1 comments about Christmas Rocks: The Best of Collection.

1. The Brian Sezter Orchestra have come to associate themselves closely with the Chrismas Holidays, having recorded two Christmas CD's and making an annual Christmas concert tour.
   
   This latest offering is, as the subtitle implies, a "Best Of" collection, along with a couple of new tracks. For those that don't have the BSO's previous two Christmas discs, this is a nice compilation of some of the best of the two.
   
   The whole thing is upbeat fun, with Setzer and the boys delivering updated swing versions of some Christmas chestnuts as well as a few original tracks. Could there have been some changes in the track list? I think so, but overall, this is a solid set. The weakest of the tracks has to be "Baby, It's Cold Outside", which features a well past her prime Ann Margaret, who really detracts from what otherwise is one cool yule tune.
   
   I would have liked to have seen some of the "Bonus Tracks" that were found on subsequent re-issues of the BSO's previous Christmas CDs make their way to this compliation, including "Run, Run Rudolph" and "Cactus Christmas". The version of "Jingle Bells" found on this compilation is the one recorded for "Boogie Woogie Christmas" CD.....The version recorded for the movie Jingle All The Way is the superior version, and that would have been a welcome addition to this CD, as would the instrumental version found on the obsure "Merry Axemas" CD.
   
   Is this disc essential? No, especially if you already have the previous two BSO Holiday discs. With a few changes to the track listing, however, that assessment would be different. That being said, this is a great one disc set that will keep the Christmas Holidays "Wild, Cool, & Swingin'!"

5 comments about The Best of Andy Williams Christmas Shows.

1. The reason I wanted to buy this DVD was because I really miss the old fashioned Christmas Specials. It seemed they used to go to alot of trouble with the sets, had great guests, and they all just seemed so happy and Christmasy!
   
   Yes, the Osmond Brothers are featured, and they were great to watch, as they are such an incredibly talented family, but there were no other guests except for people that I assumed were part of Andy's family, but who weren't introduced, and so I'm not sure. It really would have been nice to know who they were and how they were related. It would also have been nice to see some other guests, as that is always such a big part of Christmas Specials. I guess I was expecting that.
   
   This is The Andy Show. Lots and lots of close ups of Andy, posing and singing goofy-eyed into the camera. The sets are a hoot, as are the funny styles of the day, which was expected and fun to see, but what wasn't expected was how much Andy comes across as quite full of himself (he really does!), and I don't remember thinking that about him before. We didn't finish watching the whole DVD.
   
   Would I watch it again next Christmas? Well, it will have been a year by then, and I will have forgotten most of the negatives, so yes, maybe on a slow TV night if my husband is out. I don't think he'd watch it again.
   
   Knowing what I know now, would I buy this DVD again? Yes I would, if only to see the Osmond Brothers, but I also would have tried harder to get the Bing Crosby DVD, which says it features other guests on it.



2. The Andy Williams Shows clearly showcase great talent and worthwhile entertainment. The Christmas shows in particular are a family tradition in my home. These shows need to be remastered and shown more often. They just don't make em like this anymore



3. What a shame that this DVD is out-of-print. It's an absolute gem containing the finest Andy Williams Show moments.
   
   Outstanding sets, songs, music and guests. Lots of rare footage of the Osmond Brothers appearances, Bob Hope, Andy's kids and brothers.
   
   You don't find a lot of Christmas DVDs that you want to watch more than once. This is an exception. Can't say enough good things about it.



4. I didn't like this DVD as well as the other Andy Williams special I purchased this year. This one is a colelction of excerpts from various shows instead of being a cohesive show in and of itself. That made it a little disjointed and harder for my kids to watch than if an entire show had been chosen. Still the adults did enjoy the stroll down memory lane!



5. Remember when the Holiday Season on TV ment the variety specials with Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby and Andy Williams? I miss them. All you see now are those sappy holiday romance stories or the animated kiddy features. This DVD is great and includes musical numbers with Andy and the Williams brothers. And the Osmonds are a scream. Donny can't be more than 5 years old in the earliest scenes. If you own White Christmas and watch it every year, this holiday DVD is for you.

