Classic Christmas

Amazon.com
The prepubescent country-singing wonder did his homework for his first Christmas CD. Covering a handful of classics from "White Christmas" and "The Christmas Song" to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Jingle Bell Rock," young Mr. Gilman also sets out to make "Warm & Fuzzy" and "There's a New Kid in Town" holiday standards, too. The former is as muslin-soft and sugarcane-sweet as Christmas sentiment can get, while the latter is one of the better-written country Christmas songs of late, and Billy does them up with all the emotion and emoting he can. Producers Don Cook and Blake Chancey manage to keep the big-production sound toned down a bit in order to showcase the kid's pipes, and when he joins classical soul mate Charlotte Church for a go at "Sleigh Ride," you get to hear two prodigies whose voices are as crisp, clear, and clean as a chilly night far north of Nashville. --Martin Keller

Classic Christmas,Billy Gilman,Sony,Christmas,Christmas / Chanukkah,Christmas Music,Contemporary Country,Country-Pop,Holiday,Pop,Xmas Vocal

Average customer rating: A Different Wynonna Very Good Holiday Album A slightly biased review love it A Classic Christmas ~~ Wynonna

A Classic Christmas Wynonna Manufacturer: Curb Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Cool Yule James Taylor at Christmas Wintersong A Brad Paisley Christmas Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration ASIN: B000H0M43E Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

1. The Christmas Song
2. Winter Wonderland
3. I'll Be Home For Christmas
4. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
5. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
6. White Christmas
7. Ave Maria
8. Emmanuel
9. O Holy Night
10. Silent Night
11. It's The Messiah

Amazon.com

Wynonna's first solo holiday album comes across as a thing of beauty, but also as something of a surprise, and not just because she tackles "Ave Maria" in Italianized Latin. Though paired with the original team behind the Judds (producer Brent Maher, musical arranger/guitarist Don Potter), the normally fiery redhead seems subdued on this collection of mostly reverent holiday fare. Throughout, Bergen White's arrangements are fresh and often sophisticated, Maher and Potter hang just the right amount of tinsel on the tree, and Wynonna's soaring soprano remains a wondrous instrument. (Even her kids, Grace and Elijah, impress on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," the album's lightest offering.) But the down-home diva seems to hold back both passion and power, particularly on the show-your-stuff standard "O Holy Night." Where she most comes alive is on Potter's 1983 offering, "It's the Messiah," a modern take on the birth of Jesus. It's a lovely coda to this smooth, if oddly spiceless, eggnog entry. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews:

A Different Wynonna.......2007-07-03

Up until now I have not been a big fan of Wynonna, but when I heard her on one of the TV shows singing "Ave Maria" she won me over. She sang it with the finess of a trained opera singer. This album gives an entire new depth to her singing voice. It actually brought tears to my eyes and gave me chills. Likewise, she gave a commendable performance with her renditions of "White Christmas" and "O Holy Night".
This is not the loud and brassy Country Wynonna, not that there is anything wrong with her country hits, but this is a entirely different
"Wynonna" that reveals a beauty from within that we have never seen before. GO BUY IT !!

Very Good Holiday Album.......2007-05-01

Good Holiday entertainment if you enjoy Wynona. I did think it would be more lively, though.

A slightly biased review.......2007-05-01

Ok, upfront I'm going to admit that I know someone who worked on the album. Hearing how kind Wynonna was during the production leaves me slightly biased in the album's favor. However, the music really does stand on it's own. It's traditional Christmas music with a sort of Perry Como, Nat King Cole, "classic" sound. I like that. If you're looking for something Country, this is not the album. This is Wynonna roasting chestnuts on open fire. The first half is secular. The second half is religious. The Ave Maria is one of my favourites. Bonus points for going for the slightly more difficult prounouciations.

love it.......2007-01-29

I have always loved Wyonna, I love Christmas music, so put them together and I had a very merry christmas.
You could tell Wyonna loves christmas music too.

A Classic Christmas ~~ Wynonna.......2007-01-25

This is a must have for all who like Wynonna and Very nice for your Christmas Collection.I only have three words for this album CD. SIMPLY THE BEST!! When Wynonna Sings Avey Maria. ITis Beautiful Wynonna adds her own touch. I love the CD.

Average customer rating: Great Perspective and Insight!

Bernstein Century: Bernstein on Jazz - What is Jazz? Leonard Bernstein , and Louis Armstrong Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Music | 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: Bernstein: Prelude, Fugue and Riffs Bernstein: Candide; West Side Story; On the Waterfront; Fancy Free Bernstein Century - Symphony No. 1 "Jeremiah" & Symphony No. 2 "The Age of Anxiety" Bernstein Century - Grieg: Peer Gynt Suites, Norwegian Dance, March of Dwarfs/ Sibelius: Valse Triste, Swan of Tuonela, Finlandia Latin American Fiesta ASIN: B000009CYG Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

1. Mr. Bernstein looks at Jazz; Part One: Types of Jazz - Jazz Elements
2. Mr. Bernstein looks at Jazz; Part Two: Popular Song - Improvisation
3. St. Louis Blues (Concerto Grosso)
4. Dialogues for Jazz Combo and Orchestra, I. Allegro
5. Dialogues for Jazz Combo and Orchestra, II. Andante - Ballad
6. Dialogues for Jazz Combo and Orchestra, III. Adagio - Ballad
7. Dialogues for Jazz Combo and Orchestra, IV. Allegro - Blues

Customer Reviews:

Great Perspective and Insight!.......2000-11-07

Bernstein provides a unique and wonderful look at America's original artform, jazz. In contrast to traditional, chronological approaches, Bernstein breaks down the musical components of jazz such as rhythm, melody, and harmony, and discusses the way they are used differently in comparison with Western European musics. Bernstein has a knack for discussing complex material and stating it in a way that all can understand, which is very evident here. Armstrong and Brubeck work wonderfully with the New York Phil. This is a must have for those just getting into jazz, jazz enthusiasts, and music educators.

