sure to check out tracks 2 and 6 where Slim Man does a Nat King Cole thing and it's BEAUTIFUL.

   If you DO know Slim Man, I must say I don't think he's ever sounded better, that beautiful voice, that sensual style. Oh my.

   I know what I want for Christmas!!!




5. This is the holiday CD we've all been hoping to find. That priceless hidden gem that we can put on "repeat" and autoplay from Thanksgiving through New Years. And nobody will complain or ask you to change the CD because every single song is beyond the best rendition you've ever heard.

   I'd call it "holiday" rather than "Christmas" because religion doesn't matter on this one, it's such great music with an ingenious fresh approach to timeless seasonal classics. Classic yet young and hip and fresh and new at the same time.

   When Slim Man sings it reminds me of Nat King Cole (my mother used love that guy). That's not a bad thing though. It's sweet. Slim Man does it just right for me. Check it out.

5 comments about Halloween: The Curse Of Michael Myers - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

1. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST SOUNDTRACKS IN THE WHOLE SERIES! I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF HALLOWEEN FOR A FEW YEARS AND I HAVE ALL OF THE SOUNDTRACKS. THIS ONE IS RATED #2 ON MY LIST, JUST BELOW THE ORIGINAL SCORE. THE GUITAR AND DRUMS MAKE THIS SCORE A VERY EERIE BAGFUL OF TREATS! I RECCOMEND THE TRACKS: JAMIE'S ESCAPE, WATCHING MOM, IT'S RAINING RED, AND OPERATING ROOM. BUY THIS CD RIGHT NOW! IT IS SO AWESOME!



2. - Alan Howarth's last Halloween score wasent as bad as people want it to be. First you listen trough the entire CD, then you find the best tracks (No.1 was really good)... And after you've sorted out the tracks from good and bad, you copy thosse tracks to a own CD (CD-recorder and volume disscounts are availble), and you enjoy them...



3. This cd is amazing!!! It has all the right elements, and the Halloween theme sounds great. Also, the use of the Halloween theme is amazing, as it used more than once, but not too much. The other songs sound great, as you can picture the scenes in your head as you listen to the songs. This is an absolute must for any Halloween fan!!!



4. As was the case with the scores to Halloween 4 & 5, Howarth continues to experiment with variations on Carpenter's theme. What is particularly interesting about this soundtrack is that some of the compositions never made it to the big screen. Instead, a few were actually featured on the Producer's Cut, an alternate version of the film that has become an underground classic. The inclusion of these alternate tracks provides one with a fragmentary impression of the movie's originally intended trajectory (which is certainly more desirable than the direction of the incoherent theatrical release).

   Highlights of this score include the second track, which introduces a new theme to the musical milieu of Halloween. This new theme is inextricably linked to the Order of the Thorn (a Druidic cult responsible for Michael Myers' dreaded curse). It is reiterated later in the eighth track following a frenetic version of Carpenter's traditional "Shape Stalking" music. This new theme augments the traditional Halloween compositions beautifully and brings an extra dimension to the film series.

   Howarth is an imaginative composer and this soundtrack showcases his inventive musicianship. It is an absolute shame that most of this music did not even make into the theatrical release.




5. as most of you know their is a whole different kind of HalloweeN 6 out their called the "Producers cut" and it is totally different then the one that hit theatres and home video. but you can't get it anywhere. after Donald Pleasance Died in making HalloweeN: the Curse of Michael Myers. the movie changed almost completely with a new Beginning and Different plot and a way different ending and also the Score was completely different. now most of the Music in the HalloweeN: The Curse Of Michael Myers soundtrack is from the Producers cut of the film. And not even heard in the theatrical Release but still has some from the theatrical version. so if you want to hear some of the creepy music that was supposed to be then I say get this Soundtrack today!

No comments about The Charlotte Church Collection [Box Set].

1 comments about Hag's Christmas.

1. I have always liked Merle Haggard's music. He has a different quality in his voice that I like also. I enjoyed this CD and wish Hag hadn't gone quite so soon. God Bless Him and his family.