5 comments about Christmas on Big Island.

1. In a lifetime spent in the enjoyment of music, listening to this CD is the first time I've felt embarrassment for the artist.



2. I love unusual Christmas music and this fits the bill. It is refreshing from the standards that get played way to much at Christmas time, yet it is very festive. It is not classic Hawaiian music at all, but it still brings the feel of the islands into your livingroom. Like someone said, stick a umbrella in your eggnog and ring in the holidays.



3. This is a Christmas album by the Blue Hawaiians. The Blue Hawaiians play surf music with a Hawaiian music influence. Six of the tracks are instrumentals and four tracks are songs with vocals. The album is a lot of fun. If you are looking for a Christmas album that's a little "different", you should check it out.



4. An unusual treasure and good to play the year round



5. I loved The Ventures' guitar style when I was a teen in the 60's (and still do), and have a nostalgic appreciation for "surf" music. I have played this continuously this season, and it has really helped lift me out of the winter blues (along with Martin Denny's stuff, which is another story). Some great arrangements! Highly recommended!

3 comments about The Mighty Tubadours.

1. This album is excellent! Three tubas and a euphonium. I especially love it for the beautiful Christmas half, tracks 18 thru 35. (It's not a new album, it's just the same album wrongly listed here as out of stock, under the title "Mighty Tubadours" [without the "The"] and a different ASIN.



2. This arrived today and I had to listen to it right away (normally CDs and DVDs sit in their original packaging for years before I get a chance to enjoy them). As a "retired" tuba player, it brought back fond memories of the good ol' days of playing. I was shocked to even see one of my favorite Civil War era songs on the CD (I used to play in a Civil War reenactment band). The only downside was that the CD ended in a little over an hour, and I wanted to hear more! I highly recommend this, especially if you like fun brass music.



3. Played once, then filed it away. It hasn't called out to me since to be heard.

3 comments about Windham Hill Christmas II.

1. It is very difficult to find good classical Christmas music,
   but this CD is lovely! Perfect to relax to after a hectic day of Christmas shopping!



2. As a professional musician myself, I truly appreciate this CD. The instrumentalists are all top notch and the arrangements are innovative as well as creative. I love the way the artists take an old familiar Christmas carol and give it new life with a brand new interpretation.
   In addition it is music I can listen to as background music and it doesn't take over. Whenever I play it while other people are around, I am asked what it is. Actually, I gave this CD to all of my musician friends for Christmas! Add it to your musical library. It's a must!



3. This is my 5th Christmas cd from Windham Hill. While not my favorite of the five, it still fits the Windham Hill sound and I recommend it for a quiet "Night before Christmas".

5 comments about Christmas With the Von Trapp Children.

1. I have been a progressive Hard rock heavy metal singer for over 19 years. I am a lover of harmonies no matter what instrument is doing them. I first heard this album (specifically the song African Gloria) while browsing in Yankee Candle's "Black forest" room. I was moved by that song and I still am when I hear the clip now. I immediately ordered it. What I can say is that these kids are not doing any easy tasks...I am a singer and I know what it takes to get the harmonies and dynamics what they are. I give them 2 thumbs up and urge them to always continue. Childrens choirs are wonderful and in my opinion spark a Holy part of us. 5 stars!



2. What a great album - fun arrangements, beautiful harmonies. This is one of the best Christmas albums I have heard or bought in a long time. "Gloria" will be one of my favorite tracks from now on. This album is all I expected and more. If you love Christmas music then you need this album.



3. These kids sing like angels! I am so glad I purchased this CD for my holiday collection.Great price also!



4. Love the cd! Their voices are so pure and clear - I listened over and over.



5. The item was exactly as discribed and arrived in good condition. I would gladly buy from this seller again...anytime!

5 comments about Gift.