Average customer rating: a voice teacher and early music fan Inspired & Deeply Moving! Beautiful If you want to hear the Catholic hymns you grew up with Excellent! Our children can not get enough of it.

Faith of Our Fathers: Classic Religious Anthems of Ireland Manufacturer: Valley ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music Ireland | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Celtic | International | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music | General Christmas | Today's Deals | Box Sets | Children's Music | Classical Instrumental | Halloween | Hanukkah | Kwanzaa | Opera & Vocal | Pop Instrumental & Easy Listening | Pop Vocal General | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Catholic Latin Classics Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain, and Defend the Catholic Faith The Irish Tenors / McNamara, McDermott, Kearns, Tynan Jesus of Nazareth ASIN: B000005BWO Release Date: 1997-09-09

Tracks:

1. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
2. Sweet Heart Of Jesus
3. Hail Redeemer, King Divine
4. Salve Regina
5. Faith Of Our Fathers
6. The Bells Of The Angelus
7. To Jesus, Heart All Burning
8. Tantum Ergo
9. Soul Of My Saviour
10. Cead Mile Failte romhat, a losa
11. Queen Of The May
12. O Sacrament Most Holy
13. Lord Of All Hopefulness
14. Ave Verum
15. Hail Glorious Saint Patrick
16. I'll Sing A Hymn To Mary
17. Hail Queen of Heaven
18. Regina Coeli
19. Jesus My Lord, My God, My All
20. We Stand for God

Product Description

1. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name - Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus
2. Sweet Heart Of Jesus - Regina Nathan/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus
3. Hail Redeemer, King Divine - Frank Patterson/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus
4. Salve Regina - Monks Of Glenstal Abbey
5. Faith Of Our Fathers - Frank Patterson/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus
6. Bells Of The Angelus, The - Mark Duff/RTE Cor Na Nog
7. To Jesus, Heart All Burning - Regina Nathan/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus
8. Tantum Ergo - Monks Of Glenstal Abbey
9. Soul Of My Saviour - Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus
10. Cead Mile Failte Romhat A Iosa - RTE Cor Na Nog/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus
11. Queen Of The May - Frank Patterson/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra
12. O Sacrament Most Holy - Regina Nathan/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra
13. Lord Of All Hopefulness - Monks Of Glenstal Abbey
14. Ave Verum - Monks Of Glenstal Abbey
15. Hail, Glorious Saint Patrick - Frank Patterson/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus
16. I'll Sing A Hymn To Mary - Ros Ni Dhubhain/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra
17. Hail, Queen Of Heaven - Regina Nathan/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra
18. Regina Coeli
19. Jesus My Lord, My God, My All - Frank Patterson/Irish Philharmonic Orchestra
20. We Stand For God - Irish Philharmonic Orchestra

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-03-05

Ireland, the Island of Saints and Scholars, has been a beacon of the Christian faith for many centuries. As a predominantly Catholic country, it fully embraced the trappings of the universal Church and made them their own. Devotions to the saints and to the Virgin Mary as well as to the Sacred Heart of Jesus resulted in the composition of many hymns dedicated to these personages. Moreover, because of such worship practises as Novenas, 40 hours devotions and Benediction, some of the greatest church music was written at the height of the Romantic Period.
This disc is an excellent representation of song material for worship that covers many of the above-mentioned ceremonies.
Although many of the hymns on this album are Irish in origin, others were adopted from countries, such as 'Holy God, we praise Thy name' (Germany)-'The Bells of the Angelus' (France). and 'Faith of our Fathers' (England).
Upon first hearing this disc, I found that I was quite familiar with many of the songs though they were not included in my formal religious upbringing, no doubt because they are not strictly Catholic!
The performance of the 2 soloists is absolutely beautiful!!!!Frank Patterson (tenor) sings with a deep resonant and vibrant voice with appropriate reverence. Regina Nathan (soprano) has a clear and seemingly effortless sound with flawless diction.
This is a really outstanding recording of interesting and varied hymns.

Inspired & Deeply Moving!.......1999-04-08

I cannot adequately express the feelings that this recording left me with. I was quite literally in tears - of warm reflection and joy. I have not been so moved since.... I can't remember. I can only surmise that this is an inspired and inspiring recording. I can't wait to hear part 2.

Beautiful.......1999-01-10

This CD is smashing and is very solemn, although I'm not Irish it is well sung.

If you want to hear the Catholic hymns you grew up with.......1999-01-02

If you want a wonderful rendition of the songs you learned at your mother's knee, or at Sister Mary Brigid's knee more likely,this is the tape for you! Perfect for Catholics who want to refresh their own memory of traditional Catholic music, or who want to introduce their own children to hymns they love. This album is perfect also for the Music minister looking for a classical musician's interpretation of best loved traditional hymns to round out a collection of music for Worship Services.

While the hymns are pre-Vatican II, and a few probably pre-Tridentine, the presentation and musical excellence make for easy and nostalgic listening.

Excellent! Our children can not get enough of it........1998-11-16

Finally a CD with traditional Catholic hymns! Our girls (age 6 and 4)enjoy singing along with these excellent voices (so do we).

