Holiday-Folk Review: Blackmore's Night-Winter Carols

Release Date: October 6, 2017

Label: Minstrel Hall Music

Website

Blackmore’s Night is ready to usher in the Holiday season with their latest release Winter Carols. They do it all like nobody else and that one factor makes it more intriguing. The perspective listener has an opportunity to enjoy some seasonal music in an entirely different way.

This band has had me mesmerized since day one. Richie Blackmore’s incredible guitar and his wife Candace Night who sings like an angel every step of the way, it just sweeps me away. Her voice is so warm and positive you cannot resist smiling and tapping your feet to all their music.

For me it takes awhile to get into the spirit of the Holidays every year because of the overuse of commercialism pushing over eating and over spending. I can forget about all that and focus on the music and those I love. I get there with a little help from these wonderful musicians delivering their very special music into my home. I have a lot of different emotions this time of year for many different reasons. Music helps me to smile inside and heal any hurt I may be feeling while thinking about those I have lost over the years.

This two CD set is a great way to kick off the Holiday’s and it did just that for me. Blackmore’s Night has a special blend of rock, folk and Celtic that takes the nod from some ancient tunes.  What is the best part of that? It is putting their own flavor and spin on the tracks and taking you on quite a musical journey to enjoy. They create a lot of their own music however they have reworked some from songs that were written centuries ago as well.

If all this great music was not enough, Candace sings “Christmas Eve” in German, and perfectly I might add. This is a band of musical perfectionist that know how to get it done in one take. If you listen to tracks from “Live from Minstrel Hall” you hardly can tell the difference between the polished studio work and live recordings. Of course, the live music allows for some interesting improvisation on more than one occasion. I have had the pleasure of seeing them live and it is truly an incredible experience.

Blackmore is a real craftsman and a master of the six-string. His acoustic playing is perfected and beautiful. Every once in a while, he cuts loose on the electric guitar reminding everyone that he can still rock if he chooses to. I always have enjoyed this music and prior to this band Deep Purple and Rainbow, in fact I still enjoy it all. 

Winter Carols is not only a worldwide tribute to Christmas it is a portrait of musical history intermingled with modern technologies. It is everything that I could have asked for to persuade me into the joy and love of the upcoming Holidays. I have a lot to be grateful for and that includes amazing music from one of the best bands in the world.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 6, 2017

Founder of:

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Tracks:
CD 1:
01. Deck the Halls
02. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
03. Oh Christmas Tree
04. Hark the Herald Angels Sing / O Come All Ye Faithful
05. I Saw Three Ships
06. Winter (Basse Dance)
07. Ding Dong Merrily on High
08. Ma-o-Tzur
09. Good King Wenceslas
10. Lord of the Dance / Simple Gifts
11. We Three Kings
12. Wish You Were Here
13. Emmanuel
14. Christmas Eve
15. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

CD2:
16. Hark the Herald Angels Sing / O Come All Ye Faithful (Live from Minstrel Hall)
17. Emmanuel (Live from Minstrel Hall)
18. We Three Kings (Live from Minstrel Hall)
19. Ma-o-Tzur (Live from Minstrel Hall)
20. Good King Wenceslas (Live from Minstrel Hall)
21. Christmas Eve (2013 Version)
22. Christmas Eve (German Radio Edit)
23. Christmas Eve (English & German Radio Edit)
24. Christmas Eve (English Radio Edit)

Holiday-Folk Review: Blackmore's Night-Winter Carols

Release Date: October 6, 2017

Label: Minstrel Hall Music

Website

Blackmore’s Night is ready to usher in the Holiday season with their latest release Winter Carols. They do it all like nobody else and that one factor makes it more intriguing. The perspective listener has an opportunity to enjoy some seasonal music in an entirely different way.

This band has had me mesmerized since day one. Richie Blackmore’s incredible guitar and his wife Candace Night who sings like an angel every step of the way, it just sweeps me away. Her voice is so warm and positive you cannot resist smiling and tapping your feet to all their music.

For me it takes awhile to get into the spirit of the Holidays every year because of the overuse of commercialism pushing over eating and over spending. I can forget about all that and focus on the music and those I love. I get there with a little help from these wonderful musicians delivering their very special music into my home. I have a lot of different emotions this time of year for many different reasons. Music helps me to smile inside and heal any hurt I may be feeling while thinking about those I have lost over the years.