1. Liz Story's album The Gift is just what it says. It is the most soothing Christmas present you can give to anyone. A true joy.



2. I never heard Liz until the disk arrived. She can both play and interpret. Put this one on, follow it with C. Chesnut's Christmas disk and the Holiday's meaning becomes clear.



3. I love every track on this CD, just like I love every track on all the Liz Story CDs I own. It's a permanent part of my holiday season.



4. Pianist Liz Story has been a mainstay in the Windham Hill label since her first releases in the 80's. Her dreamy song, "Wedding Rain" showcased a fresh talent that bathed the listener in delicate atmospheres and lovely tonal colorations. But with such lumanescent textures is a corresponding musical intelligence that only comes from being an composer as well as performer (she writes most her music).
   
   This classically-trained talent allows her music to rise above the more superficial "nice sounding background piano music" of this genre. Her style is reminicent at times of the French classical masters Debussy or Ravel for its emphasis on tonal beauty and cascading effects. To me her music has always exuded something special ... something very deep and resonant ... something tangibly spiritual and with a sense of celebration of life.
   
   Story brings these same qualities to her seasonal collection, fittingly titled, "The Gift." In a world riddled with too many cheesy and trite holiday recordings, Story's "Gift" here is a true treasure and sanctuary for music lovers. Its "spirit" is similar to George Winston's legenday recording, "Winter" in the way it creates a sense of solace, warmth and comfort.
   
   Probably the piece that best exudes this sensitive playing is her magical rendition of the beloved English song, "Greensleeves" (track 4) in which she creates a fleeting, transcendent mood through her seamless playing, feathery touch and delicately evocative effects. This piece is emmensely beautiful and moving to hear, transporting you to imaginative vistas and memories.
   
   Especially when doing the more well-known seasonal pieces, it takes true musical insight to find the true, spiritual core of the music to avoid a trite-sounding result. Holiday CD's come and go, but certain ones and certain songs are timeless such as those performed here by Liz Story. The sound quality is excellent with a most-fitting resonance that brings out the rich harmonic overtones of her piano. A most lovely recording. Compositions - 5 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound quality - 5 stars.



5. We love holiday music of a pretty wide variety. This is a very nice choice when the hustle and bustle starts to hit. Liz Story's arrangements are gentle and soothing but still hold interest. A nice addition to our collection!

5 comments about Rocky Mountain Christmas.

1. When my parents moved from my childhood home into a new house, my mom stumbled across all of her old 8 tracks. In with it all was John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas. Since my mother has a birthday near Christmas, I surprised her with the CD. She was just as tickled pink as she was when she found the old 8 track. It was perfect for a woman who loved John Denver and his music.



2. Apparently this album has been released in at least three different formats. One contains two extra tracks and another even more. Perhaps they are a better bargain and you get to hear more John Denver, but this CD remains true to the original album and concept. Somehow having tracks after "A Baby Just Like You" would spoil the album. This is typical Denver, reverent, irreverent, mellow, lively. John was a study in opposites. He blended folk with country and was the first artist to broaden the base of country music listeners. The current popularity of country music has much to owe John Denver. Before him, it had a much narrower following. "Aspenglow" is a lovely tune, one that I like to hear every Christmas, even though it is not traditional. The oddest track is "Please, Daddy, Don't Get Drunk this Christmas." Even more peculiar is the fact that I really like this track. It is certainly memorable, and in its way brings home the fact that not every child has a wonderful Christmas and perhaps we should all do more to make Christmas special for those that are less fortunate. All in all, this is a great album, especially if you love John Denver. It makes the season just a little more poignant.



3. The songs on this album constitute a "Rocky Mountain Christmas" more because John Denver is singing them than because they are about the holidays in the high mountains. Only the opening track, "Aspenglow," would suggest the later, but I know I am not alone in associating Denver's music with that western mountain chain (I always listen to his first greatest hits album why driving through the Rockies). Besides that first track Denver also had a hand in writing "A Baby Just Like You" and the last three bonus tracks on the album, but the chief charm here is hearing songs like "Silver Bells" turned into John Denver songs.
   
