What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Groovin' -- CD

BWB

2002 Warner Bros. Records

Amazon.com

This concept sounds like the set-up for a joke: What do you get when you cross three smooth-jazzers with topnotch straight-ahead players? Turns out Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum, and Rick Braun have the last laugh and a *** good time. While they may be three of the most distinct stylists in smooth jazz, they had to turn up the pots to cook with bassist Christian McBride and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Keyboardist Ricky Peterson, maybe the funkiest organist in contemporary jazz outside of Larry Goldings, plays a producing role and is probably the MVP of BWB. The players aren't the only stars. The impeccable choice of 10 well-known cover tunes adds to an unapologetically fun record that allows B, W, and B to stretch out much more than they do on other recordings. Braun quotes Freddie Hubbard on "Povo," while Whalum explores Cannonball Adderley on "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," and Brown pays back Wes Montgomery throughout the proceedings. From the sexually charged "Let's Do It Again," featuring a purring Dee Dee Bridgewater and a scatting Brown, to the inspired arrangements of Alicia Keys's "A Woman's Worth" and D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar," there are no holes in any of these grooves. --Mark Ruffin

Track Listing
1. Groovin'
2. Brown Sugar
3. Ruby Baby
4. Woman's Worth, A
5. Hip Hug Her
6. Mercy Mercy Mercy
7. Let's Do It Again - (featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater)
8. It's Your Thing
9. Povo
10. Up for the Down Stroke

BWB stands for the first initials in the last names of Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, and Norman Brown.

BWB: Kirk Whalum (soprano & tenor saxophones); Rick Braun (trumpet); Norman Brown (guitar).
Additional personnel includes: Dee Dee Bridgewater (vocals); Michael Campbell (guitar); Ricky Peterson (Fender Rhodes, Hammond B-3 organ, keyboards); Christian McBride (bass); Gregory Hutchinson (drums); Bashiri Johnson (percussion).

 

[Dennie]

Joy: A Holiday Collection -- CD

Jewel

1999 Atlantic Records

I've heard the voice of an Angel.....and it is Jewel!, November 22, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Joy - A Holiday Collection (Audio CD)

I wasn't overly familiar with Jewel before buying this disc, but picked it up based on reviews here. I own well over 100 Christmas CDs -- so I'm not easy to impress. However, Jewel's voice is a gift, and she uses it extremely well in this bound-to-become-a-classic collection. It's moving, poignant and, most of all, sincere. It's not overly done, so as to let her voice shine through. The arrangements are lovely.

I highly recommend this disc.

"Joy to the World" (Mason, Watts) – 3:05
"O Holy Night" (Adam, Dwight) – 3:44
"Silent Night" (Gruber, Mohr) – 3:07
"Winter Wonderland" (Bernard, Smith) – 3:39
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" (Brooks, Redner) – 3:11
"Ave Maria" (Bach, Gounod) – 3:44
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (Mendelssohn, Wesley) – 3:21
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (Marks) – 1:53
"Face of Love" (Kilcher) – 3:27
"Medley: Go Tell It on the Mountain/Life Uncommon/From a Distance" (Gold, Kilcher) – 6:31
"I Wonder as I Wander" (Niles) – 1:58
"Gloria" (Kilcher) – 2:38
"Hands" [Christmas version] (Kilcher, Leonard) – 4:13

 

[Botch]

:bow-blue:

 

[koufax65]

Ronnie Montrose,

who was somehow left off of Rolling Stones list of top 100 guitar players.

 

[Dennie]

Take 6 -- CD

Take 6

1988 Reprise Records

The other reviews said it all, April 25, 2000
By Reggie Gilliam (Gary, Indiana) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Take 6 (Audio CD)

Basically, Take 6 is heaven sent! There are other accapella groups out there, but, no one can quite do it like these guys. The vocal range, harmonies, arrangements, style, etc. I can listen to songs and usually pick out the parts (harmony). But with Take 6, I have to rewind over and over to hear what they are doing. I have a pretty good musical ear, but I still have not learned each part to these songs and I've had this CD since 1989! But I really enjoy listening to this CD for both the message and the arrangements. If you haven't heard this CD, you must check it out! I love the entire CD, but my favorite is "Get Away Jordan".

