Holiday Review: Dan Blanchard-The Spirit of Christmas

Release Date: December 7, 2018
Label: Peaceful Vibes  
Website

Dan Blanchard has created one of the more unique Christmas albums I have ever heard. The Spirit of Christmas is the title, which is about as generic and traditional as you can get but don’t let that simple title fool you. This is a significant music project and a tremendous accomplishment for the artists involved. 

Dan has some incredibly talented people join him on this release and since there is the song “Twelve Days of Christmas,” he gives us 12 tracks to enjoy and guess what the twelfth track is? Everything seems to fall in line so far…just wait.

What Daniel sought to create was a musical holiday adventure that was steeped in traditional Christmas Carols and Indian Classical Music. This, of course, provided the opportunity to combine these elements with some improvisation. The cross-section of instruments included on this recording includes Sitar, Santoor, Harmonium, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Tanpura, Tabla, Percussion, Bansuri Flute, Indian Slide Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, and Violin. Just stop and think about the kind of sounds all of those instruments can make and you will be filled with anticipation before hitting the play button.

This is exactly the type of Holiday album I love to hear actually, rather than the same songs year after year with no expectations of change or any kind of new experience. I do respect these traditional songs and from whence they came, however, I do enjoy an artist that is willing to try something entirely different with enough confidence that it is going to work. When it does work, a listener can become mesmerized and also very appreciative of the worldly experience that is being offered.

The core foundation of Indian Classical music is three components, Drone, Rāga and Tāla. The Drone is the part of the music that is continuous throughout the song, the Rāga is the melody and the Tāla is rhythm. So, what you get are two classic traditional forms of music intersecting for a fantastic combination of sounds, rhythms, textures, and color.  Think of it as big Christmas tree with a multitude of different colored lights, that is what this music is and it’s absolutely beautiful, meditative, spiritual and joyous.

Dan’s love for both traditions is what inspired this album and why it turned out so well. I usually get the “Bah! Humbug!,” feelings when I see all the holiday things coming out the same time just before Halloween, it just feels so artificial and money driven. So along comes musical projects like The Spirit of Christmas to put it all into a proper perspective and allow me to focus on the true meaning of the holiday and the pure beauty and worldliness of the music.

Music, the universal healer, it makes the world a better place and this kind of release make you think about the entire planet, not just your own community in a town or city. This is a worldwide spirit that comes in many different forms, languages, and sounds, it really is a beautiful thing and I am grateful for the reminder of that. Thank you, Dan, for transforming me from the Scrooge into old Saint Nick! This truly is The Spirit of Christmas.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 7, 2018

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Tracks:
01. We Wish You A Merry Christmas
02. Ode to Joy (Beethoven’s 9th Symphony – Movement 4)
03. Jingle Bells
O4. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
05. We Three Kings
06. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
O7. Carol of the Strings (Bells)
O8. Silent Night
09. Joy to the World
10. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
11. Good King Wenceslas
12. Twelve Days of Christmas
 

Holiday Review: Elvis Presley-Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Release Date: October 6, 2017

Label: Sony

Website

Elvis Presley is the top-selling solo artist of all time, having sold more than one billion records worldwide put him on top of the mountain with a very select group.  Elvis' previous Christmas releases have sold more than 22 million copies in the United States alone. That is a fact people! 

This is a great way for me to wrap up my Holiday season with a review of an Elvis Christmas album. Last season I enjoyed the colored vinyl edition of Merry Christmas Baby.

So here we go again with another new and old classic titled Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This music was already a great group of songs but now Elvis is backed by a full orchestra, and one of the finest in the world. I just wish the man was alive to witness the technological marvels we have now at our disposal.

This recording is incredible and it fills your room wherever ever you decide to listen. It takes music from Presley’s yuletide performances from Elvis’ Christmas Album (1957) and Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas (1971). It is like taking every song and reworking them to perfection with a beautiful orchestra in step with The King as he sings some of his fan favorites.

It’s interesting how I just go through watching It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed (believe it or not for the first time!). My emotions caught up with as we moved towards the end of the movie. Now I am sitting here listening to probably the greatest rock ‘n’ roll phenomena the world has ever known. Every time I hear Elvis’s music I appreciate it more. This music moved me just as the movie did.

This was a great idea that worked very well. The final touch was Priscilla reminiscing about Christmas with Elvis in the CD booklet.

