The Hymnal

Product Description:
The Hymnal is Randall Goodgame's deeply satisfying foray into a folk/Americana presentation of hymns both well-known and newly penned by Randall himself. Against a musical backdrop of mandolins, hammered dulcimers, acoustic guitars, fiddle, bass, and drums, Randall's warm vocals flawlessly mix old treasures and new. Highly recommended.

The Hymnal,Randall Goodgame,N.A.

Average customer rating: a voice teacher and early music fan Hymns for every one Super Praise!

Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Choruses | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2 Be Still My Soul: The Ultimate Hymns Collection Abide With Me Hymns Through the Centuries ASIN: B00002EIUG Release Date: 1999-10-12

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-02-09

'The HYMN-a word derived from the Greek 'hymnos'-has been defined as 'a term of unknown origin applied from ancient times to a wide variety of songs in honor of gods, heroes or notable men.'
The founder of English hymnody is Isaac Watts (1674-1748), whose work in reforming congregational song texts culminated in the publication of his 'Hymns and Spiritual Songs' in 1707. Watts' collection was as complete and comprehensive a set of hymns as had ever been proposed for English worship and it raised the profile of the hymn sufficiently to overcome the prevailing psalmody. The great flowering period of English hymnody began with the work of the Methodist hymn-writers John Wesley (1703-1791) and his brother Charles (1707-1788). The Wesleys gave great prominence to hymns within their Methodist worship and published many books.
The modern hymn book is a collection of hymns drawn from various times and places. This most accomplished recording by St. Paul's Cathedral Choir presents 16 well-loved hymns from 'The New English Hymnal'. A great number of the hymns, which originate from many different eras and traditions, are given an extra musical dimension by John Scott's original descants and thrilling brass arrangements.
Over the years, I have found myself purchasing mostly the recordings of English choirs. They seem to have incredible vocal skills, perfectly executed phrases, flawless diction and some unidentifiable ingredient that makes them very appealing to hear. Of course, I personally enjoy the all male choirs sound; boy sopranos and male altos make the difference. This is a very appealing group of hymns!!!!!

Hymns for every one.......2002-12-01

As I have said already..I am from espiscopal church..these my songs are well know by me...these songs give encouragement when it seems that all hope is lost..these are tunes that are well received....they are also very simple for the every day person to gain strength from day to day..they will become your daily prayer.....

Super Praise!.......2000-06-10

Praise The Lord offers the listener traditional hymns in the English/British tradition. the clarity of the voices make it possible for the listener to follow the words distinctly. The organ soars as accompaniment. the CD provides organ and choral quality for the novice and the experienced musician.

Average customer rating: The picture

100 Hymns & Songs of Inspiration Manufacturer: Castle Music UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Arne | Arne, Thomas Augustin | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Duruflé, Maurice | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Monk, William Henry | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sullivan | Sullivan, Arthur | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bruckner | Bruckner, Anton | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Compilations | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music | Contemporary Christian | Gospel Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Praise & Worship | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Heritage of Hymns: Classic Recordings of the Great Songs of Faith and Inspiration Abide with Me and other favourite hymns Best Loved Hymns Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral Hymns Triumphant 1 & 2 ASIN: B00008GEKT Release Date: 2003-04-14

Tracks:

1. Love Divine All Loves Excelling - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
2. Father Hear the Prayer We Offer - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
3. Now Thank We All Our God - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
4. This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
5. Stars of the Morning So Gloriously Bright - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
6. God Save the Queen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
7. Day of Resurrection - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
8. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
9. Of the Father's Heart Begotten - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
10. O Come All Ye Faithful - Choir Of Gloucester Cathedral
11. Awake My Soul and With the Sun - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
12. Thine Arm O Lord in Days of Old - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
13. All People That on Earth Do Dwell - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
14. Good Christian Men Rejoice and Sing - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
15. There Is a Green Hill - Choir Of Norwich Cathedral
16. Lord of Beauty - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
17. Rejoice Today With One Accord - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
18. New Every Morning - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
19. Lead Us Heavenly Father Lead Us - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral
20. O God Our Help in Ages Past - Choir Of Sheffield Cathedral

Tracks:

1. Morning Has Broken - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
2. Happy Are They - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
3. In Christ There Is No East or West - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
4. Silent Night - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
5. Be Thou My Guardian - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
6. Ye Servants of the Lord - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
7. At the Name of Jesus Every Knee Shall Bow - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
8. To Thee O Lord Our Hearts We Raise - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
9. Behold the Great Creator Makes - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
10. Rejoice the Lord Is King - Choir Of Marlborough College Chapel
11. Creator of the Stars of Night - Ely Cathedral Choir
12. He Comes With Clouds Descending - Ely Cathedral Choir
13. O Little Town of Bethlehem - Ely Cathedral Choir
14. Alleluya Alleyluya Alleyluya - Ely Cathedral Choir
15. This Is the Day the Lord Hath Made - Ely Cathedral Choir
16. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds - Ely Cathedral Choir
17. Lord Thy Word Abideth - Ely Cathedral Choir
18. Jesus Lord We Look to Thee - Ely Cathedral Choir
19. O Lord Our God Arise - Ely Cathedral Choir
20. Lord of All Hopefulness - Ely Cathedral Choir

Tracks:

1. Soldiers of Christ Arise - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
2. Lift Up Your Hearts - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
3. Holy Father, Cheer Our Way - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
4. Maker of the Sun - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
5. O King Most High - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
6. O Praise Our Great and Glorious Lord - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
7. Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
8. We Love the Place O God - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
9. Let Us With a Gladsome Mind - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
10. Give Rest O Christ - Choir Of Wakefield Cathedral
11. Come Holy Ghost Our Hearts Inspire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
12. O Thou in All Thy Might So Far - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
13. O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
14. O God Thy Soldiers' Crown and Guard - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
15. Strife Is O'er the Battle Done - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
16. O Christ Our Hope, Our Hearts' Desire - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
17. Jesus Shall Reign - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
18. God of Love My Shepherd Is - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
19. O Jesu Saviour of Mankind - Choir Of Truro Cathedral
20. Immortal Invisible God Only Wise - Choir Of Truro Cathedral

Tracks:

1. Ride on Ride on in Majesty - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
2. All Glory Laud and Honour - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
3. Come Rejoicing - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
4. God Is Love and Where True Love Is - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
5. Magnificat: The Great Advent Antiphons - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
6. Come, Christ's Beloved - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
7. Children of the Hebrews (Palm Procession) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
8. Veneration of the Cross/The Reproaches (Veneratum and Reproaches) - Choir Of All Saints - Margaret Street, London
9. Once in Royal David's City - Choir Of Keble College
10. God Be in My Head - Choir Of Keble College
11. O Thou Who Camest from Above - Choir Of Keble College
12. Judge Eternal Throned in Splendour - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
13. Christ the Lord Is Risen Again - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
14. For All the Saints - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
15. Thy Hand O God Has Guided - Choir Of St Edmunsbury Cathedral
16. Christ the Dawn of Our Salvation - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
17. I Was Glad - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
18. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
19. Locus Iste - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
20. Praise My Soul the King of Heaven - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Tracks:

1. Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus! - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
2. While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
3. O Worship the King - The Choir of the Abbey School, Tewkesbury
4. O Heavenly Word of God on High - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
5. Praise to the Lord, The Almighty - Choir Of The Collegiate Church Of St Mary
6. Jesus Christ Is Risen Today - The Choir of York Minister
7. First Nowell - The Choir of York Minister
8. Abide with Me - The Choir of York Minister
9. Breathe on Me Breath of God - Choir Of Keble College
10. Rock of Ages - Choir Of Keble College
11. On This Day, The First of Days - Choir Of Keble College
12. Jesu Sweet and Mary - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
13. O Quam Gloriosum - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
14. Ye Holy Angels Bright - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
15. O for a Closer Walk With God - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
16. Prayer of St Patrick - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
17. Lord's Prayer - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
18. Blessed Be the God and Father - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
19. Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel
20. Jerusalem (And Did Those Feet in Ancient Times) - Choir Of Eastbourne College Chapel

Album Description

Full Title - 100 Hymns & Songs Of Inspiration. UK box-set featuring 100 tracks performed by Britain's finest Cathedral Choirs including, Gloucester Cathedral, Norwich Cathedral, Sheffield Cathedral, & many more. Five standard jewel cases housed in a slipbox. Castle Pulse. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

The picture.......2006-12-11

I haven't purchased the CD but the picture of the inside of a church on the cover is not of a British church, like one would assume since it says its a recording of British choirs. This picture is of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Just thought i'd let you know. I'll be honest; I'm one to judge things by it's cover and if the company took such care to choose a 'British' church for their British choir CD, I'm willing to bet the music is equally well selected... I'm being sarcastic. But I gave the product 5 stars because I didn't want to hurt its ratings just because i'm cynical. But check out the church if you're ever in Montreal, it's truly beautiful... here I'm not being sarcastic.

Average customer rating: Choral perfectionists. Sublimely beautiful!

Christmas Present From Polyphony Polyphony , and Stephen Layton Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Britten | Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cornelius, Peter | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Grainger | Grainger, Percy Aldridge | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Howells, Herbert | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Lauridsen | Lauridsen, Morten | ( L ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Part | Part, Arvo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Walton | Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Warlock | Warlock, Peter | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music A Cappella | Folk | Styles | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Britten, Sir Benjamin | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Cornelius, Peter | ( C ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Grainger, Percy Aldridge | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Howells, Herbert | ( H ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Lauridsen, Morten | ( L ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Part, Arvo | ( P ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rutter, John | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Walton, Sir William | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Warlock, Peter | ( W ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Grainger, Percy Aldridge | ( G ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Morten Lauridsen: Lux aeterna John Rutter: Music for Christmas Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and other choral works Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna, etc. / Salamunovich, Los Angeles Master Chorale Eric Whitacre: The Complete A Cappella Works, 1991-2001 ASIN: B00030NU4A Release Date: 2004-10-12

Customer Reviews:

Choral perfectionists........2007-02-19

This is an essential Christmas choral CD. The program itself is fabulous and unique, lacking the tacky "favorites" found on most recordings of this type. Entirely a cappella except for two Rutter arrangements with orchestra. Not a single track is lacking in depth and sincerity.

Polyphony is one phenomenal choir. For its small size, it has truly unmatched sustaining power and control (demonstrated most astonishingly in Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium and the end of Howells' A Spotless Rose). The only disappointment on the entire disc is Grieg's gorgeous "Ave Maris Stella" in which, for whatever reason, the men sing with a rather unblended and even wobbly sound while the women are almost entirely straight-tone. "Sing Lullaby" by Howells is a priceless gem worth several times the cost of this CD....a powerfully haunting piece performed here to utter perfection and taste. You will also find what is most assuredly the most perfect and definitive recording of "O Magnum Mysterium" to be found anywhere. The balance and length of line this incredibly gifted ensemble achieves in this too-often-performed piece will leave you breathless.