"Gold Mine" - 3:52
"Spread Love" - 3:29
"If We Ever" - 4:59
"A Quiet Place" - 2:43
"Mary" - 3:31
"David and Goliath" - 4:25
"Get Away, Jordan" - 4:23
"He Never Sleeps" - 3:10
"Milky-White Way" - 4:47
"Let the Words" - 00:55

 

[Botch]

Killer disk, need to dig that one out right now! :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup: :handgestures-thumbup:

 

[Dennie]

A Christmas Album

Barbra Streisand

1967 Columbia Records

Amazon.com

You haven't heard "Jingle Bells" until you've heard Barbra Streisand's version. Sounding more like a bebop Santa on A Christmas Album's rousing opening track, Streisand keenly races through the stanzas, toying with the words, pushing the song's tempos, and generally having a lot of fun. After that, she gets down to the more serious side of holiday offerings, with tracks that include "My Favorite Things," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Silent Night," "The Christmas Song," and others. At times this world-class singer can bowl you over with her range, sensuality, and emotion, and when she visits "Ave Maria" or closes with "The Lord's Prayer," it's easy to see why this is one singular Streisand record that has traveled so well for so many years. A classy classic. --Martin Keller

Side one
No. Title Writer(s) Length
1. "Jingle Bells?" (New adaptation by Jack Gold and Marty Paich) James Pierpont 1:58
2. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin 3:14
3. "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" Mel Tormé, Bob Wells 4:00
4. "White Christmas" Irving Berlin 3:08
5. "My Favorite Things" Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers 3:09
6. "The Best Gift" Lan O'Kun 3:11


Side two
No. Title Writer(s) Length
1. "Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Silent Night)" Franz Gruber 3:07 *
2. "Gounod's Ave Maria" Charles Gounod 3:26 *
3. "O Little Town of Bethlehem" New adaptation by Jack Gold 2:58
4. "I Wonder as I Wander" John Jacob Niles 3:18 *
5. "The Lord's Prayer" Albert Hay Malotte 2:43 *

 

[Dennie]

In 'n Out -- Remastered CD

Joe Henderson

1964/2004 Blue Note Records

Joe Henderons Burns, March 28, 2005
By Leeman "Ariel" (PA Washington) - See all my reviews
This review is from: In N Out (Audio CD)

In'n out is extremely top quality jazz that deserves the highest of ratings. Right here you have the greatest rhythmn section in the world of McCoy Tyner, Richard Davis, and Elvin Jones. The horns are of course Joe who is just smokin' and Kenny dorham who was one of the uncredited but most influential trumpeters and in some ways created the basis of hardbop trumpet playing. Dorham was constantly being overlooked, in the forties and fifties he was in the shadow of Dizzy and Miles and in the sixties Lee Morgan, Freddie hubbard and Woody Shaw came along. Blakey once defined Dorham as the uncrowned king of the trumpet, but enough about Kenny. The title track opens with a complicated theme and Elvin really gets into the groove, his intense drive will never be matched by any drummer. McCoy has incredible fingers I don't think there is a better pianist in the world. Kenny's solo kind of cools things off a bit but Joe takes another and the burner is on high again! "Punjab", by henderson, reseambles the kind of compositions that people like Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter were writing. Kenny contributes two obscure but unique sounding compositions "Short Story" and "Browns Town." "In 'n out" is Joe's finest album. It's brother album is tyners "The Real McCoy" with henderson, Ron Carter, Elvin Jones.

All compositions by Joe Henderson except as indicated.

"In 'N Out" - 10:23
"Punjab" - 9:07
"Serenity" - 6:16
"Short Story" (Dorham) - 7:10
"Brown's Town" (Dorham) - 6:23
"In 'N Out" [Alternate Take] - 9:15 Bonus track on CD reissue

 

[Botch]

 

[Dennie]

I may not want to admit it.....

I'm just a fool for your stockings....I believe...

.... :music-rockout:

Deguello -- CD

ZZ Top

1979 Warner Bros. Records

A blues classic, July 22, 2003
By John Alapick (Wilkes-Barre, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Deguello (Audio CD)

Deguello is a modern blues classic and ranks with Tres Hombres and Eliminator among their best albums. ZZ Top are clearly at their best as a raw blues band and on Deguello they are at their best. Billy Gibbons's vocals and guitar playing sound inspired throughout and the rhythm section of Dusty Hill and Frank Beard are so tight, you can set your watch to them.