This two CD set is a great way to kick off the Holiday’s and it did just that for me. Blackmore’s Night has a special blend of rock, folk and Celtic that takes the nod from some ancient tunes.  What is the best part of that? It is putting their own flavor and spin on the tracks and taking you on quite a musical journey to enjoy. They create a lot of their own music however they have reworked some from songs that were written centuries ago as well.

If all this great music was not enough, Candace sings “Christmas Eve” in German, and perfectly I might add. This is a band of musical perfectionist that know how to get it done in one take. If you listen to tracks from “Live from Minstrel Hall” you hardly can tell the difference between the polished studio work and live recordings. Of course, the live music allows for some interesting improvisation on more than one occasion. I have had the pleasure of seeing them live and it is truly an incredible experience.

Blackmore is a real craftsman and a master of the six-string. His acoustic playing is perfected and beautiful. Every once in a while, he cuts loose on the electric guitar reminding everyone that he can still rock if he chooses to. I always have enjoyed this music and prior to this band Deep Purple and Rainbow, in fact I still enjoy it all. 

Winter Carols is not only a worldwide tribute to Christmas it is a portrait of musical history intermingled with modern technologies. It is everything that I could have asked for to persuade me into the joy and love of the upcoming Holidays. I have a lot to be grateful for and that includes amazing music from one of the best bands in the world.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

December 6, 2017

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Tracks:
CD 1:
01. Deck the Halls
02. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
03. Oh Christmas Tree
04. Hark the Herald Angels Sing / O Come All Ye Faithful
05. I Saw Three Ships
06. Winter (Basse Dance)
07. Ding Dong Merrily on High
08. Ma-o-Tzur
09. Good King Wenceslas
10. Lord of the Dance / Simple Gifts
11. We Three Kings
12. Wish You Were Here
13. Emmanuel
14. Christmas Eve
15. We Wish You a Merry Christmas

CD2:
16. Hark the Herald Angels Sing / O Come All Ye Faithful (Live from Minstrel Hall)
17. Emmanuel (Live from Minstrel Hall)
18. We Three Kings (Live from Minstrel Hall)
19. Ma-o-Tzur (Live from Minstrel Hall)
20. Good King Wenceslas (Live from Minstrel Hall)
21. Christmas Eve (2013 Version)
22. Christmas Eve (German Radio Edit)
23. Christmas Eve (English & German Radio Edit)
24. Christmas Eve (English Radio Edit)

Holiday/New Age/Classical Review: Jennifer Thomas-Winter Symphony

Release Date: November 20, 2015

Label: Tickled Ivory Music

Website

Jennifer Thomas is a talented multidimensional artist. She is a composer, pianist and violinist with a lot of respect coming from her peers in the industry. With Winter Symphony she takes tradition and several genres and creates a magnificent soundtrack. The album is titled appropriately as it is a shimmering and magical journey. At times certain parts did remind me of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I knew after hearing the first track that this recording was going to be prolific and moving.

The curtain opens to a spectacular unraveling of sound and color with “Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus),” and the chorus indeed sounds like it was heaven sent.

The brilliance of “Carol of the Bells” opens the door to the Holiday with parts of a legendary track that come alive with cascading piano and orchestrations. Classical and New Age music merge with tradition for an entirely new universe of music for a listener to enjoy.

As an individual that gets inundated with Holiday music every year it becomes harder and harder to get my attention and any particular release to make a lasting impression. I have been fortunate this year to hear several great unconventional recordings that gave me a new perspective and outlook on this special Holiday season.

“Ice Dance” is a musical ballet with the grandeur of orchestrations, a choir and Jennifer’s tinkling and alluring piano strokes. It is quite beautiful…you can envision a lone ice skater joined by others as the song reaches its apex then winds down like a snow globe in your mind gently bringing it back to the singularity of purpose this dance represents.

As mature and distinct as this music is it can most certainly bring to light the child inside all of us. Remember when you were the wide eyed little girl/boy full of the wonder of Christmas morning? It is all here for you to absorb and hold in your heart for as long as you wish or to listen to again and again.

Winter Symphony needs a stage with actors to play out the parts of this engrossing musical story. I would not be surprised to see it all come to life on a stage or on the screen someday soon. If that does not happen I will surprised. There is so much going on in this music, it makes you feel alive and grateful for life and all there is to enjoy. The power of music proves once again that it can heal and change an attitude within minutes. The spirit of humanity and the holidays are alive and breathing in this music, do not miss it!