Average customer rating: Smooth, nostalgic Holiday music by some of the legends of American jazz. Great Christmas CD To my knowledge, the best jazz Christmas disc around

Have Yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas Various Artists Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic Female Vocal Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1940-1949 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Verve Presents: Very Best of Christmas Jazz Jingle Bell Jazz Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas [Remastered] A Dave Brubeck Christmas Oscar Peterson Christmas ASIN: B00000479R Release Date: 1989-07-26

Tracks:

1. A Child Is Born - Oscar Peterson
2. Christmas Medley: Carol Of The Bells/Melodies For The Day/O Sanctissimo - The Swingle Singers
3. Jingle Bells - Jimmy Smith
4. The Secret Of Christmas - Ella Fitzgerald
5. We Free Kings - Roland Kirk
6. Christmas Eve - Billy Eckstine
7. I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm - Billie Holiday
8. Ole Santa - Dinah Washington
9. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bill Evans
10. White Christmas - Ella Fitzgerald
11. O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Sister Rosetta Tharpe
12. The Christmas Song - Mel Torme
13. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Jimmy Smith
14. Silent Night - Dinah Washington
15. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Ella Fitzgerald

Customer Reviews:

Smooth, nostalgic.......2006-11-07

I have been listening to this cd every Christmas since my parents first got it when in 1996 I was 10 years old. I could never tire of the smooth, warm jazz. It is the perfect soundtrack for a snowy evening by the fire and lit tree, cuddled under a warm blanket with a cup of hot cocoa.

Holiday music by some of the legends of American jazz........2004-12-06

There's something for everyone on this wonderfully eclectic recording, which ranges from Oscar Peterson's almost lullaby-like piano on "A Child is Born" to Bill Evans's jazzy piano improvisations (overdubbed) on "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," and Sister Rosetta Tharpe's "O, Little Town of Bethlehem," a full-out, hand-clapping, rocking and stomping Gospel song. Containing both vocals and instrumentals, with arrangements which vary from softly sweet to full-out wailing, this CD is full of delightful surprises to keep the Christmas repertoire fresh.

Three of the songs here feature Ella Fitzgerald. "The Secret of Christmas" and "White Christmas," both of which she sings "pure," are soft, slow ballads filled with sweetness, while "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," with its quick beat, provides a jazzy close-out for the album. Dinah Washington's "Ole Santa" and "Silent Night" take the opposite tack from Ella, as she sings with strength and verve--and absolutely no sweetness! Billie Holiday's "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," not exactly a Christmas song, features solos by the great Benny Carter on clarinet and Sweets Edison on muted trumpet.

Roland Kirk's "We Free Kings," the most highly improvised song on the album, features Kirk on flute and wailing sax, accompanied by an insistent drumbeat. And my favorite--Jimmy Smith's "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" is the greatest version of this song I've ever heard, opening with jazz tuba and drums (and sounding like giants walking), then introducing trumpets and a wonderful Smith organ solo, which soars into the stratosphere. A terrific album for the jazz lover at Christmas time, this CD showcases some of the pioneers of American jazz. Mary Whipple

Great Christmas CD.......2003-12-04

This is one of our favorite Christmas CDs year after year. It's a great collection of some classic performances.

To my knowledge, the best jazz Christmas disc around.......1999-12-11

A great eclectic mix of both vocal and instrumental jazz. Dinah Washington's voice makes for a strangely stirring "Silent Night," and Ella's "Secret of Christmas" might just be the most gorgeous Christmas recording ever.

Average customer rating: Eh... The vocal phenomenon that is Kathleen Battle Bravissima Diva!!!! Battle shows her true colors yet again Praiseworthy, but a limited perspective

Classic Battle: A Portrait Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Ellington | Ellington, Edward Duke | ( E ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Fauré, Gabriel | ( F ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vangelis | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | 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 Requiems | Forms & Genres | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Battle, Kathleen | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Handel, George Frideric | H to L | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mahler, Gustav | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Puccini, Giacomo | M to P | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Anonymous | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Vocal Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | A to B | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Faure, Gabriel | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Dvorak, Antonin | C to G | Featured Composers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | 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 Similar Items: The Best of Kathleen Battle Grace Kathleen Battle at Carnegie Hall Kathleen Battle Sings Mozart A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle ASIN: B0000639A4 Release Date: 2002-04-02

Tracks:

1. Puccini: O Mio babbino caro (new recording)
2. Handel: Let the Bright Seraphim
3. Traditional Chilean: Dormi, Jesu
4. Traditional: Cancion de Cuna
5. Vangelis: Mythodea-Movement IX
6. Mozart: Laudate Dominum
7. Handel: Rejoice Greatly
8. Traditional Fix Me Jesus (new recording)
9. Faure: Pie Jesu
10. Traditional Catalan: El Noi de la Mare
11. Traditional Catalan: El Desembre Congelat
12. Ellington:L Prelude to a Kiss (new recording)
13. Handel: Eternal Source of Light Divine
14. Mozart: Alleluja
15. Traditional: Angels Watching Over Me (new recording)
16. Mahler: Sehr Behaglich (from Symphony No. 4
17. J.S. Bach: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen
18. Dvorak: Going Home ("Largo" from New World Symphony)

Amazon.com

This compilation of previous releases is clearly intended to include something for everybody and to offer an overview of Kathleen Battle's wide, varied repertoire. The result is a motley assortment of music sacred and profane, Baroque, classical and romantic, Spanish and American folksongs, and jazz. It is Battle's radiant, impeccably produced voice, which sheds a glow over every note she sings, and her effortless coloratura and serene expressiveness that provide the unifying, and most rewarding, element.