Every track here is great with a few ranking among their best. "Cheap Sunglasses" and "I Thank You" are the most popular tracks and are absolutely stunning. The former contains a killer riff and contains some excellent playing by Gibbons during the song's outro. The latter is a cover of the old Sam & Dave song which the band do extremely well. Other excellent tracks include "A Fool For Your Stockings", "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide", "Esther Be The One", "Hi-Fi Mama", and "Manic Mechanic." There's also an outstanding cover of Elmore James' "Dust My Broom." ZZ Top would never be as raw as this again as they would add synthesizers to their sound starting with the Eliminator album. While albums after this one would sell millions more copies, none of them have aged as well as Deguello. Highly recommended to all fans of the blues.

Side A

"I Thank You" (Isaac Hayes, David Porter) – 3:23
"She Loves My Automobile" – 2:24
"I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide" – 4:46
"A Fool for Your Stockings" – 4:15
"Manic Mechanic" – 2:37

Side B

"Dust My Broom" (Robert Johnson) – 3:06
"Lowdown in the Street" – 2:49
"Hi Fi Mama" – 2:23
"Cheap Sunglasses" – 4:48
"Esther Be the One" – 3:31

 

[Dennie]

A Night At Kimball's East - Live

Poncho Sanchez

1991 Concord Picante

Pancho Sanchez at his best... LIVE, January 25, 2000
By Michael Moses (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Night at Kimball's East (Audio CD)

This is the way to hear Pancho, and this is Pancho at his best... LIVE. There is an incredible range of music on this album, especially for an ostensibly Afro-Cuban group. From Lester Young (Jumpin with Symphony Sid) to James Brown (Cold Sweat) and back to traditional favorites like "A Night in Tunesia"... all without losing the clave beat. This album has earned its place in my collection next to greats such as Mongo Santamaria, Tito Peunte, and Dizzy Gilespie. If you like Jazz, congas, and smoking live music, get this album, you will not be dissapointed.

Track Listing
1. Jumpin' With Symphony Sid
2. Co Co May May
3. Cinderella
4. Cold Sweat / Funky Broadway / Half And Half
5. Baila Me Gente
6. Yumbambe
7. Night in Tunisia, A
8. Se Acabo Lo Que Se Daba / Domitila (Donde Va)

 

[Dennie]

Mercy Mercy - Recorded Live At Caesars Palace -- CD

Buddy Rich Big Band

1968/1997 Pacific Jazz

Amazon.com

Buddy Rich was pumping new life into the big-band genre and enjoying a tremendous resurgence in popularity when he recorded this powerhouse group at Caesars Palace in 1968. It's a winning combination of enthusiastic young musicians, a few current pop tunes, exceptional veteran arrangers and soloists, and Rich himself, pressing the band to its limits with his volatile drumming. While it's the band itself that occupies center stage, there are also terrific individual efforts. Guitarist Walt Namuth emphasizes the funky dimension of "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" and "Ode to Billie Joe," while the veteran altoist Art Pepper brings soulful lyricism to the rich hues of "Alfie" and "Chelsea Bridge." Trumpeter Bill Pierce and tenorist Don Menza add several hard-swinging solos to the mix, pushed on by the powerful horn sections. From Bill Reddie's ambitious "Channel 1 Suite" to Henry Mancini's popular "Mr. Lucky," this is a great balance of big-band excitement and precision. --Adam Rains
Product Description

This 1968 live recording from Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas was voted best drum record ever in a Modern Drummer Magazine poll. Not coincidentally, it was also Buddy's best-selling album. Includes Mercy, Mercy, Mercy ; the 13-minute Channel 1 Suite , and more, plus three unissued tunes. First time on CD!

LP side A

"Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" (Joe Zawinul) – 5:34
"Preach and Teach" (Johnny Burke) – 4:06
"Channel One Suite" (Bill Reddie) – 12:50

LP side B

"Big Mama Cass" (Don Sebesky) – 3:22
"Goodbye Yesterday" (Don Piestrup) – 6:18
"Acid Truth" (Don Menza) – 5:50
"Alfie" (Burt Bacharach, Hal David) – 3:49
"Ode to Billie Joe" (Bobby Gentry) – 3:39

Bonus tracks added to 1997 Blue Note CD reissue

"Chavala" (Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick) – 5:20
"Mr. Lucky" (Jerry Livingston, Henry Mancini) – 5:47
"Chelsea Bridge" (Billy Strayhorn) – 5:09

 

[Dennie]