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Carol of the Bells, Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus), Ice Dance

Tracks:
01. Angels We Have Heard On High (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
02. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
03. Carol of the Bells
04. Alleluia (feat. Felicia Farerre & The Ensign Chorus)
05. Ice Dance (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
06. I Saw Three Ships
07. Breath of Heaven
08. Theme from Home Alone (Somewhere in My Memory)
09. What Child Is This (feat. Taylor Davis)
10. Silent Night (feat. The Ensign Chorus)
11. Winter Symphony
12. O Holy Night

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 22, 2015

Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Holiday Review: Sarah McLachlan-The Classic Christmas Album

Release Date: October, 2, 2015

Label: Legacy/ Rmg/ Arista

Website
 

Sarah McLachlan is an artist that grabs hold of your emotions and doesn’t let them go. This compilation of holiday songs covers many years of her performances both of well-known covers and original pieces. All of them resonate in this season of love and light and I think that’s what I most appreciate about this artist. She takes the lonely moments under the holiday lights and makes them poignant and just as beautiful as the shiniest Christmas tree. Little things bring joy and sorrow, but every bit of our human existence is precious to behold. Other artists on the album are: Diana Krall, The Barenaked Ladies and students from the Sarah McLachlan School Choir.

“Wintersong” is the first song on the album and is an original piece written and composed by Sarah McLachlan and Pierre Marchand in 2006. Isolation and the silence of a solitary Christmas morning shine as cold as the winter sun while McLachlan reminisces about the past.   Emotional and moving, the piano strokes illustrate the lonely starkness of the scene and gradually warm with the memories of the past. Reminders of her love are everywhere but she finds joy in the tender thoughts of Christmas past.

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings” is a piece from 2006 performed by Sarah McLachlan and The Barenaked Ladies. A joyful song filled with strumming guitar movements and a sense of community and familial contentment, you can’t help but groove along with the percussive beat. Jazzy and buoyant, these two classic songs are blended together with seamless vocals and textured sound.

“The First Noel/Mary Mary” is a mashup of two traditional songs from 2006. The ethereal nature of the background music, complete with string and an echoing electronica and percussive elements give a celestial tone to this piece perfectly suited to the heavenly vocals. This is one of my favorite pieces on the album and one you don’t want to miss. What begins as sweet and lilting quickly shifts to an upbeat melody filled with holiday joy and hope.

“Song for a Winter’s Night” is a Gordon Lightfoot cover performed by McLachlan in 1994. This piece again looks at the brightest season of the year and the longing and loneliness that can creep in as we miss those who are closest to us. An empty glass, reading over and over but not comprehending as the urge to be with the one she loves becomes nearly overwhelming. The vocals are breathless, the music simple multi-instrumentation with a few guitar strums are a highlight but the center of this piece is by far the vocals.

Sarah McLachlan is an artist on my one click list. Her emotive vocals and capability to reach into the darkest parts of our hearts and lift out the joy makes me speechless every time. With every album she never ceases to amaze and this one is no different. Filled with an expanse of cover and original works, she brings old classics to life and gives us all a groove to drink eggnog to. Do your ears a favor and make sure this album is in your holiday stocking this year. You won’t be disappointed.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Wintersong, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings, The First Noel/Mary Mary, Song for a Winter’s Night

Tracks:
01. Wintersong
02. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
03. What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)
04. I'll Be Home for Christmas
05. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We three Kings  -  Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach Children's Choir and Youth Choir
06. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)  -  Sarah McLachlan School Choir
07. Prayer of St. Francis  -  Sarah McLachlan School Choir
08. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day  -  Sarah McLachlan School Choir
09. Space on the Couch for Two  -  Sarah McLachlan School Choir
10. Find Your Voice  -  Sarah McLachlan School Choir
11. River
12. Silent Night
13. The O Little Town of Bethlehem
14. The First Noel/Mary Mary
15. Song for a Winter's Night
16. In a Bleak Mid Winter  - Diana Krall
17. Christmas Time Is Here  - Diana Krall

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

December 11, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Holiday/Christmas/New Age Review: David Lanz & Kristin Amarie-Forever Christmas

Release Date: November 11, 2014

Label: DKL Records

Website: http://davidlanz.com/ https://www.facebook.com/KristinAmariesmusic

David Lanz & Kristin Amarie are frozen in time with their release Forever Christmas. The recording was released last November and rings true a year later and certainly will well beyond that. After all what is time but a ticking clock? Good music is timeless, and this particular album is a thing of beauty and grace to usher in one of the most sacred Holidays celebrated the world over.