Sublimely beautiful!.......2005-02-01

Heavenly music, beautifully captured in a location with fantastic acoustics. This is music that needs to be heard on headphones or outstanding surround sound to be really appreciated. Here I am in February still listening to this CD of Xmas music... it's very calming to the soul. I can't recommend this highly enough.

Average customer rating: GOSPEL made FUNK FUNKY and here's the proof... Revelation, indeed.

Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal Various Artists Manufacturer: Numero ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Compilations | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Eccentric Soul, Vol. 9: The Big Mack Label Eccentric Soul, Vol. 3: The Bandit Label Eccentric Soul, Vol. 1: The Capsoul Label Eccentric Soul, Vol. 7: The Deep City Label Eccentric Soul, Vol. 11: Mighty Mike Lenaburg ASIN: B000H0M4ZM Release Date: 2006-08-29

Tracks:

1. Jesus Rhapsody, Part 1
2. Bad Situation
3. God Been Good to Me
4. I Call Him
5. I Thank the Lord
6. O Yes My Lord
7. Jesus Will Help Me - Gospel Comforters
8. God Will Dry My Weeping Eyes
9. Is There Any Love
10. Heaven on Their Minds
11. We Don't Love Enough
12. That's Enough
13. God Is All Over Me
14. Poor Wayfaring Stranger
15. Childhood Days
16. This Old World Is Going Down - Modulations
17. Look Where He Brought Us
18. Thoughs Were the Days

Amazon.com

Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal is a sweet selection of African-American gospel with mostly obscure acts from the late 1960s and early 1970s. This is that era of gospel that gave us Andrea Crouch and the Disciples and the crossover hits from the Staple Singers. Decidedly well after gospel's "Golden Age," this was a time when black gospel--which of course was the primary influence on soul music--was in turn itself influenced by soul and funk. These selections are exceptionally funky, and if you've never heard Trevor Dandy, Voices of Conquest or Preacher and the Saints before, you'll be more than glad when you have. This compilation might well steer neophytes toward the myriad pleasures of gospel, which remains America's most neglected and misunderstood music and the roots for far more than it gets credit. Anyway, these jams just might have you praising the lord and shaking your behind at the same time. That's the point, in case you missed it. --Mike McGonigal

Album Description

A collection of this nature can only exist in hindsight. "Gospel Funk" is a genre in the same way that deep soul or acid folk are, created by collectors and enthusiasts as a way to define a subsection of another genre. There aren't any labels, artists, or producers that focused strictly on funky gospel music; rather, there were a couple hundred groups that had a funkier number in their repertoire. The Numero Group has spent the last year scouring LPs and 45s for tracks that fit this bill, and have collected 18 standouts from this newly minted genre. The album is a mix of primitive choirs, spacious breaks, congas, elderly rappers impersonating the devil, cast recordings, thumping bass, and JB impressionists, all with a heavy slathering of gospel gravy.

Customer Reviews:

GOSPEL made FUNK FUNKY and here's the proof..........2007-04-10

JB himself said it... Funk's a mix of soul, Jazz and gospel, and here's the proof...
Though I've heard funky gospel, I'll tell you a secret...
Some church folk don't like their music being called FUNK...
I got in trouble for that once. Gospel is SANCTIFIED... not funky.
uh huh...
As for this album... funkier (*sorry, I mean more sanctified) gospel music exists, but if you're not into gospel, and want to get your hands on some great and rare stuff to get you started... here it is !
- - The strangest track is one called THOUGHS WERE THE DAYS... by LaVice and Company...
He sounds like he's smoking weed and the groove is real funky and groovin'...
and dig it when he says, "I remember when Hell was one swinging place!"
naturally, the purpose of the tune is to warn you about the "waitin' line" and I assume staying out of it...
Other faves of mine include Jesus Rhaspody and The Modulations' THIS WORLD IS GOING DOWN... which reminds me a bit of a certain Funkadelic tune. Bass/rhythm guitar and drums are really hitting... and yeah, there's plenty of Hammond all over the place.

Styles range from Memphis Soul, rare funk... to some disco/soul - - Though the styles of funky gospel should be no surprize to anyone who's already heard a lot of gospel, especially the "contemporary" gospel of the 70's, this album will be a great intro to rare funk and soul fans who haven't had a chance to actually hear it... and gospel fans can enjoy some rare spins...

Aside from that, yeah a few tracks aren't particularly funky, and just reflect the influence gospel had had on soul and soul on gospel, however, when this compilation does get twangy and bumping... it bumps !If you like this check out the CLARKE SISTERS who not only could be quite funky at times... also DISCO GOSPEL... (great for roller boogying to church!)

Revelation, indeed........2006-09-23

The best historically-minded music compilations do not simply collect the best of an artist, label, or genre; they amass a backstory and glean a latent humanity in the process. The Numero Group is the best reissue label on the planet for this reason, eclipsing even notable and respectable heavies like Stones Throw's Now/Again and Soul Jazz. Numero consistently gets under the veneer of music, alone, and opens up lives and personalities within the pages of their typically detailed liner essays.
Numero has shown surprising diversity amongst their tasteful reissues - Fern Jones's album, for one, would have not been touched by any other label in this country - making it impossible to simply tag them as "that funk comp label." Skinny-Tie Power Pop meets latter-day 70s Femme Folk meets Deep Soul meets raw Belizian rhythm sections? Even on your shuffled-up iPod, this is a rare blend.
Numero's visual presentation is what sets them apart from exploitos like Tuff City or Collectables; the quality put into their packaging (slipcases!) includes in-depth essays, truly rare & undoctored photos, and enough purposeful white space for a Phaidon Press art tome. I can't tell you how good it looks for an album cover to lack ugly 3D graphics and tasteless "period" fonts.
Numero (along with the afforementioned Now/Again and Soul Jazz) also takes pride in being an ethical label - each of their releases has taken the extra step of keeping the compiled artists and legal right-holders in mind. This is a breath of fresh air for conscientious collectors, who know all too well the often-underhanded practices of the re-issue label market.