A Charlie Brown Christmas - SACD

Vince Guaraldi Trio

1965/2000 Fantasy Records

Amazon.com

The first time you listen to this disc you will undoubtedly be transported directly back to your childhood. Charles Schulz's Peanuts characters will go toe-tapping and funky-dancing through your mind's eye. Play it a few more times, though (ignoring the dialogue snippets, if you can), and you will begin to truly revel in Guaraldi's wonderful, humorous, deep piano playing. You'll hear why he's such an influence on new age ivory tickler George Winston, but you'll also realize that Winston's holiday music never quite sparkles with the underlying passion, and humor, that twinkles in these grooves. Buy it for the nostalgia--keep it because it will remain one of the most enchanting albums in your holiday collection. --Michael Ruby

Side One
No. Title Length
1. "O Tannenbaum" 5:08
2. "What Child Is This?" 2:25
3. "My Little Drum" 3:12
4. "Linus and Lucy" 3:06
5. "Christmas Time Is Here" (Instrumental version) 6:05

Side Two
No. Title Length
6. "Christmas Time Is Here" (Vocal version) 2:47
7. "Skating" 2:27
8. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" 1:55
9. "Christmas Is Coming" 3:25
10. "Für Elise" 1:06
11. "The Christmas Song" 3:17
1988 re-release bonus track
No. Title Length
12.

"Greensleeves" (Added with 1988 release. Not included on 1997 Starbucks release or 2006 Analogue Productions 2 LP)

(is included on the 2000 SACD Release)

 

[Dennie]

Christmas

Mannheim Steamroller

1984 American Gramaphone

Amazon.com

Depending on your point of view, Christmas is either a quaint sonic time capsule extracted from the mid-1980s or a timeless holiday classic. The first in what has become an ongoing series of Mannheim Steamroller Christmas recordings, this CD has sold millions, which seems to indicate that it is everything its advertising claims it to be: "America's favorite Christmas music." The powerfully successful Mannheim Steamroller formula, conceived by group mastermind Chip Davis, involves a blend of Renaissance-flavored moods and instrumentation (strings, harpsichord, flute, French horn) intertwined with polite pop instrumental music. At times, the analog synthesizers used in this 1984 recording sound dated and a little cheesy, particularly on "Deck the Halls" and "Good King Wenceslas." But it is a forgivable offense since live instruments and the earnest but ersatz medieval atmosphere they evoke dominate 8 of the 11 tracks. As pleasant and soothing as a Willard Scott birthday wish, Christmas does offer one selection that truly merits "classic" status: the reverent, prayerful, slow-motion interpretation of "Silent Night" ("Stille Nacht") for piano and strings that closes the album--a beautiful and heart-touching work. This selection alone makes this album worth owning. --Terry Wood

Songs are traditional except where noted

"Deck the Halls" – 3:43
"We Three Kings" (Hopkins) – 3:45
"Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella" – 2:32
"Coventry Carol" – 2:38
"Good King Wenceslas" – 3:29
"Christmas Suite: Wassail, Wassail" – 2:20
"Christmas Suite: Carol Of the Birds" (Bas-Quercy) – 2:03
"Christmas Suite: I Saw Three Ships" – 1:28
"Christmas Suite: "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen" – 1:37
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" – 4:19
"Stille Nacht" (Silent Night) (Gruber) – 5:26

 

[Dennie]

The Jethro Tull Christmas Album -- CD

Jethro Tull

2003 Fuel Records

Happy Holidays From Jethro Tull, November 14, 2003
By Alan Caylow (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Jethro Tull Christmas Album (Audio CD)

The holidays have gotten even brighter with Jethro Tull's marvelous offering for this time of year, "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album." Ian Anderson & company serve up a hearty yuletide blend of new Tull Christmas originals, including the terrific "Birthday Card At Christmas," "Last Man At The Party," and "First Snow On Brooklyn," as well as new re-recordings of old holiday-themed Tull favorites like "A Christmas Song," "Another Christmas Song," "Ring Out Solstice Bells," and the signature Tull tune, "Bouree." Along with that classic instrumental, the band give us some more wonderful instrumental tracks, like the brilliant jazz take on "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Pavane," "Greensleeved," and the beautiful closer, "A Winter Snowscape." The band play brilliantly, and Anderson's voice and flute are still in pristine form. "The Jethro Tull Christmas Album" is a magnificent gift from one of rock's most enduring acts. Happy holidays from Jethro Tull!