Lanz is a world renowned pianist and the talented vocalist Amarie become one on Forever Christmas. The two artists are also life partners and that bond is evident in their musical partnership. The synergy and flow of this music is exceptional.

The music presented is traditional, new age and classical all fused together to make a non-traditional listen. I mean that in a very positive way. This is not what you are hearing blaring over the speakers every year at your local retail store. This music is precise with a lot meaning. It is enlightening and relaxing and in the same instance as uplifting as Holiday music could possibly be.

The title track leads the way into the magical time of Christmas. It is not only special to children but to everyone that celebrates it. People gather to exchange gifts and show their love and appreciation for each other. The music itself is a celebration.

As you make your way through this newly discovered Holiday classic, a traditional ageless song is revisited. “Silent Night” is one of the most memorable tunes ever crafted and David and Anmarie do it justice. The piano is delicate and inviting and Amarie sounds like the angel singing it, bringing with it the light of love and creation with every breath. This is a magnificent rendition that I will not forget.

Then there is always the one instrumental that catches my ear, lifts my spirit and moves me. That track was “What is Christmas.” David’s piano playing is superb. As his fingers glide across the ivory keys as the meaning of the season and the Holidays consume you.

Christmas is forever and with one listen to Forever Christmas you will feel that is your reality, at least for as long as you are listening. Alternatively, if you decide to carry those feelings and meanings with you every day then this can serve a twofold purpose. This kind of music makes us all realize how important friends and family are and if you let the music flow through you so will the spirit of giving and the Holiday.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Forever Christmas, Silent Night, What is Christmas (instrumental)

Tracks:
01. Winter Prelude
02. Forever Christmas
03. Snow Dance
04. Oh Holy Night
05. La Estrella de la Navidad
06. Jubilate
07. Sweet Winter Love
08. What is Christmas
09. Winter Star
10. A Thousand Lights
11. Sweet Winter Love instr.
12. Silent Night
13. What is Christmas (instrumental)
14. Heavenly Peace

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

December 5, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

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Holiday Music Review: Patty Mattson-All The Wonders of This Holiday

Release Date: November 1, 2012

Label: Indie

Website

I thought of Patty Mattson as a Country singer but shame on me, she does so much more! She released the Holiday EP in 2012 titled All The Wonders of This Holiday. And here we are back for another round of good cheer.

What I heard in 5 tracks was four separate genres packaged up just for Christmas. What this music proved to me was the great diversity this vocalist commands. 

The opener and title track sounds like a traditional warm up by the fireplace Xmas tune with a big band beat then “I’m Heading Home” gets Patty back to her country roots.

“Santa and Me” is another more traditional track that brings back fond memories of being a child waiting with impatience and anticipation for the morning that everyone loves so much. This track literally gave me chills and brought a wave of sadness over me thinking of love ones lost. That was for me though and don’t misunderstand that thought, I believe this is a beautiful song and Patty’s voice is amazing and magical.

“It’s Christmas” is a rocker with a funky twist. It pops and crackles with energy like the hot burning embers glowing below the hearth. Then “Jing A Jing” is a chunk of rockin’ funk to close out the show.

In just 5 tracks Ms. Patty Mattson captured the true meaning of Christmas by offering a cross section of listeners something to enjoy and take away with a smile. I loved every minute of it and that is from a guy that doesn’t get into Holiday music all that much. You turned me around on this one Patty!

5/5 Stars

Key Track: All The Wonders of This Holiday

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

December 10, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music

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Holiday/Rock Review-Hard Rock Classic Christmas-Various Artists

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Label: Legacy Recordings

Website

Christmas music and hard rock are not two genres that people generally think of as going together, but that is about to change. I was even skeptical at first, but it did not take long to have me convinced that hard rock and Christmas make for a wonderful pair.  The Classic Christmas Hard Rock Album features eleven classic Christmas songs, with each being performing by a master of hard rock.  The likes of Jeff Beck, Steve Vai, Ted Nugent, Alex Lifeson, Joe Satraini, and others bring their rock talents to make music magic with a little help from the Christmas Spirit.