Now about this particular CD/LP: "Good God!" is, for my money, the most essential Numero issue to date (and that's saying a lot). When you're dealing with gospel music and its forms - of which this genre is one - respect and context are demanded of those that issue it for the masses. Numero hits a home run here. The artists on this compilation weren't selling out to the devil or the market; they were simply making music for God and their flock, irrespective of religious dilemmas or the trappings of radio classifications. Numero understands this and doesn't try to stir up any unnecessary "God or the Devil?" musicial cliches in its presentation.
Artistically, there is no chaff or ballast here. Some tracks are slightly more gripping than others, but none is skippable. Each, more importantly, is an act of worship: Preacher and the Saints offer hollering, symphonic praise; the Voices of Conquest raise a primal, beat-laden chorus; Trevor Dandy opens his heart with questions about the state of the world around him; the Shackleford Singers belt out gut-bucket family testifying. I could list, song-by-song, the intricities of each of the 18 entries on this CD/LP. I could try to explain how these gospel groups, who employ secular songs and music forms to suit their personal witness, are just as powerful in their own way as the worldly music itself. But frankly, these songs are meant to be discovered and savored by each individual listener.
This compilation is nothing short of five-star essential, regardless of your own personal faith. This isn't just gospel; this isn't just funk(y); this is rapturous, trancendant art that demands attention. Hallelujah.

Average customer rating: Bloody brilliant Corona Alona This is "Happiness". A great introduction to a great songwriter

Storm Hymnal: Gems from the Vault of Grant Lee Buffalo Grant Lee Buffalo Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mighty Joe Moon Jubilee Virginia Creeper Nineteeneighties Strangelet ASIN: B0001EFTJC Release Date: 2004-03-02

Tracks:

1. Fuzzy
2. The Shining Hour
3. Jupiter And Teardrop
4. Stars N' Stripes
5. Lone Star Song
6. Mockingbirds
7. Honey Don't Think
8. Happiness
9. Bethlehem Steel
10. Arousing Thunder
11. Homespun
12. Two & Two
13. Truly, Truly
14. Testimony
15. My, My, My
16. The Shallow End

Tracks:

1. We're Coming Down
2. The Shining Hour (Alternate Acoustic Version)
3. Wish You Well (Alternate Acoustic Version)
4. Soft Wolf Tread (Alternate Acoustic Version)
5. I Will Take Him
6. Let Go Of My Hand
7. Orpheus
8. Goodnight John Dee
9. Halloween
10. Gold Chain Drag
11. Crashing At Corona
12. Mr. Know-It-All
13. Were You There
14. Where Do We Go From Here

Customer Reviews:

Bloody brilliant.......2006-12-12

I can play this (both discs) over and over and not grow tired of listening...GLP has one of the most unique and gorgeous voices in all of music. this album is just haunting, esp. Stars 'n' Stripes and Crashing at Corona. this is not beach music, driving music, etc....it's serious turn off all the lights and draw the shades music

Corona Alona.......2004-06-13

Wonderful collection, worth twice its retail value for "Crashing At Corona" alone (on disc 2). Beautiful melody, mysterious lyrics. Even after three dozen listens, it continues to shiver the spine. Enjoy.

This is "Happiness"........2004-04-27

I'd imagine the majority of fans would have been happy with just a single disc hits album, but everything here is wonderful, and more is better right. Of course the first disc here is all the best, minus a song or three. It includes "Fuzzy", "Homespun", "Truly Truly", and probably their most popular song "Mockingbirds". I'm also glad it has "Honey Don't Think". The second disc is all b-sides and extras, and for the most part, nearly as good as the first disc. None of it really stands out to me yet, but it's all far from filler. As with any "Best Of" album, this is a great collection for the newcomer, and also should appeal to fans of the alt-country scene, etc.

A great introduction to a great songwriter.......2004-03-17

Grant Lee Buffalo and frontman Grant Lee Phillips can definitely be regarded as one of the finest songwriters of Great American tunes. This "gem" of an album is a must have for any avid GLB enthusiast or anyone that appreciates a great collection of music.

This album not only provides a well rounded collection of the great GLB rips like "Fuzzy", "Lone Star Song", and "Truly, Truly" but the group has also graciously given us a second disc of outstanding tunes that won't be found on their other albums, including a handful of acoustic versions.

This cd set has it all and it delivers the best of the best. If you have never heard of these guys...definitely give them a listen...you won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating: Superb Christmas Album Love Mario Lanza Mario Lanza - fantastic Christmas Hymns & Carols: You Do Something to Me Pure hymnal power.