"Birthday Card at Christmas" (Ian Anderson) – 3:37
"Holly Herald" (Instrumental medley arranged and developed by Anderson) – 4:16
"A Christmas Song" (Anderson) – 2:47
"Another Christmas Song" (Anderson) – 3:31
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" (Trad. instrumental arranged and developed by Anderson) – 4:35
"Jack Frost and the Hooded Crow" (Anderson) – 3:37
"Last Man at the Party" (Anderson) – 4:48
"Weathercock" (Anderson) – 4:17
"Pavane" (Instrumental, Gabriel Fauré, arranged and developed by Anderson) – 4:19
"First Snow on Brooklyn" (Anderson) – 4:57
"Greensleeved" (Trad. instrumental based on "Greensleeves". Arranged and developed by Anderson) – 2:39
"Fire at Midnight" (Anderson) – 2:26
"We Five Kings" (Instrumental "We Three Kings", Rev. J. Hopkins, arranged and developed by Anderson) – 3:16
"Ring Out Solstice Bells" (Anderson) – 4:04
"Bourée" (Instrumental J. S. Bach, arranged and developed by Anderson) – 4:25
"A Winter Snowscape" (Instrumental, Martin Barre) – 4:57

 

[Dennie]

Honky Tonk Christmas -- CD

Alan Jackson

1993 Arista Records

Amazon.com

How is a honky-tonk Christmas different than a regular Christmas? Well, the predominant color is blue, rather than the more traditional red and green, and the stockings aren't filled exactly the way they were when you were a little one. But when Alan Jackson sings the songs of a honky-tonk holiday, the spirit is as infectious as can be, whether he's exploring the secular side of the holiday (as on a moving rendition of Merle Haggard's "If We Make it Through December") or delving into the spiritual (as on his duet with Alison Krauss, "The Angels Cried"). The Chipmunks--Alan's special guests on the silly "Santa's Gonna Come in a Pickup Truck"--are a little out of place, but it's a little too Grinch-like to dwell on that one flaw. --David Sprague

"Honky Tonk Christmas" (Buddy Brock, Zack Turner, Kim Williams) – 2:53
"The Angels Cried" (Harley Allen, Debbie Nims) – 2:51
feat. Alison Krauss
"If We Make It Through December" (Merle Haggard) – 2:45
"If You Don't Want to See Santa Claus Cry" (Keith Stegall) - 3:14
"I Only Want You for Christmas" (Tim Nichols, Turner) - 3:20
"Merry Christmas to Me" (Alan Jackson) - 2:53
"A Holly Jolly Christmas" (Johnny Marks) - 2:16
"There's a New Kid in Town" (Don Cook, Curly Putman, Keith Whitley) - 4:09
"Santa's Gonna Come in a Pickup Truck" (Don Rich, Red Simpson) - 4:08
feat. Alvin and the Chipmunks
"Please Daddy (Don't Get Drunk This Christmas)" (Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert) - 3:20

 

[Dennie]

My last one for the evening....

A Very She & Him Christmas -- CD

She & Him (Zoe Deschanel & M. Ward)

2011 Merge Records

2011 holiday release. A Very She & Him Christmas is a wonderful collection of holiday tunes from two of music's most impressive artists Zooey Deschanel (She) & M. Ward (Him). Inspired by seminal holiday albums by the likes of The Carpenters, Vince Guaraldi, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley and more, She & Him have set out to create an intimate holiday recording of Christmas classics that helps bring new emotions out of old songs.

With each purchase, a portion of proceeds from this album will be donated to 826National.

1. "The Christmas Waltz" Sammy Cahn, Jule Styne 2:37
2. "Christmas Day" Brian Wilson 3:24
3. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" Ralph Blane, Hugh Martin 3:42
4. "I'll Be Home for Christmas" Walter Kent, Kim Gannon, Buck Ram 2:26
5. "Christmas Wish" Joey Spampinato 2:58
6. "Sleigh Ride" Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish 2:44
7. "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" Johnny Marks 2:00
8. "Silver Bells" Jay Livingston, Ray Evans 1:57
9. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" Frank Loesser 2:17
10. "Blue Christmas" Billy Hayes, Jay W. Johnson 3:24
11. "Little Saint Nick" Wilson, Mike Love 2:10
12. "The Christmas Song" Bob Wells, Mel Tormé 2:26

 

[Dennie]

A Motown Christmas -- CD

Various Artists

1973/1992 Motown Records

A perfect CD for any Christmas music lover, May 6, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Motown Christmas (Audio CD)

A Motown Christmas is a staple of my collection. I spent many Christmases as a kid listening to it. As an adult, I appreciate it even more. It features all of Motown's artists doing respectful interpretations of classics with that Motown flair ("Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" by the Temptations, "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and "White Christmas" by Diana Ross & the Supremes). It also features original Christmas songs which have become popular on many R & B stations. If I had to keep 10 CD's, this would be one.