   "Rocky Mountain Christmas" is ideal for quiet nights in front of the fire. Most of the songs rely on simple accompaniment by acoustic guitars, although sometimes an entire country band shows up for the likes of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and a harpsichord pops up as well. But clearly the effort here is to keep things simple. There is a nice trio of traditional carols in the middle of the album with "Away in a Manger," "What Child is This?" and "Coventry Carol," which makes up for having "Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)" intruding in the lineup (for me it stands out like a sore thumb). Fortunately in between the two is Eric Weisberg's "Christmas for Cowboys," which serves as a nice transition.
   
   Actually the songs that impressed me the most were the ones where Denver tackles something different, which would be "Coventry Carol" and "O Holy Night." The accompaniments are more formal and so is his singing, but still with his distinctive tenor voice. This is the 1998 reissue of the CD and as such adds five bonus tracks to make it even better: "Jingle Bells," "White Christmas," "The Music is You," "Perhaps Love," and "Dreamland Express." The last three are not exactly Christmas songs and give the end of the album a decidedly different feel, so you may actually just want the CD with 14 tracks and not this one with 17 (I do not believe you can get a CD with just the 12 tracks from the original album). Or else you can just program this one to end the way you want.



4. In the process of rebuilding my John Denver collection, it was great seeing this album again. I had it when it was on vinyl. Yes, folks, there was such a thing as old fashioned records. When I first bought this album in '76 I think it was, I played this album every year until the poor thing warped around 1984. For me at least, Denver takes the schmalz out of Christmas songs. After I finish collecting other Denver albums on these new fangled CD's, I'm going to buy this and remember the good 'ol days.



5. This CD is a must for anyone collecting beautiful holiday music and John Denver's voice and songs are breath-taking here. A real classic.

5 comments about Elvis' Christmas Album.

1. This was Elvis's first Christmas album, recorded in 1957. It's a certifiable classic. Side one featured Elvis doing secular Christmas songs. "Santa Claus is Back in Town" is an awesome blues song that features D.J. Fontana's best drumming ever, arguably. "White Christmas" is a fine performance that owes a lot to the Drifters' version. "Here Comes Santa Claus" is a cool rockabilly style performance. "I'll Be Home For Christmas" is a good ballad. "Blue Christmas" is Elvis's best Christmas song, and it made everyone forget the original Ernest Tubb version. Side one closed with the original pop rocker "Santa Bring My Baby Back". Side two of the album featured religious songs. However, only two of the songs are actual Christmas songs. The last four songs are taken from the previously released "Peace in the Valley" EP. But when the songs are as great as these four are, why complain? I highly recommend this CD.



2. When Elvis' christmas recordings were reissued on CD, there was apparently some mixing and matching going on. While I totally love this CD, it is not the same one I listened to that my mom had on LP when I was little. It has several additions and omissions from that one, most notably the lack of "If Everyday Was Like Christmas". That song can be found on a CD of the same title, but the track listing of another one called "It's Christmas Time" by Elvis looks more familiar as the one I liked as a kid. Elvis' stuff is always great, though, so I still recommend this one, too.



3. This is the original Elvis Christmas Album as released in 1957. It was considered very controversial when it was released (as were most Elvis releases during that time), but it was still a huge hit commercially, hitting number 1 on the Billboard album charts (before they created a separate category for Christmas albums).
   
   Eight Christmas songs were included in his original 1957 Christmas album along with the 4 Gospel songs from the "Peace In The Valley" EP. His original Christmas album was repackaged and re-released in 1970 with the 4 Gospel songs being replaced by "If Every Day was Like Christmas" (which was originally released as a single in 1966) and the non-Christmas song "Mama Liked The Roses". The 1970 edition was then re-packaged and released on CD as "It's Christmas Time" a few years ago.
   