Christmas with Mario Lanza Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gounod | Gounod, Charles | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Reger, Max | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stradella | Stradella, Alessandro | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reger, Max | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Lanza, Mario | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Adam, Adolphe-Charles | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Brodszky, Nicholas | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gounod, Charles | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Gruber, Franz Xaver | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Handel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mendelssohn, Felix | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Musicals | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lanza: Greatest Hits The MARIO LANZA Collection Mario Lanza Sings Songs From The Student Prince & The Desert Song / Romberg Mario Lanza: At His Best! You'll Never Walk Alone ASIN: B000003EP6 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Deck The Halls
2. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
3. God Rest You Merry Gentlemen
4. Joy To The World
5. O Christmas Tree
6. I Saw Three Ships
7. It Came Upon The Midnight Clear
8. Ave Maria
9. O Holy Night
10. The Virgin's Slumber Song
11. Pieta Signore
12. The First Nowell
13. O Come All Ye Faithful
14. Away In A Manger
15. We Three Kings
16. O Little Town Of Bethlehem
17. Silent Night
18. Guardian Angels
19. I'll Walk With God
20. The Lord's Prayer

Customer Reviews:

Superb Christmas Album.......2007-02-19

Mario Lanza infuses his characteristic beautiful vocal intensity into this collection of carols and Christmas songs.
The result is an outstanding album which will bring a lump to your throat and tears to your eye.
The recordings are old, but the Lanza magic makes this album a must-buy

Love Mario Lanza.......2007-01-28

I love Mario Lanza. He is in my top favs. I have wanted this album for ages and it is just as great as I knew it would be. I'll be back to buy more of Mario Lanza.

Mario Lanza - fantastic.......2007-01-15

Fantastic voice, wonderful classic Christmas songs. My all-time favourite version of O Holy Night - spine tingling.

Christmas Hymns & Carols: You Do Something to Me.......2007-01-12

Wonderful songs, great selections of songs sung by the greatest singer, Mario Lanza.

Pure hymnal power........2006-12-20

I have just spent the past six hours listening to snippets of every Christmas CD that I can find on Amazon, and this is the best by far. It's the purest rendition of the best Christmas hymns that are sung in church on Christmas Eve. No inane flourishes, no ignorant alterations, no arrogant amendments, just pure hymnal power. Don't agree? Type "christmas" in the Amazon music search box, listen to all the renditions of all the classic hymns such as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and when you are done you cannot but agree that Mario Lanza is not surpassed.

Update: I am now listening to the full CD and it is better even than I had hoped for. The beauty of Lanza's voice brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.

Average customer rating: Incredible Brand-new Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir!

Sing, Choirs of Angels! Mormon Tabernacle Choir , and Orchestra at Temple Square Manufacturer: Mormon Tabernacle ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Rutter | Rutter, John | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Baroque | Classical | General | Modern & 20th Century | Romantic | Sinfonia | Sinfonia Concertante General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Mormon Tabernacle Choir | ( M ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: A Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Silent Night: The Greatest Hits of Christmas It's Christmas Love Is Spoken Here America's Choir ASIN: B0002ABTGC Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. I Saw Three Ships
2. Away in a Manger
3. Shepherd's Pipe Carol
4. Still, Still, Still
5. Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
6. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
7. O, Green and Shimmering Tree, Good Day!
8. What Sweeter Music
9. Angels' Carol
10. Fum, Fum, Fum!
11. Candlelight Carol
12. Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine
13. Silent Night
14. Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

Incredible.......2006-09-22

I have about 40 Christmas CDs, and this one is in my top 2 or 3 favorites. The orchestra compliments the choir so beautifully and the offerings here are varied and interesting. 5 stars!

Brand-new Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir!.......2004-09-20

This brand-new recording of Christmas music from the Tabernacle Choir is marvellous. Recorded on their own "Mormon Tabernacle Choir" label, this is the choir's first recording of seasonal music, and it surpasses any previous holiday release that the choir has made.

Using the music of both John Rutter and the arrangements of Mack Wilberg, "Sing Choirs of Angels" enjoys a wonderful flow from track to track: from the propulsive "Fum, Fum, Fum" to the sublimely meditative "What Sweeter Music"; from the majestic "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" to a brand new music and lyric setting of the gentle "Still, Still, Still" there is something here for everyone. Listening to this recording brings a warm holiday spirit into my heart and home.

Recorded in the Tabernacle at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and using the versatile Orchestra at Temple Square, the choir and orchestra sound luminous and warm; these new recordings truly are miles above anything the Choir has done before - the polish and feeling that they bring to these new recordings are stunning.

The booklet that accompanies the CD is beautiful as well, with full color photographs of traditional Christmas symbols, full lyrics, track by track commentary, and a glossary of what each Christmas symbol means. This is a quality gift to give to friends and neighbors to help usher in the Christmas season. Unreservedly recommended.

Average customer rating: The best CD that I own Superb Vaughan Williams Collected Hymns & Hynm Tunes Vaughan Williams was not an atheist! Superb Performance of Superb Music My favorite hymnal CD

A Vaughan Williams Hymnal The Choir of Trinity College Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Classical | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Treasures of English Church Music The Music of St. Paul's Cathedral Praise to the Lord - Hymns From St. Paul's Cathedral Abide With Me Sing Ye Heavens - Hymns for All Time ASIN: B0000024E0 Release Date: 1997-08-12

Tracks:

1. Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones
2. Virgin - Born, We Bow Before Thee
3. Disposer Supreme
4. Father, Hear The Prayer We Offer
5. From The Eastern Mountains
6. Organ Prelude On Rhosymedre
7. It Is A Thing Most Wonderful
8. Deck Thyself, My Soul, With Gladness
9. Hail Thee, Festival Day
10. Bread Of The World
11. He Who Would Valiant Be
12. Organ Prelude On Bryn Calfaria
13. Faith Of Our Fathers
14. Firmly I Believe And Truly
15. Christ The Lord Is Risen Again
16. Come Down, O Love Divine
17. I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say
18. Organ Prelude On Hyfrydol
19. O God Of Earth And Altar
20. God That Madest Earth And Heaven
21. Saviour, Again To Thy Dear Name We Raise
22. For All The Saints
23. Wherefore, O Father
24. All People That On Earth Do Dwell