Four new recordings sound just as glorious as those she made years ago. One is the famous aria from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi performed with piano--a strange misfit among all the arias with orchestra. Wynton Marsalis plays Bach and Handel brilliantly, but sounds too loud and prominent. And despite some baroque ornamentation, he plays in a style so different from hers that the two hardly seem to be performing the same piece. The Orchestra of St. Luke's plays beautifully; an anonymous orchestra under Robert Sadin is competent but too matter-of-fact. A mournful, repetitive duet with Jessye Norman against a background of unearthly noises from Vangelis's Mythodea sounds like an angelic plea for mercy.

In the finale of Mahler's Fourth Symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic under Lorin Maazel, Battle captures just the right blend of childlike wonder and heavenly bliss. Of the jazz numbers, one by Duke Ellington is lovely, but Dvorák would have been quite surprised by the arrangement of the Largo from his "New World" Symphony. However, the tonality is right, and Battle sings the melody so beautifully that she almost redeems it. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Eh..........2006-12-10

Kathleen Battle is admirable, with her many recordings and her many performances across the country. But, I cannot say that I adore her voice. Yes, she may be a soprano, but her voice is not top of my list. Her technique is flawed, and her voice lacks any depth or richness. When I listen to her voice, it sounds so empty. Singers like Sumi Jo (my favorite of all) or Renee Fleming are a much better choice when it comes to rich tone and beautiful technique.

The vocal phenomenon that is Kathleen Battle.......2003-11-18

An excellent compilation of some of Miss Battle's greatest work. Of course, it would have been great if more of her operatic literature was included, but to have the opportunity to hear anything from Miss Battle is heaven.

Bravissima Diva!!!!.......2002-07-03

I must comment on the preceeding review which has nothing to do with the calibur of this CD nor of the artist. And just a touch on that whole Brevard "incident", there were two performances one of which came off without a fault...but I too digress. This CD is a plethera of what endures Kathleen Battle to us all...her diversity. It is true that none of her signature operatic roles appear in this mini compilation but what is given more than accomodates. In 18 selections she covers Spirituals, Oratorio, Jazz, Afro-Cuban/Brazilian influenced melodies, cantata's and a symphony all with miraculous ease. It is also true that this is in many ways a best of...and chances are you'll already have most of these pieces, but Classic Kathleen Battle is Worth Buying simply for the four new selections and accompanying art of the set. The pictorial art included in this CD is worthy of gallery display! A standing testament of her vocal beauty and artist superlatives...this is a CD that you don't want to pass up!

Battle shows her true colors yet again.......2002-06-27

I have followed Ms. Battle's career for a number of years and have always loved the clarity and purity of her voice--no doubt she is a tremendous talent. Several years ago I saw her give a stunning concert at UNC-Chapel Hill and was blown away at the thrill of finally experiencing her voice live. I always thought it unfortunate that so many negative stories about her flourished and subsequently found myself coming to her defense in conversation with others. Last summer I had tickets to see her sing at Brevard Music Center in the mountains of North Carolina. Several nights prior to this performance, my 20-year-old nephew was killed in a car accident. I decided to go ahead with my plans and attend the concert, thinking it would be a sort of balm for my soul after living through this terrible experience of losing someone I loved. Immediately after my nephew's funeral I left my family behind and drove the five hours to the concert venue. Needless to say I had incredibly high hopes for this concert and its potential to help heal my wounds. Long story short, Ms. Battle behaved in the most unprofessional manner I have ever witnessed and refused to perform the program as planned. What little she did offer to the audience was mediocre at best. A packed house of patrons was left stunned and dismayed at what they'd just witnessed. So, Ms. Battle, you proved to me in a very personal way that all the stories are true and you have serious issues. I will not be buying your recordings in the future and I currently have about 20 that are now worthless to me.

Praiseworthy, but a limited perspective.......2002-06-04

CLASSIC KATHLEEN BATTLE: A PORTRAIT is limited in its perspective in the sense that this is a compilation of only SONY Classical recordings from their catalog. There are no Deutsche Grammophon or Angel/EMI performances represented here. A "portrait" of Miss Battle would have rightly included some of these wonderful and musical interpretations of Mozart, Schubert, Villa-Lobos, Gounod, and Bach among others. Of course paying the license fees from the other 2 labels wouldn't be cost-efficient from a record company's standpoint. How wonderful this would've been if they'd all cooperated on a box set of her recordings, which would show Miss Battle's superlative musicality in not only Italian and French, but also her great wit and charm in the English language (her Purcell and Dowland are not to be missed!)

In any case there are several magical performances to be found here:

Puccini's "O Mio Babbino Caro" w/piano; Dormi, Jesu; Cancion de Cuna, Fix Me Jesus, Ellington's "Prelude to a Kiss"; Angels Watching Over Me; and the enchanting song (the German title is too long for me to remember--it's from the Das Knaben Wunderhorn cycle) from Mahler's 4th Symphony.

For any Kathleen Battle fan, this is a nice selection of her works, but only a 2-dimensional portrait at best. Certainly not Miss Battle's fault, as she graces the listener with no less than FOUR new recordings on this album.

Once again her silvery tones and superb musicality are a wonderful gift to us!

Thank you, and Bravo many times over....

Average customer rating: pretty good One of the Three Best Christmas Albums Ever Warm as Toast & Cool as Music can be! Absolutely beautiful. Go and Buy this CD for the Holidays.