   Elvis' performance on the songs here are excellent! Several of these recordings have become Christmas classics, still receiving significant radio airplay nearly 50 years after they were recorded!
   
   While this was a great album in its day, it has since been superceeded. All the songs on this album are currently available on the Elvis "White Christmas" CD along with "If Every Day was Like Christmas" and "Mama Liked The Roses" and every song from his "The Wonderful World of Christmas" album which was released in 1971. Unless you just want to buy this CD for its historical significance, I would recommend that you spend a few extra bucks and buy the Elvis "White Christmas" album instead. You will get a lot more Christmas cheer!



4. To reviewer Bon Jovi Fan a bit of history. This CD release contains the exact songs that appeared on the first Elvis' Christmas Album, released in 1957 on RCA Victor LOC-1035. The one you recall with the same title was released in 1970 on RCA Camden CAL-2428, containing a mix of some of the earlier tracks with new ones, including If Every Day Was Like Christmas. Written by Red West, it was recorded on June 11, 1966 in Nashville and first released that year as a single b/w How Would You Like To Be?
   
   As another reviewer points out, this one, when first released, became the target of that element of society self-righteously "scandalized" by the "vulgar hip-swinging degenerate" who was "corrupting our children" led by the son of C&W legend Hank Snow, one Jimmie Rodgers Snow, the most pious of them all. In other words, those yabos who were doing all they could to kill R&R at birth. Of course, the R&R DJs, when playing anything from the album, had zeroed in on tunes like Blue Christmas (which actually dates back to 1949 by Ernest Tubb, Russ Morgan, and Hugo Winterhalter) and Lieber & Stoller's driving Santa Claus Is Back In Town.
   
   Only when they eventually heard his mellow tones on White Christmas and I'll Be Home For Christmas, the carols Silent Night and Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem, and the four gospel tunes included (especially Take My Hand, Precious Lord), did some of them - not all, mind you, but a few - admit that they had perhaps over-reacted. Snow, thankfully, just faded into obscurity.
   
   The sound reproduction is excellent, and although there are no liner notes with the insert, you do get nine pages of vintage colour photographs of Elvis. No collection of Christmas music is complete without this one.



5. What can I say that hasn't been said before about The King? His voice, the arrangement of the songs, his musical directors, song selections are all outstanding. Elvis is right up there with Mozart, Bach, and so on. The CD is the CD issue of Elvis' first LP. Nice to hear clean recordings and what an easy way to play the recording. There is a bonus on the CD that many have missed and that should be noted. The bonus is not available on Elvis' original LP. The Christmas song, White Christmas, includes studio chatter. The studio chatter White Christmas is available only on this CD.

5 comments about Merry Christmas from Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Orchestra.

1. Hands down the best CD in my extensive collection of Christmas music. There are very few "must own" CDs, but this is one of them!



2. Anyone who is a fan either of Doc, big band, brass or Christmas music must own this CD!!! I Have looked for years for a Christmas CD to top this one with no luck. The Tonight show band was one of the most powerfull big bands of all time!! This CD clearly confirms that, it can be a beutiful ballad one moment and turn into a powerhouse the next. Words can not express how awesome the CD is. A must have for any Christmas collection.



3. The Tonight Show Band does a great job with all these numbers. All the numbers are arranged by Tommy Newsome or John Bainbridge. If you buy this CD for only the great arrangement of "Jingle Bells", you won't be sorry. You'll recognize all the selections. They're different slightly but performed tastefully. Snooky Young has some nice moments, too. There are vocals by the LA Children's Chorus and instrumental flavorings by the Pacific Brass and Desert Bells International. A fine addition to any Christmas CD collection.



4. I have listened to this album several times every year since I purchased the cassette in 1992. It is simply that good. Colorful, varied, and powerful are just a few words I would use to describe this classic. Doc Severinsen does not disappoint!



5. One of the best Christmas CDs I've purchased to in a long time. Sit back, relax, and just listen.