Amazon.com

English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams not only was the esteemed author of symphonies, choral masterpieces, chamber works, and songs, but he also was the major force behind the compilation of the 1906 English Hymnal, a task that put the composer in touch with "some of the best--and some of the worst" music in the world. His esthetic and artistic values, and his well-grounded sense of what makes a good, singable tune, led him to select the best and reject the worst--and through the process he contributed several of his own tunes and harmonizations to the collection. This outstanding recording includes five of Vaughan Williams's own tunes, 16 more that he selected and arranged for the hymnal, and his beloved Three Preludes Founded on Welsh Hymn Tunes. This is a wonderful, "must-have" collection, beautifully, articulately, and reverently sung, with first-rate organ solos and accompaniments and excellent liner notes. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

The best CD that I own.......2007-03-29

Vaughan Williams may not have believed much that he wrote but he was intelligent enough to lean on the body of truth that hymn writers have communicated down through the ages. His words ring true, not because he himself believed them, but because he allowed them to rest on the vital testimony of others and because he allowed to be framed by the exquisite tradition of lofty and Spirit-filled harmony that we call the Hymns of the Christian faith.
Since we have heard in an earlier review from a Christian who became an Atheist, it seems only fair that we should hear from an Atheist who became a Chistian. I was a confirmed Atheist until the age of 20 when I "dropped out" and went to work on a farm in Germany with mentally handicapped adults. I remember once passing a plum tree in summer and thinking that it really was a coincidence that food for my body just grows. About that time I also realized that I needed to identify for myself all of the contradictions in the Bible so that I could intelligently communicate my Atheistic beliefs. To my great surprise, I could not find the mythical "many contradictions" and instead found that Jesus Christ was even more opposed to religious pomposity and self-centered grandeur than I was and that He had dedicated his life to correcting those perversions of religion. As I continued to read a chapter a day from the New Testament, I began to realize that if Jesus Christ were alive today, I would want to stand beside Him and share his joys and struggles. I also realized that my Atheist beliefs and lifestyle had made a hopeless mess of my life and that God, if He existed could surely do a better job of being at the helm. To cut to the chase, after evaluating the claims of Jesus Christ, I did become a Christian and He did prune out a lot of deadwood from my life, but He also provided me with everything that I now look back on some 37 years later with joy and satisfaction and pleasure.
Life is not always easy and just this morning, I was saddened by some events but found that Vaughan Williams Hymnal and the Trinity College choir bathed my soul, not in emotional fluff or the misty sound of nature, but with the timeless truths expressed in both words and music and passed on to us all via the great instrument of Christian Hymns.

Superb Vaughan Williams Collected Hymns & Hynm Tunes.......2007-01-24

Ralph Vaughan Williams was the most prolific single composer of hymns in the Anglican Tradition. This was in addition to his many famous symphonic works. He was simply amazing. Here is a compilation of his most famous hymns and hymn tunes, both sung in the matchless style made famous in the English choral tradition (boys and men). Also, included are organ improvisations on tunes such as O Quanta Qualia (O what their joy and their glory must be, that great hymn for All Saints/All Souls Days), and many others. It is arguably the best single CD of Williams hymns. A must for your library of hymns and hymn tunes. Absolutely superb!

Vaughan Williams was not an atheist!.......2006-09-01

As to the CD - RVW was the indisputed master (in my mind, anyway, and that's all that matters to me!) of the English hymn. The tunes like Down Ampney (Come Down O Love Divine) and Sine Nomine (For All The Saints) are nearly without equal, and the touch he brought to preexisting ones like Last uns erfreuen (Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones) and Kingsfold (I Heard The Voice OF Jesus Say) turns what could be completely dull in any real church setting into something with at least the potential for beauty and art. The performances here are great, and the addition of his Organ Preludes is a welcome bonus.

As to his spirituality, and his "right" to write spiritual music, well, just because Stravinsky said something doesn't make it so. RVW was, in his own words (or those of a biographer; I'm not 100%), a "hopeful agnostic". He wanted to believe. He tried to believe. And you can feel that longing in his music. His body of works is not something created by someone who was content with sudden death and cessation of existence.

The final minutes of so many of his great works - Pilgrim's Progress, Hodie, Sancta Civitas, tell you where his heart was. He was no mercenary court composer writing for the church because it paid well. The idea of the existence of God was one of the most important creative forces in his life. But because he couldn't reconcile the desires for it to be true with his experience and evidence in the world around us in no way lessens the meaning of what he created.

So many tunes that are now considered the old classic hymn tunes began as bar songs, folk songs, and other "atheist" sources. Do they now not speak to you the same? Why does knowledge of the source change anything? How? I just don't get it...

I'm an atheist. I was raised a Christian, and while as RVW my experience can no longer allow for belief in God and remain honest to myself, I do feel a great sense of loss, regret, and longing. I do wish that when I die, it could be with a sense of peace and transformation, that I really would be welcomed into eternal peace and beauty. 80 years (if that) is not enough to experience life.