Classic Christmas Billy Gilman Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Contemporary Country | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music $7 - $10 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Dare to Dream One Voice Everything and More Music Through Heartsongs: Songs Based on the Poems of Mattie J.T. Stepanek Billy Gilman ASIN: B00004ZDOB Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. White Christmas
2. Warm & Fuzzy
3. Winter Wonderland
4. The Christmas Song
5. There's A New Kid In Town
6. Jingle Bell Rock
7. Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
8. Angels We Have Heard On High
9. Silent Night
10. Away In A Manger
11. Sleigh Ride - Billy Gilman/Charlotte Church
12. O Holy Night

Amazon.com

The prepubescent country-singing wonder did his homework for his first Christmas CD. Covering a handful of classics from "White Christmas" and "The Christmas Song" to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Jingle Bell Rock," young Mr. Gilman also sets out to make "Warm & Fuzzy" and "There's a New Kid in Town" holiday standards, too. The former is as muslin-soft and sugarcane-sweet as Christmas sentiment can get, while the latter is one of the better-written country Christmas songs of late, and Billy does them up with all the emotion and emoting he can. Producers Don Cook and Blake Chancey manage to keep the big-production sound toned down a bit in order to showcase the kid's pipes, and when he joins classical soul mate Charlotte Church for a go at "Sleigh Ride," you get to hear two prodigies whose voices are as crisp, clear, and clean as a chilly night far north of Nashville. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

pretty good.......2007-01-04

I had his CD "One Voice" and loved it. Since it was Christmas, I decided to buy this CD. It's pretty good. His music tends to be the kind that you need to listen to, it's not background music.

One of the Three Best Christmas Albums Ever.......2006-12-13

I realize this title makes a bold statement...and is one that is very subjective in nature; However, for me, it's the honest truth. There are only three I ever listen to: Mariah Carey's Christmas Album, Barbra Streisand's early Christmas Album...and this one. Wait...I take that back. I also have Anne Murray's on stand-by. Still, it doesn't make my Top Three.

This Christams CD is aptly named: Classic Christmas. The musical production on each track is meticulously and wonderfully crafted and, listening to it, you truly wish you were in front of a crackling log fire with your family and friends...or sipping a spicy, hot mug of steamy cider, while snow collects on your window sill. If you love Christmas, you'll love these sounds that are so carefully situated behind Billy's ethereal vocals.

Billy has always amazed me with his records. How an eleven or twelve year old could possess this much vocal skill, I'll never know. It's completely crazy how he could have possessed the vocal expertise that he displayed at that time. He has the phrasing perfection of Streisand and the vocal craft and control of any of the greats you can name. If you put on a pair of headphones, turn up the volume to a moderate level...and then truly listen with a critical ear...you can truly appreciate the instrument that is this kid's voice. He ever only breathes in just the proper places and he's never a prisoner to his own vibrato, which is sometimes rapid and staccato like contemporary Streisand, and sometimes slow and measured like Leanne Rhymes or Aaron Neville. Make no mistake: This boy's voice is pure gold...and he was in complete control of how he used it.

Young male singers just don't get any better than this. And I have some experience behind that opinion, being the parent of a fledgling young singer myself, Joey Pearson...who began by imitating and covering Billy's early hits.

When I look for an artist, I always look first at the vocals. That's just me. Yes, good music is wonderful...but if you have vocal excellence, it can effectively cover a lot of the sins of bad production, should any exist. None of that exists here. On this collection, we have an expert combination of both perfect musical production and vocal perfection. When Billy sings "There's A New Kid in Town"...you can feel the emotion that went into the writing of that lyric. That is the measure of a true vocalist: Delivering the lyric in the spirit in which it was written. He delivers it perfectly and with just the right combination of both melancholy and nuance. And by album's end, when he hits that last soaring, unbelievably high note on "Oh Holy Night"...you fully understand why Billy Gilman made it as big as he did...and why that one voice will be the reason why this Christmas album will stand the test of time. (Er...did I say..."One Voice"?)

Two other stand-out numbers: Away In A Manger...delivered perfectly with just the right measure of gentleness...and Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree. If this version of that classic number doesn't put you in the Christmas spirit...well then, I suggest checking your name tag. It's likely that it reads "Scrooge" or maybe even "Grinch".

Others may disagree with me, but I fully believe that the duet between Billy and Charlotte Church was misconceived. Both were prodigies at that time, true...but I don't think they were matched well for a duet. You can actually hear the different treatments the producers applied to each voice. Charlotte was drowning in reverb while Billy soared on his vocal part, easily navigating the song, completely in the epitome of his element. Charlotte's is a grand voice...but she was ill-suited for this number, in my opinion. You can hear it most at the end when they each had a solo line...Billy sings, "It's lovely weather..." and Charlotte completes with, "....for a sleigh ride together". The extra reverb they gave her is so apparent and completely takes you out of the song. At least that's my experience. I even doubt that they were together in the same studio.

Billy is now 18 years old, so I know this review is late...but it's still relevant since the album is a classic. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves wonderful Christmas music...or is a fan of Billy Gilman. You won't be disappointed.

Warm as Toast & Cool as Music can be!.......2006-09-22

Simply stated, this CD is completely heart-warming ... and impressive!
Now, I--the reviewer--have sung in some of the finest choral ensembles, and this CD excels in 2 distinct ways :

a) Billy Gilman is allowed to be under few constraints, and is thus permitted to SOAR in his own rich, smoooooth style. He handles these famous Christmas tunes as readily as Sinatra or Nat Cole. Some people need a "free rein" in order to excell, and in this case, Billy is in the stratosphere!

b) The arrangements could not be better. Sinatra would have wanted these orchestrations due to their rich tapestries of notes and the schmaltzy way they cater to the singer. Add to this, Billy Gilman is in love with singing, and it comes over the microphones and console board. Billy Gilman was at his show-stopping BEST in this Fall 2000 recording.