My favorites remain “Blue Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Baby.” I really appreciated how the orchestra blended so well with all the tracks. If they are in a traditional sense or with touch of blues, it all sounds great. 

Christmas with Elvis and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is one you should not miss this. There is also a deluxe version with more tracks available, look for the copy with the red cover. Either way you win if you are an Elvis fan and appreciate the full-bodied sound the music has from start to finish.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 17, 2017

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Tracks:
01. Santa Claus Is Back In Town
02. White Christmas
03. Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane)
04. Merry Christmas Baby
05. Blue Christmas
06. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
07. Winter Wonderland
08. Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
09. Silver Bells
10. Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem
11. O Come, All Ye Faithful
12. The First Noel
13. Silent Night
 

Holiday Review: Celtic Thunder-Classic Christmas Album

Release Date: October 2, 2015

Label: Sony Legacy

Website

Celtic Thunder has been brightening spirits with their amazing vocals and world class performances since their inception in 2007. Current members include Neil Byrne, Emmett O'Hanlon, Emmet Cahill, Colm Keegan, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, Damian McGinty, Paul Byrom and George Donaldson. This compilation of holiday music is a must for any fan.

“Carol of the Bells” is the first tune on the album. It is a twisting musical confection that is pure holiday magic. Crisp tones, joyful voices, melodic music ranging from horns to chimes and floating string and the jingle of bells all combine for an elemental introduction to this wonderful album. It was composed and written by Mykola Leontovych and Peter J. Wilhousky.

“In the Bleak Mid-Winter” was composed and lyrics created by Gustav Holst and Christina Rossetti. Performed with Celtic textures at the onset, the piece quickly morphs into a piano movement with light musical flutterings in the background. The vocals and pipe sounds reach into the still and lonely parts that this time of year can really make stark and utterly clear. Love of God warms the soul as the singer remembers the reason for the holiday and the angels that walked among us to give the child safe passage. “What can I give him poor as I am?” This rings true for so many of us these days. What value do we offer when we can’t buy the things we desire or give others the gifts they want. The answer is the same as it always was. Love. It is the beginning and the end of all things and with it, we can conquer the world.

“Fairytale of New York” is the last piece on the album. Written and composed by Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer this song captures the Celtic reality in all of its glory. Soft and sweet with pipes and lilting dance music, it swings into a rowdy bar ballad among other things. Awash in regret but dreaming of the days ahead, the vocalists bring to life the myriad of emotions that make a man. Drink and food and laughter bring us all together but in the end, we each of us make the other strong.

The Classic Christmas Album is a wonderful compilation of Celtic holiday music, both traditional and original. The vocalists’ voices join forces to bring us a glimpse into the sounds of the heavens or the lowest bar in midtown. There is light in the darkness and if you listen to this music you might just feel a bit of warmth this holiday season. I highly recommend it.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Carol of the Bells, In the Bleak Mid-Winter, Fairytale of New York

Tracks: 
01. Carol of the Bells (1:24)
02. Gaudete (2:22)
03. Mary Did You Know? (3:09)
04. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (1:55)
05. In the Bleak Mid-Winter (4:12)
06. Gabriel’s Message (2:50)
07. Christmas Medley: Sleigh Ride, Here Comes Santa Claus, Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (6:00)
08. Away in a Manger (2:40)
09. Comfort Ye (2:50)
10. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (1:58)
11. The Christmas Song (3:34)
12. Oh Holy Night (4:44)
13. O Come All Ye Faithful (3:47)
14. Fairytale of New York (4:00)
 

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

December 16, 2015

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Holiday/New Age Instrumental Review: Doug Hammer-Christmas Lights

Release Date: November 27, 2015

Label: Dreamworld Productions

Website

Christmas Lights, Doug Hammer's tenth release, is a follow-up to his award-winning Christmas album, Noel. It contains seventeen traditional favorites and a new original composition, Christmas Lights. There is a combination of new age, holiday, classical and more mixed into the compositions.

Over the last year I have become more appreciative of piano-based music than ever before. I find it simplistic and complex, moving and emotional, relaxing and uplifting…those are a few of the prominent terms that come to mind.

Doug’s piano playing invites you into a world filled with the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of a child who is now an adult. With all the bright colorful lights and the joy of taking a drive with your family to see different houses and how their lights and decorations displayed in all their splendor… the music sweeps you away to a magical place removed from your current reality.