Religion wasn't created and formed the way it exists now for no reason. It does give people something (even if we can't all see it). Probably 50% of the music I listed to at this point is spiritual in some way or another. Despite the fact that I firmly don't believe in any of it, the vision presented is undeniably powerful and I can't get away from it.

One of the most telling moments in the body of work by Vaughan Williams is a movement from Hodie, a Christmas cantata (buy it now - it's one of his best!). He set the poem "The Oxen" by Thomas Hardy. The poem is the embodiment of everything contained in the idea of hopeful agnosticism, supported in heartbreaking fashion by the music. The poem follows. Perhaps most significantly, he left off the final stanza, leaving us sad, dissolusioned, in the dark, and acutely conscious of what we've lost.


The Oxen
Thomas Hardy

Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock.
"Now they are all on their knees,"
An elder said as we sat in a flock
By the embers in hearthside ease.

We pictured the meek mild creatures where
They dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there
To doubt they were kneeling then.

So fair a fancy few would weave
In these years! Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
"Come; see the oxen kneel,

"In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
Our childhood used to know,"
I should go with him in the gloom,
Hoping it might be so'

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
`God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!

Superb Performance of Superb Music.......2004-12-29

All of this music is by just one composer and it is just hymns, yet it shows both remarkable diversity and consistency. Every minute is worth listening to. Much of the credit for this is indeed due to Vaughan Williams, but some is also due to Richard Marlow, the director of Trinity College, Cambridge who compiled Vaughan Williams' best hymns, thought about how each verse would be performed and guided the choir into a careful, enthusiastic and effective performance.

Truly, very enjoyable recording---if you're going to by one CD by an English choir, excluding Christmas music, this one should be it. Track #20 "ar hyd y nos" is the definate highlight. Tracks #8, #16, and #24 are other tracks to look forward to.

My favorite hymnal CD.......2004-10-25

I have many, many CD's of this Church hymn-choral style but this is my favorite that keeps me coming back for more, very meditative & worshipfull.

Average customer rating: WOW!!! The Best of The Best You can find better Great Christmas Album Good Stuff!

The Christmas Album The Canadian Brass , Franz Xaver Gruber , George Frideric Handel , Jr. Hopkins John Henry , William James Kirkpatrick , Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych , Felix Mendelssohn , James Pierpont , Michael Praetorius , Ward Swingle , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Christmas Traditional , John Francis Wade , Anonymous , and Lydia Adams Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Michael Praetorius | Praetorius, Michael | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Canadian Brass | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: A Christmas Experiment A Festival of Carols in Brass A Canadian Brass Christmas Best of the Canadian Brass The Essential Canadian Brass ASIN: B00000412W Release Date: 1990-08-10

Tracks:

1. A Visit From St. Nicholas
2. Carol Of The Bells
3. Away In A Manger
4. Jingle Bells
5. The First Nowell
6. Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
7. We Three Kings
8. Angels From The Realms Of Glory
9. Coventry Carol
10. D'ou veins-tu, bergere
11. The Twelve Days Of Christmas
12. Oh Come, Immanuel
13. I Wonder As I Wander
14. What Child Is This?
15. La cloche de Noel
16. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
17. Noel Nouvelet
18. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
19. Silent Night
20. Good King Wenceslas
21. Hallelujah Chorus
22. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
23. O Come, All Ye Faithful

Customer Reviews:

WOW!!!.......2007-03-26

What has not been said about the Canadian Brass? The album is a wonderful blend of brass and voices. I especaily appreciate the non-traditional selections. It is a heart warmer.

The Best of The Best.......2004-12-15

Just be sure to buy this version (18 tracks) rather than what appears to be a very pared-down later issue (same cover, only about half a dozen tracks).

This is by far the best holiday album I have ever heard. I am a double-reed player and I must take issue with the complaints about intonation and musicianship by the one negative reviewer on this page. The song selection, mix of secular and religious, mix of serious and light, mix of familiar/less heard - Good as driving music, gift wrapping, or sing-along. This is the Holiday CD I listen to year round. If you are looking for ONE CD to buy for the season- for your collection or as a gift- This is it!

You can find better.......2004-11-24

Lousy musicianship here, frankly-- missed notes and poor intonation. I was hugely disappointed when I heard this album. Greatly recommend A Festival of Carols in Brass (Philadelphia Brass Ensemble) instead, which is pure joy for the listener.

Great Christmas Album.......2003-11-05

I've had this particular Canadian Brass album for so long that I have it on cassette! But it's become a classic family Christmas album for us. It's a great addition to any Christmas, especially as background music. It's very calming and just plain good. I can't imagine my Christmas without it.

Good Stuff!.......2000-12-12

This is yet another top-notch Canadian Brass Christmas album. These guys, once again, demonstrate why they are the best in the world at what they do. With the addition of the fine choral singing by the Iseler Singers, this is the complete Christmas CD, one you'll never get tired of year after year. Buy it!

Average customer rating: Pure beauty WHAT A GIFT! Incredible voice - Incredible CD The Best Charlotte is NO match...