As a final comment, I am still FLOORED by how WELL Billy sings and his style, breath control, and articulation are at the same level as a seasoned professional such as some of the aforementioned names.
Who would have ever thought that a kid could sing like this! WOW!!

Absolutely beautiful........2006-08-05

Yes, I know I am writing this review 6 years later then when it was released, but oh well.

This album is definitely the one that showcases his talent best. Everything about this album is flawless. The arrangements are beautiful. If you don't have this album yet, you should go out and buy it! Believe me, you wont be dissapointed.

The a cappella intro of "Angel's We Have Heard On High" is all you need to hear to experience how angelic Billy's voice is. He holds the notes while singing "Glo-o-o-o-o-o-ria" unbelievably strong, but soft at the same time.
"Away In A Manger," "There's A New Kid In Town," and "White Christmas" are absolutely amazing.
This is definitely my favorite Christmas album of all time.
Good job Billy.

Go and Buy this CD for the Holidays........2005-12-14

Even though "Warm and Fuzzy" is the only original song on this Christmas Cd, Billy's wonderful voice singing christmas songs that we all know with so much passion and emotion is truly to be commended. "Angels we have heard on High" is a song in which, I feel, he really showed the power and control of his voice, even at such a young age. The note he hits at the end of "The Chrismas Song" "...Merry Christmas...Tooooo...Yooouuu..." is really indescribable as to how good it is, you just have to listen for yourself. Even though mentioning the songs above.. I must say that I have no favorite track on this album, all the songs to me are done soo well that they aren't comparable to each other.

Every Track on this CD is one in which everyone in the family can enjoy, it doesn't take a tone in which it would be strictly for kids, teens, or adults.. it really just is a truly great Christmas album that shouldn't be missed out by anyone... And I must admit, I listen to most of these songs even when it's not winter

Billy Gilman is still one of my favorite singers, a new Christmas album with his changed voice is surely expected from me. And I do believe that if he were to make a new Christmas album in the future, it can be (and most likely will be) just as pleasant as this one is, or even better.

Average customer rating: Perfect Christmas Music Best Christmas CD!! Excellent Symphonic Christmas Album

Sleigh Ride! Classic Christmas Favorites Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Herbert | Herbert, Victor | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Leopold Mozart | Mozart, Leopold | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | 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 General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | 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 Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop 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 Similar Items: A Christmas Festival A Festival of Carols in Brass Joy to the World - Eugene Ormandy, Philadelphia Orchestra The Glorious Sound of Christmas The Joy of Christmas ASIN: B000003FCB Release Date: 1992-08-17

Tracks:

1. A Christmas Festival
2. Joy To The World
3. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
4. Adeste Fideles
5. The Holly And The Ivy
6. Sleigh Ride
7. Sleigh Ride
8. Sleigh Ride
9. The Toy Trumpet
10. Conventry Carol
11. I Wonder As I Wander
12. Carol Of The Bells
13. Dance Of The Sugar - Plum Fairy
14. March Of The Toys
15. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
16. German Dance In D
17. Ave Maria
18. Silent Night
19. What Child Is I This?
20. German Dance In G
21. Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming
22. We Three Kings
23. Or Let The Merry Bells Ring 'Round
24. Hallelujah Chorus

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Christmas Music.......2005-12-27

I've owned this for years and never tire of it. Guests ALWAYS ask what I'm playing. I've purchased several copies as gifts. If you're sick of the stuff they play in malls and pine for some big, inspiring, classical arrangements, this is the CD for you.

Best Christmas CD!!.......2004-11-16

I love the traditional carols on this CD. The Carol of the Bells is my favorite!! I also love Silent Night which is one of my all time favorite Christmas carols. This album is great to put on a at a Christmas party and hit repeat. It has a nice mix of songs that you don't get tired of hearing! This is a must have and I would highly recommend this CD for anyone that enjoys Christmas songs and the holiday season. You will catch yourself humming the songs through out your day! It will definitely get rid of any "BAH HUM BUG" moods!

Excellent Symphonic Christmas Album.......2001-12-22

I was looking for arrangements of many traditional Christmas carols done by orchestras. This album hits the spot. It is not uniquely orchestra carols, the Canadian Brass is mixed in as welll. The highlight of the album for me is the back to back track of "Sleigh Ride" pieces. It begins with W.A. Mozart's "Sleigh Ride," followed by Leopold Mozart's piece of the same name, and then finnished with the ever popular arangement of "Sleigh Ride" by Anderson. It is a really good mix of carols, and can be listened to for hours.

Average customer rating: The Harlem Nutcracker Setting the record straight on Billy Berger's arrangement . buy the original please Great! A nutcracker that swings ...but still has the enchantment

The Harlem Nutcracker David Berger & The Sultans of Swing , Duke Ellington , and Billy Strayhorn Manufacturer: Such Sweet Thunder ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Hindustan Three Suites Doin' the Do Marlowe In the Nutcracker Mood ASIN: B00003L8M6 Release Date: 1999-11-26

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Attack of the Ghouls
3. Midnight Stroll
4. Snowflake Joys
5. Saturday Night Dance Party
6. Xmas Be De Place/Sing Out
7. You Take My Breath Away
8. Punch Bowl Espaol
9. Marquis Shuffle
10. Danse of the Floreadores
11. Peanut Butter Brigade
12. Sugar Rum Cherry
13. Volga Vouty
14. Swingin' at Club Sweets

Album Description

The Harlem Nutcracker
composed by Duke Ellington Billy Strayhorn David Berger
recorded by David Berger & The Sultans of Swing

"The Harlem Nutcracker" cast recording jumps with the fabulous swing music of "The Harlem Nutcracker" dance production that tours nationally each holiday season. The new, original tracks by David Berger complement beautifully the included selections from "Nutcracker Suite" by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn to epitomize the timelessness of swing.

