Artist: Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass

Now what could be more festive than Christmas songs, horns, and a Latin-infused rhythm section? Not much, which is why Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass's Christmas Album is perfect for that kitschy cocktail party or for trimming the tree. As background music, this collection is perfect. Paying too close attention to it, however, is not advised. For instance, the vocals on "Christmas Song" would have sounded so much better had they been replaced by the timbre of Herb's trumpet. But that mistake aside, the staccato stylings of the Brass's arrangement adds a south-of-the-border flair to "Winter Wonderland" and turns "Jingle Bells" into a hyper-salsa. "Las Mañanitas" and "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desirings" glow with a warm sentimental touch. As always, the interplay of the horns via melody lines and harmonies is first rate. --Steve Gdula
Re-issue of 1968 classic, 2009-09-08
I like hearing brass band music occasionally as it provides a refreshing change to what I normally listen to. I've heard several other brass band Christmas albums and none of them are like this one by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass.

On page 5 of the 20-page booklet that accompanies this re-issue, somebody comments that a good Christmas album had better contain Little drummer boy or Silent night. Well, this album contains neither (and there are plenty of other great Christmas albums that also contain neither), but it does contain distinctive recordings of Winter wonderland, Jingle bells, My favorite things, Sleigh ride and Jingle bell rock, all performed superbly in a mainly instrumental style, sometimes accompanied by humming noises.

There are two genuine vocal tracks on which Herb sings. One is The Christmas song (but the liner notes claim that Herb prefers listening to Nat King Cole's version. The other song, which suits Herb much better, is The bell that couldn't jingle. Bobby Helms apparently recorded it first, but I haven't heard his version (yet) and I don't remember hearing the song elsewhere. Nevertheless, I think Herb is better as an instrumentalist than as a vocalist. In that role, he is outstanding. It's also worth noting that he was the co-founder of A and M records and that he was responsible for signing the hitherto-obscure Carpenters to that label.

If you're looking for a Christmas album that sounds different most yet contains plenty of familiar tunes, this might suit you.

Artist: Ella Fitzgerald

A Review of Ella Fitzgerald's Christmas CD., 2010-01-04
Having always been a huge fan of Ella, it is comparatively easy for me to write positively about this CD. It comprises the usual Ella mix of rythm & melody in her own inimitable style & yet it is so different from the accepted Christmas renditions. I highly recommend it.

Artist: London Symphony Orchestra, Covent Garden Royal Opera House Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra

A Wonderful Introduction to the Art of Kiri Te Kanawa, 2010-03-05
This is a terrific collection of arias and songs by a singer with one of the most beautiful voices of our time. There are Italian, French and German arias and I really must single out the aria by Korngold which is simply wonderful - I could not stop playing it.

The songs cover a very wide range, from Gershwin, Kern and Berlin to English, Scottish and Irish folk songs, and Maori songs from Kiri's native New Zealand. 150 minutes of some of the best singing you'll hear and all in first class sound quality. Very highly recommended.

Artist: Frank Sinatra

Xmas memories, 2010-01-29

This made my year when I found this.Christmas wasn't the same without this album.I had taped it from my parents many years ago but cassettes don't last.So what a pleasure to have this back to carry on a long term festive tradition.