Pure Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music All Works by Orff | Orff, Carl | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Noels | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Hayley Westenra My Gift to You Odyssey Celtic Treasure Hayley Westenra - Live From New Zealand ASIN: B0000TCP9A Release Date: 2003-11-10

Tracks:

1. Across the Universe of Time
2. Never Say Goodbye
3. Beat of Your Heart
4. Pokarekare Ana
5. Who Painted the Moon Black?
6. River of Dreams
7. Benedictus
8. Hine E Hine
9. Dark Waltz
10. Amazing Grace
11. My Heart and I
12. In Trutina
13. Heaven
14. Wuthering Heights
15. Pokarekare Ana [*] - Russell Watson, Hayley Westenra

Tracks:

1. Silent Night [*]
2. Away in a Manger [*]
3. Mary Did You Know? [*]
4. Mummers' Dance [*]

Album Description

A major artist in her native New Zealand, with a performance portfolio that includes the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra & Russell Watson. Hayley's voice so inspired New Zealand opera diva Dame Malvina Major she offered to tutor her. The first edition of this album was one of the fastest selling records in the classical genre of all time, surpassing even Charlotte Church! This limited edition includes one bonus track on disc one, 'Pokareare Ana' (duet with Russell Watson), & a bonus four track Christmas CD featuring, 'Away In A Manger', 'The Mummers' Dance', 'Mary Did You Know?', & 'Silent Night'. 19 tracks in all. Decca. 2003.

Album Details

Limited Edition Version of the Debut Album from New Zealand Singer Hayley Westenra Comes with a Bonus Disc featuring Four Christmas Songs, Including a Version of the Loreena Mckennitt Song "The Mummer's Dance". Also Includes "my Heart and I" which Does Not Appear on the USA Version.

Customer Reviews:

Pure beauty.......2005-09-06

Ever since Charlotte Church turned into a tabloids' darling and a wannabe pop star, there's been a gap opened for a young, sweet-faced soprano. The best bet on filling it seems to be Hayley Westenra, a young singer/dancer from New Zealand.

The result: "Pure," an album that is reminiscent of early Sarah Brightman, back when she did folk songs and showtunes. Westenra sticks close to her classical sound with songs like the delicate "In Trutina" and the traditional New Zealand song "Pokarekare Ana," which is rendered with the backing of a a rather muddled male chorus and some swelling strings.

However, Westenra doesn't neglect more modern songs, and she does well in classical pop as well as straightforward classical. The big difference seems to be a bit of synth and a delicate guitar melody, in songs like the charming "Beat of Your Heart" and dreamy "Why Painted the Moon Black?" It's a smooth, thoroughly sweet crossover effect.

Westenra also eschews the usual round of classical-pop songs, like "Nella Fantasia." I love that song, but it's been done so many times. Instead, she opts for Maori lullabies, Vivaldi ballads, the neglected "Mummer's Dance" and the orchestral cathedral grandeur of "Benedictus." She even covers Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights," adding a modern feel to the finale.

That is not to say that every choice is an excellent one. "Wuthering Heights" has Westenra trying to sound more Bush-ian, while "Amazing Grace" is too simple vocally. Aside from those, her choices of song are excellent -- rich, uplifting and beautiful, and backed by a wide range of orchestral musicians, especially the strings.

There is also an accompanying EP, in which Westenra covers four Christmas ballads, and does them all justice. Her vocals are well suited to the dignified lyrics of songs like "The Mummer's Dance" and "Silent Night," although a bit less for the still-lovely "Mary Did You Know" and "Away in a Manger."

Her vocals themselves are not operatic, but they are strong, clear and sweet, without pretensions or dramatic flourishes. The effect is stunning, more given to magic and sweetness than to keeping to classical standards. Since this was recorded when Westenra was only sixteen, one wonders how good she'll be in ten years.

Despite comparisons to Charlotte Church, Hayley Westenra is more like Sarah Brightman -- a sweet-voiced singer, straddling the fence between classical and pop. An enchanting experience.

WHAT A GIFT!.......2004-12-20

I RECEIVED THESE 2 CDS AS A GIFT AND I LISTEN TO THEM FREQUENTLY. HER PERFORMANCE WITH RUSSELL WATSON (ON DVD)ON HIS TOUR IS WONDERFUL. I CAN'T WAIT FOR A NEW ALBUM. WOULD LIKE TO GET HER NEW SONG, BRIDAL BALLAD, FROM THE SOUNDTRACK OF THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Incredible voice - Incredible CD.......2004-04-29

I recently saw Hayley on TV and had to immediately buy this CD. Her voice is so clear and pure, and her songs are filled with lyrical emotion.

It is an absolutely incredible CD that any music lover should have in their collection. My favorite song is Wuthering Heights.

The Best.......2004-04-27

Her album is the best, voice of an angel.......you can totally relakes to her music.

Charlotte is NO match..........2003-12-15

Hayley is just phenomenal. There is no doubt that she surpasses every other female artist in her genre. This CD is astonishing. My two favorite songs are "Heaven" and "Wuthering Heights". The first Hayley Westenra song I ever heard was "Heaven". It would not be the last. Her voice is like that of an angel. She has a smooth, serene sound, and she has an incredible range. If you want a more classical sound, you want her. It's not that gaudy stuff that people generally think of. This stuff has a beat... and it's not pumping with bass. If you're a fan of Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, Charlotte Church, or Mario Frangoulis... try Hayley Westenra, you won't regret it. I just can't wait 'til she comes to the states... that'll be a good day. She has a few Italian songs, but she's not heavy on the foreign stuff like some of the other artists of Opera / Classical. She's got a wonderful voice for a little girl... I'm a huge fan, Hayley! You roped me in, in about 2 minutes time!

Music Album:

1. The Journey Home a story of hope and heritage
2. Think Twice
3. Thomas Hardy Readings by Alan Bates
4. To Let
5. Total Recall [Import]
6. Tri
7. VibraChant
8. Volume V
9. Which Way Did He Turn?
10. A Christmas Collection, Vol. 2

Music Album