Customer Reviews:

The Harlem Nutcracker.......2006-11-02

An excellent variation of Ellington's arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. Sound quality was excellent also.

Setting the record straight on Billy Berger's arrangement ........2006-05-02

As I understand it, Billy Berger was commissioned by the choreographer Donald Byrd, who wanted to create an evening-length ballet called Harlem Nutcracker. (As you may know, Tchaikovsky composed two scores -- a full-length Nutcracker, which is used in the evening-length ballet, and a shorter Nutcracker Suite. Ellington's jazz arrangement is of the shorter "Suite.") Donald Byrd used all of the original Ellington music, and commissioned Berger to fill in around it to create an evening-length work. (For the record, I have never met Billy Berger, though I do know Donald Byrd.) Thank you.

buy the original please.......2005-12-15

david berger's entire career is almost completely based on transcribing other musician's genuis - most notably Duke Ellington. to any of those who think that these are new "jazzy" arrangements of the nutcracker you should be interested in picking up the original, scored and arranged by Ellington and Strayhorn on a CD entitled "Three Suites". dont get me wrong - his band is good and he has some very accomplished musicians - but c'mon now - you really need to go with the Duke on this one.

Great!.......2005-07-17

The arrangements and performances are outstanding!
I'll put this up against any swing music, now or from the 40's, it really swings, and it's excellently written and the musicianship is great.

Oh, and it includes some jazz-arranged Nutcracker Suite tunes.

If you like good swing jazz, you'll like this!

A nutcracker that swings ...but still has the enchantment.......2002-08-06

I am afan of the play and i have the cd playing all the time. Than during the christmas holiday i saw the metro...perform the harlem nutcracker and let me tell you my entire family enjoyed it....it swings but it still has the enchantment of the play....this is a must have...

Average customer rating: I love this disc!!! Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Great except for Judy Garland's awful Have Yourself a Merry love this cd!! A good collection of Christmas classics

Croon & Swoon: The Classic Christmas Various Artists Manufacturer: Relativity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Most Fabulous Christmas Album Ever Lifetime Intimate Portraits: Christmas Belles Wonderland: Cool December The Most Fabulous Classical Christmas Album Ever! Rhino: Swingin Christmas ASIN: B00000ADAW Release Date: 1998-10-20

Tracks:

1. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bing Crosby/The Andrews Sisters
2. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! - Lena Horne
3. Winter Wonderland - Johnny Mathis
4. Sleigh Ride - Leroy Anderson
5. It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - Andy Williams
6. (There's No Place Like) Home For The Holidays - Perry Como
7. We Need A Little Christmas (From 'Mame') - Angela Lansbury/Frankie Michaels/Jana Connell/Sab Shimono
8. It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas - Bing Crosby
9. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry
10. Here Comes Santa Claus - Doris Day
11. My Favorite Things - Tony Bennett
12. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland
13. Silver Bells - Ray Conniff
14. The Twelve Days Of Christmas - Mabel Mercer
15. Frosty The Snowman - Gene Autry
16. The Christmas Waltz - Peggy Lee
17. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Perry Como
18. White Christmas - Rosemary Clooney

Customer Reviews:

I love this disc!!!.......2007-01-13

This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas CD's that I own. If you love the Christmas classics sung by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, etc.....then this is the CD for you!!! I kept this one on repeat on my CD player and never tired of listening to it. It's a GREAT buy!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.......2005-11-25

It's amazes me to read people in this (and other reviews) lament Judy Garland's "version" of 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Her version is the definitive and original version from the classic film "Meet Me in St. Louis." The POINT of the song is sad and is about being separated from loved ones during the Christmas season. It is yes, about trying to "muddle through somehow." If that offends your sunny sensibilities, then you might not like this version. But sometimes Christmas is merry, sometimes not. Just like life. Other artists wanting to put a more positive spin on the song- changed the lyrics. I love her "version." I think it is poignant and moving. Great album overall.

Great except for Judy Garland's awful Have Yourself a Merry .......2004-12-20

I really enjoy this album, except for Judy Garland's insufferable vibrato on the song Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (did people back then really think that this sounded good?). Her "singing" is more of a warble. My next major objections are the different lyrics she sings from any version I have ever heard of this song, and I have heard many (instead of "from now on our troubles will be out of sight," she sings "next year all our troubles will be out of sight." Then, at the end, instead of "hang a shining star upon the highest bough," she sings "until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow." I am usually very much of an anti-revisionist, but if these are the original lyrics, now I now why everyone else has changed them. They are awful. (Sorry, I'm not interested in waiting until next year for my troubles to be out of sight, I want to start right now, and I'm certainly not interested in "muddling through somehow.") "A" for the concept of this album and the many great tracks. "D minus" for including this version of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, when there are so many other great ones they could have chosen from.

love this cd!!.......2003-12-03

this is such a great cd! personal favorites: peggy lee's "christmas waltz," andy williams' "it's the most wonderful time of the year," leroy anderson's "sleigh ride," and angela lansbury et. al.'s "we need a little christmas," but they're all good. you won't regret buying this at all.