If there were any doubts about whether or not hard rock versions of classic Christmas songs could work, then Jeff Beck’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” should burn any and all of those doubts away.  “Amazing Grace” has a great spiritual, holiday atmosphere with some elegant guitar work to really solidify the emotional impact of the song.  Next up is Alex Lifeson’s “The Drummer Boy” and it does a very good job of capturing the solemnness of the traditional sound. “Silent Night / Holy Night Jam” by Joe Satraini is a real treat, as it does a wonderful job of respecting the original sound while putting his own unique touch to it.  It makes for one lively tune.

Steve Vai is brilliant, as usual, on “Christmas Time Is Here.” It is a great guitar lead song, with a crisp rocking sound, and the background instruments are wonderfully used to add a nice touch of Christmas atmosphere.  Steve Lukather’s “The Christmas Song” is a hopping rock song.  It sounds so natural that it leaves you thinking that it was meant to be a hard rock song all along. Stuart Hamm’s “Sleigh Ride” is a pleasant and lively version of a fun classic. It perfectly captures the playfulness of the original.

“O Come All Ye Faithful” is one of the standout songs.  Trevor Rabin probably does the best job at modernizing a Christmas classic.  It is the best of both worlds, with the old and new colliding to make this incredible song.  Nothing is lost from the original and I think that the quality has increased.  Ted Nugent’s

“Deck the Halls” really rocks and rolls with tons of energy.  Following it up is Robin Trower’s reverent version of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”  Rob Halford’s “We Three Kings” makes for a brilliant ending for this hard rock Christmas album.  It comes out blazing and rides that wave all the way to the end.

All in all, The Classic Christmas Hard Rock Album is a great rock album and great Christmas album, as well.  The classic versions that we have grown to love over the years are timeless classics, and these hard rock versions add to their already rich tradition.  These songs might not replace your favorites, but they will give them a run for their money.  This album will definitely add a little spice to any Christmas party, and should be another one to add to the album rotation every year. 

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Amazing Grace, O Come All Ye Faithful, Deck the Halls

Brian McKinnon

November 26, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Holiday Music Review: IL Divo-The Classic Christmas Album

Release Date: October 7, 2014

Label: Sony Legacy

Website

Music is about emotion brought to life by the training and skill to make it breathe. Il Divo is a quartet of vocalists, also called Simon Cowell’s “man band” that take operatic vocals and blur the lines into several genres including classical and pop. The Classic Christmas Album was previously released in 2005 as The Christmas Album, with the exception of one track. Now releasing with several Classic Hits albums in the new Sony Legacy collection, this album is timely with the flurry of holiday shoppers beginning to descend on shops and malls the world over. If you are not already a fan of this amazing group of singers, with one listen you will be. 

The band consists of Urs Buhler, Sebastian Izambard, Carlos Mann and David Miller. Three of the four are classically trained with Izambard being primarily self-taught. 

“O’ Holy Night” is the first song on the track list. Opening with beautiful piano strains and glowing vocals, this piece stopped me in my tracks to listen to the skilled vocalists’ rendition of this classic holiday song. The voices soar to majestic heights, each a light in the darkness calling forth heavenly music. Swirling instrumentals provide a backdrop for the men to craft a tapestry of sound introspective of the season and beyond.

“When a Child is Born” sparkles to life with chimes and keyboard work. Vocals, both crisp and clear come to pass and the others join in, adding depth. As with each song on this album, the layers and different nuances of each singer provide a puzzle piece that just fits. This song, with its highs and lows and blindingly fantastic vocals made me sigh and dream of Christmas.

“Adeste Fideles” is a song I remember from my childhood. Hearing this version with the tender vocals, bells and chimes made tears prickle in my eyes. Yes. “Come all ye faithful” is one I actually hum under my breath throughout the year. It brings joy on days when life is challenging and the heart needs comfort.

This is the first album by IL Divo I have listened to but it will not be the last. For listeners like me who are new to the group this is a powerful hook to reach out and attract new fans. It worked and here I am. These men each have different vocal skills. Baritone, tenor, classic and pop…they have it all and when you mix it all together you get magic. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: When a Child Is Born, Adeste Fideles, O’Holy Night

Dana Wright, Sr. Staff Writer

November 18, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review