Artist: Diana Krall

As the song goes, "Merry Christmas" has already "been said many times, many ways". Diana Krall's Christmas Songs is a worthy--though not particularly unique--addition to the holiday catalogue. Krall excels with an approach mastered long ago: elegant delivery that gives extra polish to a very familiar lineup. Some might find her style frosty at times, but that will come as a relief to those who want their carolers to cut through some of the holiday treacle and create a festive, yet grown-up vibe. And Krall does show off her playful side with little, personal touches. In "Winter Wonderland" she promises to "frolic and play the Canadian way", which should draw smiles from her native land. Elsewhere, she ends "Jingle Bells" with the girlishly giddy statement, "I'm just crazy about horses". Well…can't argue with that. --Leah Weathersby
Fantastic soundtrack to Christmas, 2009-12-30
I love this album. Diana Krall's fantastic voice wrapped around Christmas classics, instantly evoking a relaxed Christmas. Perfect listened to whilst wrapping presents in front of a roaring fire with a glass of red wine. Equally as enjoyable listened to in the car whilst battling for supermarket parking spaces on Christmas Eve when you and half of the world realise you've forgotten something essential. If you love Diane Krall, then this album is a must. Equally, if you're just looking for something Christmas-sy to get you in the festive mood, then this is the album for you.

Artist: Tony Bennett

Talk about smooth! Tony Bennett is the very definition of the word. Snowfall practically renders every other version of the songs included here null and void. Even "White Christmas" sounds better in Tony's hands than it did in Bing's. It could be because Bennett's warmth extends not only from the quality of those pipes but his delivery. How many other grown men do you know who could get away with "My Favorite Things"? But it goes without saying that the collection's finest moments come when the crooner takes the romantic lead, with "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." The real killer here, however, is "The Christmas Song," which practically becomes an aphrodisiac when Bennett sings it. And it's not all about amore, as there's a truly beautiful version of "Silent Night." Snowfall is one holiday tradition you won't mind keeping. --Steve Gdula
Perfect and I Love It., 2009-05-29
I love this album at Christmas. 'Snowfall' is particularly beautiful. It should be on every winter chill album, but luckily its not. Tony Bennett at Christmas. What more could you want at that time of year? Perfect.

Artist: Vince Guaraldi Trio

Recognizing that the holiday season really begins at Halloween (and, in some quarters, doesn't end until the Super Bowl), Vince Guaraldi and his record company have wisely assembled the hummable themes from various Charlie Brown TV specials. What we have here is the album's ability to communicate the playful irony and loopy, lovable characters that people Charles Schultz's "Peanuts" comic strip every week. Though only one actual Christmas tune is included--"Christmas Time Is Here," in both the vocal and instrumental versions--kids from ages 1 to 92 will still appreciate the "Great Pumpkin Waltz," the "Thanksgiving Theme," oddities such as "Heartburn Waltz" and "Joe Cool," and, of course, the "Charlie Brown Theme." --Martin Keller
Perfectly Lovely Christmas Album, 2010-01-06
This album has been a delight to listen to over Christmas. Vince Guaraldi is an excellent jazz musician and you will enjoy this album with its sentiment and cheer!

Artist: Nat 'King' Cole

Christmas in a case, 2010-02-12
Nat Kink Cole is Christmas. This cd is fabulous and Christmas wouldn't be the same without it.

Artist: Various Artists

Genius!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!, 2009-11-04
Officially my favourite album of all time! VERY clever arranging, I'm very impressed! It's so strange to hear Handel's Messiah in this way, but it works so well! Each song has a real groove to it and the vocals are incredible!

Some people in the other reviews refer to weak points particularly in the accompaniment but it was made in the 90's so they've used synths that we've moved on from now. If you listen to the overall brilliant musical creation that it is, it won't at all spoil it for you.

Stevie Wonder and Take 6's rendition of 'O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion' is AWEsome for the a cappella vocal harmonies! Pure harmonic bliss.

If you love harmonies, also listen to 'But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?' when the choir come in.

As for 'Every Valley Shall Be Exalted', all I can say is, wait for it.... (you'll see what i mean)

The Overture is a genius medley of different styles of music.

This album is so full of genius musical moments, a groove you can't not dance to, and vocal quality and harmonies that will make you melt with musical joy! I'm sure it's got Handel turning in his grave (in a good way!).

AMAZING!! buy it buy it buy it!!

Artist: Barry Manilow

A must have, 2009-11-21
a must have for christmas, even if you are not a Barry fan you will love it, get you in the mood for christmas