Side 1

"Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" – The Jackson 5
"What Christmas Means to Me" – Stevie Wonder
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" – The Temptations
"My Favorite Things" – The Supremes
"Deck the Halls/Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella" – Smokey Robinson
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" – The Jackson 5

Side 2

"Ave Maria" – Stevie Wonder
"Silent Night" – The Temptations
"Little Christmas Tree" – Michael Jackson
"God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" – Smokey Robinson
"The Christmas Song" – The Jackson 5
"Joy to the World" – The Supremes

Side 3

"The Little Drummer Boy" – The Temptations
"Silver Bells" – The Supremes
"Someday at Christmas" – Stevie Wonder
"Frosty the Snowman" – The Jackson 5
"Jingle Bells" – Smokey Robinson
"My Christmas Tree" – The Temptations

Side 4

"White Christmas" – The Supremes
"One Little Christmas Tree" – Stevie Wonder
"Give Love on Christmas Day" – The Jackson 5
"It's Christmas Time" – Smokey Robinson
"Children's Christmas Song" – The Supremes
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" – The Jackson 5

 

[Dennie]

First Christmas -- CD

Bebe & Cece (Winans)

1993 Capitol Records

Amazon.com

From the first family of gospel comes siblings BeBe and CeCe Winans's First Christmas, recorded in 1993. Slightly dated by a heavy use of synthesizer and the squeaky-slick production prominent in popular gospel and R&B of the late '80s and early '90s, First Christmas is nevertheless right on time in its joyful celebration of the season. Newly arranged versions of classics like Irving Berlin's "White Christmas," Handel's "Joy to the World," and "For Unto Us (A Child Is Born)" cozy in with originals "Give Me a Star," "I Love You," and "Just Because." "The First Noel," a well-loved public-domain traditional, begins with a beautifully understated string arrangement. The album's finest moment is S. Vincent's "Ooh Child"; aurally pleasing and emotionally moving, Mom and Pop Winans, both of whom sing like angels, take on lead vocal duty, backed and supported by their gifted children. It's all about family here, and the more the merrier. --Paige La Grone

Track Listing
1. Jingle Bells
2. Silver Bells
3. Give Me a Star
4. Joy to the World
5. I Love You
6. Silent Night, Holy Night
7. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
8. White Christmas
9. Ooh Child
10. For Unto Us (A Child Is Born)
11. All Because
12. First Noel, The

 

[Dennie]

Holly & Ivy -- CD

Natalie Cole

1994 Elektra Records

JOY TO THE WORLD!!!, December 12, 2002
By Neal C. Reynolds (Indianapolis, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (TOP 1000 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Holly & Ivy (Audio CD)

All of the songs are great on this, but Natalie's gospel like "Joy To The World" is the most rousing and uninhibitedly joyful rendition I've heard. I won't say it's the best, because there are several outstanding recordings of the carol, each of which bring out different perspectives. But this one is guaranteed to lift anybody's spirits.

The CD starts on a joyful note, and on the very first cut, you might find yourself singing "Jingle Bells" right along with her. However, she will touch your heart with her soft rendering of "Silent Night" and "The First Noel" among others. Two of the songs are closely identified, of course, with her father: The sentimental "The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot" and "The Christmas Song". Both are very beautifully presented here.

This is an essential Christmas CD.

Track Listing
1. Jingle Bells
2. Caroling, Caroling
3. First Noel, The
4. No More Blue Christmas'
5. Christmas Medley: Jingle Bell Rock/Winter...: Jingle Bell Rock / Winter Wonderland / Little Drummer Boy / I'll Be Home For Christmas
6. Merry Christmas, Baby
7. Joy to the World
8. Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot, The
9. Song for Christmas, A
10. Silent Night
11. Christmas Song, The
12. Holly and the Ivy, The