What is presented here is simple and straightforward piano music with different elements sprinkled in, kind of like Grandma’s special recipe for Christmas cookies. Doug’s talented fingers do all the talking through this instrumental journey. With the stroke of each note the Holiday is right at your doorstep beckoning you to come in and let it absorb your being. If that is the intent here, it surely accomplishes that.

“Away In A Manger” is beautifully done. Doug’s fingers delicately stroke the keys and you instantly envision the little Lord Jesus in the manger. The effect is seamless, powerful and effective, taking you away to when this event actually took place so long.

“Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella” is an upbeat track; it is like dancing on the rooftops on a crisp winter night, thus asking the fair ladies to bring along some light to lead the way. This probably has nothing to do with the meaning of the song; however that is what it did for me. Everyone is affected in different ways by music. The sheer beauty of unencumbered instrumental music is the fact that you can paint your own picture as you go.

”Deck The Halls” is another age old-classic done in a way you will likely hear for the first time. The piano playing is amazing. The artist builds the song into his own by playing layer upon layer of keys and at a very quick pace. It is like a tidal wave of music with one instrument serving as the featured star. I absolutely loved it.

Doug closes the curtain on this newly born Christmas classic recording with his original title track. It is a step away from the norm as he turns the page on all the classic compositions and gives each listener a taste of his own Christmas and his incredible talent for capturing the moment. I found it a wonderful way to close out the album and it leaves it open for another chapter to come perhaps?

It usually does not take me long to get my fill of Christmas music because of the commercialism and it all kicking in prior to Halloween now. This music however allows me to actually find the true meaning of the Holiday and appreciate a talented artist pouring his heart and soul into something that carries a message and heartfelt meaning. This is great instrumental music that I think can be enjoyed any time of year, but for now you are well advised to enjoy it and usher in the Holiday. 

4.5/5 Stars

Tracks:

01. Angels We Have Heard On High

02. Joy To The World

03 It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

04. Away In A Manger

05. Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant

06. Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella

07. Deck The Halls

08. O Come, All Ye Faithful

09. What Child Is This?

10. Once In Royal David's City

11. Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

12. Good King Wenceslas

13. Jingle Bells

14. Still, Still, Still

15. Coventry Carol

16. O Holy Night

17. Toyland

18. Christmas Lights

Key Tracks: Away In A Manger, Bring A Torch, Jeanette, Isabella, Deck The Halls

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 5, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Holiday/Rock Review: Heart and Friends Home For The Holidays (CD/DVD)

Release Date: November 10, 2014

Label: Frontiers

Website

Hall of Fame inductees Ann and Nancy Wilson had an incredible 2013 and they acknowledged and celebrated that with a Holiday gathering of stars on the Heart and Friends Home For The Holidaysrecording and DVD in their hometown of Seattle.

Certainly Ann and Nancy can stand on their own as performers but what made this so special besides it being the Holiday season was all the special guests that joined them on stage.

This deluxe set gives you the best of both worlds. The difference between the two formats is that “Even It Up” is only available on the CD version. It’s always nice to have both versions at hand for listening or just kicking back and watching.

The ladies look terrific in this performance, they always do and their vocals are spot on. They are without a doubt polished professionals in their element on stage. It was great to see the red rocker come out on stage and perform with them. Sammy is hard not to like, his personality is so laid back and friendly not mention the fact that he makes some great music. So with those thoughts it was easy to find “Santa's Going South” as one of my favorites.

Most people that have any familiarity with Heart know how strongly influenced they are by Led Zeppelin and usually one or two of their songs find a way into their set. This night was no exception as they make their way through a great version of the classic “Stairway To Heaven.” I know many people will say “Why is this song on a Christmas album?” Well my answer to that is this is rock ‘n’ roll baby! So crank it up, enjoy, and embrace the spirit and warmth it can bring to you. Yes, even a Led Zep song can bring joy during the holidays if you like to rock.

“Ring Them Bells” is quite a Christmas treat featuring all of the special guests with exception of Sammy.

Shawn Colvin, Richard Marx and Pat Monahan join the rockin’ sisters and their band to deliver a powerful and compelling version of the classic song.

