Holiday Music Review: Various Artists: The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album

Release Date: October 2, 2015

Label: Legacy Recordings

Website

It is that time of year again.  Lights, Christmas trees, wreaths, and Christmas songs, because it cannot be the Christmas season without the music.  Sony’s Legacy Recordings has put together a Christmas album full of songs from the ‘80s, and appropriately titled it The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album.  It features an assorted cast of successful ‘80s talents, including Whitney Huston, Run-D.M.C., Hall & Oates, The Pointer Sisters, and many more covering such Christmas classic as “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and “Run Rudolph Run” to name a few. 

Opening up the album is the new wave band The Waitresses of “I Know What Boys Like” fame.  Their Christmas song, “Christmas Wrappings” has classic written all over it.  The song has a nice blend of modern and traditional and it is just so catchy and infectious from the very beginning.  Patty Donahue’s vocals are beautiful.  It is the perfect pop/post-punk holiday song.  Following it is another fantastic song, “Last Christmas” by Wham!. The sound is light and festive, making it a great choice to celebrate the holidays with.  George Michael brings his A-game on here, and it is easy to see way this song has been covered so many times over the last three decades. 

Next up is The Bangles’s version of the Simon & Garfunkel’s “Hazy Shade of Winter.” I like it, as it is very good rock song with lots of energy and edge, but it is not much of a Christmas song.  One of the albums standouts is Run-D.M.C’s “Christmas in Hollis.”  It is a wonderful party song that is full of Christmas spirit, and it is not a ‘80s compilation album without some hip-hop, and who better to represent that than Run-D.M.C.  It is the right song to liven up any Christmas party and should be on everyone’s playlist.  Hall & Oates give very solid and respectful rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock.”  Whitney Huston’s version of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” makes a good case for best single on the album.  Her beautiful and powerful voice is stunning, memorable, and leaves a lasting impression after the song is over. 

Billy Squier’s “Christmas Is The Time To Say 'I Love You’” has a nice rock edge to it and the energy from the crowd is electrifying. It definitely makes for a good song to get everyone singing along to. Dave Edmunds’s “Run Rudolph Run” is pretty solid, but I prefer the Chuck Berry version. Next up is “Zat You Santa Claus” from Buster Poindexter and His Banshees of Blue which adds a nice touch of jazz and lounge music sound to the album.  The Pointer Sisters’ version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” is the best song on the second half of the album.  It is a fun, energetic rendition with great vocal harmonies. Roy Parker Jr.’s “Christmas Time Is Here” is a calm and pleasant song. The fictional comedy duo of Bob and Doug Mackenzie give their special take of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”  It is a fun and silly song that sounds like something your drunken relatives might start singing after too many glasses of spiked eggnog. 

The album hits a speed bump with “This One’s for the Children” by The New Kids on the Block.  It is overly sentimental song that does not belong on this album.  It is not a Christmas song and not a good song in general.  Fishbone’s “Slick Nick, You Devil You” is another one that I did not care for.  The tempo is too slow and I do not like the clapping.  The Hooters finish the album off with “Silent Night.”  It is solid version of a Christmas classic and a good choice to bring everything to a close. 

The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album is great album for the holidays.  The selection is varied and strong with only a miss or two against it, making for a high quality album.  This is good because it makes the ‘80s nostalgia trip an added bonus instead of its only selling point.  You cannot go wrong by adding The Classic Christmas ‘80s Album to your collection.  You might even find yourself with some new holiday favorites.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Christmas Wrappings, Last Christmas, Christmas in Hollis, Do You Hear What I Hear? 

Tracks: 
01. Christmas Wrappings
02. Last Christmas
03. Hazy Shade of Winter
04. Christmas in Hollis
05. Jingle Bell Rock
06. Do You Hear What I Hear?
07. Christmas Is The Time To Say 'I Love You’
08. Run Rudolph Run
09. Zat You Santa Claus
10. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
11. Christmas Time Is Here
12. The Twelve Days of Christmas
13. This One’s for the Children
14. Slick Nick, You Devil You
15. Silent Night
 

Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff

December 17, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

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

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Featured Holiday Track: Doug Hammer-Deck The Halls

Doug Hammer is a piano player par excellence! After hearing his latest release Christmas Lights it is easy to make a statement like that with conviction.