A good collection of Christmas classics.......2001-12-13

When I began looking for Christmas CDs, I wanted a collection of the "classics." This CD, as well as Croon & Swoon 2, fits the bill pretty well. This particular collection contains, among other things, such standards as Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride," Andy Williams "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," Perry Como's "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays," Gene Autry's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and Judy Garland's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The music is soothing and nostalgic--perfect background music for a Christmas gathering or as you run around the house organizing things. The linear notes contain some fun nuggets of information about some of the best-loved holiday songs. I think this CD is definitely worth checking out. The songs and singers are familiar, but there are a few less familiar pairings, so it'll keep your Christmas music selection interesting.

Average customer rating: Absolutely charming and unique Something a little different. An excellent cd!

Vintage Christmas Cracker Various Artists Manufacturer: Asv Living Era ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Nostalgia | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Merry 1940's Christmas A Big Band Christmas 1940's Christmas Rhino: Swingin Christmas The Christmas Anthology: 1930-1950 ASIN: B0000CEON2 Release Date: 2003-11-11

Tracks:

1. White Christmas - Bing Crosby
2. Savoy Christmas Medley - Ray Noble
3. Christmas Carols: Intro - Once In A Royal David's City/Good King Wenceslas/It Came Upon The Midnight Clear - London Church Carol Choir
4. The Santa Claus Express - Henry Hall
5. Say It With Carols: Intro - The Mistletoe Bough/Good King Wenceslas/Little Brown Jug/God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen/Come, Landlord, Fill The Flowing Bowl - Bill Mayerl
6. Christmas Bells At Eventide - Gracie Fields
7. The Fairy On The Christmas Tree - The Three Sisters
8. Winter Wonderland - LEW STONE & HIS BAND
9. Santa Claus Is Coming Town - Harry Reser & His Orchestra
10. I'll Walk Alone (Thru Every Christmas) - Dinah Shore
11. 'Twas The Night Before Christmas - The Glee Club
12. Swingin' Them Jingle Bells - Fats Waller & His Rhythm
13. Coventry Carol - Elisabeth Schumann
14. Noel - Georges Thill
15. Sleep, My Saviour, Sleep - The Celebrity Quartette
16. Christmas Message To The Empire - H.M. King George V
17. The Christmas Dinner - Max Miller
18. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland
19. Christmas Night In Harlem - Johnny Mercer
20. Mary Had A Baby, Yes, Lord - Paul Robeson
21. Silent Night, Holy Night - Bing Crosby
22. 'A Charles Dickens Christmas...' (Sketch) - Bransby Williams & Company
23. Auld Lang Syne - Peter Dawson

Tracks:

1. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Bing Crosby
2. The Christmas Song - Johnny Miller
3. Uncle Mac's Christmas Carols: Unto Us A Boy Is Born/Here We Come A-Wassailing/Patapan/Rocking/Good Christian Men, Rejoice - Leslie Woodgate
4. The Kids Go Carolling - Harry Hemsley
5. The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot - Arthur Tracy
6. O Little Town Of Bethlehem - Herbert Dawson
7. Adeste, Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful) - Victor Orchestra
8. At The Christmas Ball - Bessie Smith
9. Jingle Bells - The Modernaires
10. The Cradle Song Of The Virgin - Dick Haymes
11. I'm Sending A Letter To Santa Claus - Gracie Fields
12. On A Christmas Tree - Debroy Somers & His Band
13. I'm Spending Christmas With The Old Folks - Vera Lynn
14. All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth - Spike Jones & His City Slickers
15. Here Comes Santa Claus - Gene Autry
16. White Christmas - Frank Sinatra
17. Winter Wonderland - Perry Como
18. Christmas Island - The Andrews Siters
19. The Merry Christmas Polka - Dinah Shore
20. I'll Be Home For Christmas - Bring Crosby
21. O Sanctissima (O Holy One) - Richard Tauber
22. Lullay, My Liking - The Celebrity Quartette
23. Still Nacht, Heilige Nacht (Silent Night) - The Comedy Harmonists
24. The Miner's Dream Of Home - Ray Noble

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely charming and unique.......2006-10-06

This 2 cd set contains the first recording of, "Santa Claus is coming to town" with Tom Stacks doing the vocal, the Comedy Harmonists (the same group from the the movie of the same name) doing "Silent Night" in German, A Christmas message from King George V, and so many other collector's items that you may not have even known existed. There are a few clunkers but, overall, this is well worth getting. The price is unbeatable for two and a half hours of great Christmas music. Buy it!

Something a little different........2005-12-21

This British double CD set has a mixture of Christmas songs from America & England. Most date from the 30's & 40's, with a few that are earlier than that. You'll hear some of the usual, popular songs from that era including Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, and Nat King Cole. What's really fun about this collection is everything else! Lot's of oddities/rarities that you'll most likely not find anywhere else. So if you like vintage Christmas songs and are looking for something different to listen too, then definately check out this CD. My only complaint is the sound quality is somewhat uneven throughout.

An excellent cd!.......2004-09-15

This cd spans the years of 1915-1949. It has excellent songs recorded by the original artists. I love this! I have always liked the vintage christmas songs. It takes me back to when I was a child and my parents used to play these records at christmas. This is a great cd for a trip down memory lane! I recommend this cd!

Music Album:

1. Collison Course/The Wheel
2. Country Superstar Christmas 3
3. Covers
4. Crown of Jewels
5. Cruel Moon
6. Cut Yourself a Switch
7. Eddy's Song
8. Electric Barnyard
9. Electric Shaver
10. Every Little Girl's Dream

Music Album