This set is a great package of Holiday spirit and rock delivered by a legendary band and two incredibly talented and blessed ladies that have an ability to perform at a very high standard, even after several decades of bringing their music to the masses. If you want to bring the joy of music into your home this year pick up Home For The Holidays Deluxe CD/DVD.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Santa's Going South (feat. Sammy Hagar), Stairway to Heaven, Ring Them Bells (feat. Pat Monahan, Richard Marx, Shawn Colvin)


Tracks:
Disc: 1 CD
01. The River
02. Seasons
03. Rockin'/Love Came Down at Christmas (feat. Shawn Colvin)
04. POEM
05. All through the Night( feat. Richard Marx)
06. All we need is an Island (feat. Sammy Hagar)
07. Santa's Going South (feat. Sammy Hagar)
08. Please Come Home for Christmas (feat. Pat Monahan)
09. Remember Christmas
10. Barracuda
11. Even it Up
12. Stairway to Heaven
13. Ring Them Bells (feat. Pat Monahan, Richard Marx, Shawn Colvin)

Disc: 2 DVD
01. The River
02. Seasons
03. Rockin'/Love Came Down at Christmas (feat. Shawn Colvin)
04. POEM
05. All through the Night (feat. Richard Marx)
06. All we need is an Island (feat. Sammy Hagar)
07. Santa's Going South (feat. Sammy Hagar)
08. Please Come Home for Christmas (feat. Pat Monahan)
09. Remember Christmas
10. Barracuda
12. Ring Them Bells (feat. Pat Monahan, Richard Marx, Shawn Colvin)

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

December 2, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music

Holiday Review: Frank Sinatra-The Classic Christmas Album

Release Date: October 7, 2014
Label: Legacy Recordings
Website

Frank Sinatra is one of the best known crooners of his time and this year Sony Legacy has brought together a fourteen track album of his best loved holiday hits with two previously unreleased tracks."Baby It's Cold Outside" with singer Dorothy Kirsten and an alternate version of "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" with the Page Cavanaugh Trio. Another version of “Let It Snow” is also on the second track of the album with The B. Swanson Quartet and the two pieces are very different indeed. One is bright and shiny and the other more subdued, but both invoke the magic of the season.

As I sit at my writing desk and listen to this master performer belt out songs from my childhood and beyond, I can’t help but be reminded of a simpler time. That, to me, is the magic of Sinatra’s voice. You can here “Let It Snow” a million different ways, but when Sinatra does it, I always stop a moment and sigh.

“Adeste Fideles” or “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” is another classic that brings a sense of nostalgia. The bells and ornate instrumentation have an attention to musical detail that is often lost in modern performances. It made me feel like I did after watching a favorite old black and white holiday movie with my husband. Happy and dreaming of days when mangers were seen in front lawns and churches and Christmas trees were celebrated on main street and in our hearts. Not just the retail rush, but the rush of love for friends and family in this hectic time of year.

“Baby It’s Cold Outside” is from the MGM performance of “Neptune’s Daughter” and is one of two tracks previously unreleased until now. This track alone is worth getting the album. Joyful and full of the magic of young love, this song has always made me smile. This recording brings to life the visage of old Hollywood and lets us visit the sweet playfulness of yesteryear.

Frank Sinatra is the epitome of a music legend. His voice invokes the magic of the holidays and brings us back to simpler times in our lives we have only momentarily forgotten. For those who haven’t heard his magnificent voice, this album with two rare songs is a perfect one to start with. Chock full of the magic of the season, it will warm your heart.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Adeste Fideles, Baby It’s Cold Outside, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Tracks:

01. Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
Frank Sinatra

02. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
Frank Sinatra with The B. Swanson Quartet

03. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Frank Sinatra with the Ken Lane Singers

04. I've Got a Home in That Rock
Frank Sinatra with the Charioteers

05. Adeste Fideles (O Come All Ye Faithful)
Frank Sinatra with the Ken Lane Singers

06. Christmas Dreaming
Frank Sinatra

07. Jingle Bells
Frank Sinatra with the Ken Lane Singers

08. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Frank Sinatra

09. O Little Town of Bethlehem
Frank Sinatra with the Ken Lane Singers

10. Jesus Is a Rock in the Weary Land
Frank Sinatra with the Charioteers

11. Silent Night, Holy Night
Frank Sinatra with the Ken Lane Singers

12. White Christmas
Frank Sinatra

13. Baby, It's Cold Outside (From the MGM Film, "Neptune's Daughter")
Frank Sinatra with Dorothy Kirsten

14. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! (From the CBS Radio Broadcast, "Songs by Sinatra") Frank Sinatra with the Page Cavanaugh Trio

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

November 25, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review