"Deck The Halls" was one of my key tracks in my review and here is why...The song is a classic that has been around for a very long time and to take it then shape it into something entirely different to make it your own without losing its essence is a task. Hammer did just that.

The rolling piano is comparable to beginning with little ripples in the water then building up to full size waves of sound. Most importantly you will recognize it but with many new twists and turns. That is what makes it so fresh and inviting to your ears.

Doug Hammer delivers the spirit of the Holiday in his own way with "Deck The Halls."

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck



More About Doug Hammer:
www.doughammer.net

Multi-award winning pianist, composer and producer Doug Hammer has been involved with music since the age of three and began piano lessons at the age of six. He was educated in contemporary, jazz and classical styles of music.

A scholarship graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Doug’s musical world continued to flourish, gaining experience in everything from record production to orchestration and arranging. After Berklee, he opened his own project studio and production company, Dreamworld Productions. His studio and skills have served the needs of many, working on projects for film, web, TV, radio and corporations. He has produced countless artists in a diversity of styles.

After many years of success with his business, Doug started releasing his own music. It has won countless awards and nominations from radio, websites and media. His music is widely popular on internet, satellite and radio stations all over the world. It has received millions of plays on Pandora, Spotify, Music Choice and Whisperings Solo Piano Radio. His album, Solace, is a big hit on Pandora and his double album, Travels, won Album of the Year on Whisperings Solo Piano Radio.

Doug recently released his ninth album, Haiku. It contains fifteen meticulously handcrafted songs, distilled to their essence. He also just released Christmas Lights, featuring seventeen traditional favorites and a new original composition, Christmas Lights. The album debuted on Pandora Premieres and has charted to #3 on Amazon and #8 on iTunes.

Doug continues to tour regularly across the United States. He recently performed at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall.

Please visit www.doughammer.net for more information.

Christmas Stream: Bunny Sigler-Little Drummer Boy

Bunny Sigler is one of those kings of R&B that makes his mark count whenever he gets into the studio. With the release of a Christmas album this year titled
When Your In Love At Christmas Time it shows his versatility.

The first single released from that album is the timeless classic "Little Drummer Boy." 

I like all kinds of music and have been open to different interpretations of well known songs over the years however this one really caught my ear. It is funky and rich with sound and rhythm. 

The talent of Mr. Sigler comes through with impact on this holiday treat bringing the spirit and meaning of the season right home to the heart. I have heard many different types of Christmas music in my day and I have to say that this "Little Drummer Boy" is a classic rendition the artist made all his own.

Give this alternative version of a classic song a chance to get you in the right mood to enjoy the Holidays!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

More About Bunny Sigler:

http://www.bunnysigler.net

Bunny was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 27, 1941. The industry gave him the nickname, “Mr. Emotion” after his heartfelt performances on stage.

After seeing Bunny perform at Atlantic City’s Ambassador Hotel, Independent Producers John Madara and Dave White signed him a deal that led to the release on Cameo of “Let The Good Times Roll” and “Feels So Good”. The groovy yet smooth tune reached 12 in the U.S. R&B Billboard charts, and his music career skyrocketed from there.

With the Philly soul sound so hot, Sigler got a chance to work with a number of acts as a writer and/or producer, including the Whispers, Ecstacy, Passion And Pain and Carl Carlton. He cut tracks for artists on Curtis Mayfield's Curtom label, including Mayfield himself ("Trippin' Out"), and made a duet album with Barbara Mason. In 1976, Sigler got Instant Funk an album deal with Gamble Huff's TSOP label.

Creating several hits over the span of his career that today's generation keep sampling, Bunny continues to write, produce and record new material. He is the co-writer of the song, “The Ruler's Back” which was an opening song for the Jay Z's album, "Blueprint". At 70 years old "there ain't no stopping us now" claims "Sigler"...

He's a living legend alright and a huge part of music history. Whether it's performing, writing or producing he gives it his all....

It's no wonder why the Industry has nicknamed him "Mr. Emotion."

Hong Kong Based Artist Jennifer Saran Releases Holiday Album “Merry Christmas, You Are Loved” Produced By Legendary Narada Michael Walden Due For Worldwide Release November 20th, 2015 on Tarpan Records

San Francisco, CA - Jennifer Saran is a North American alt-pop/adult contemporary artist, songwriter and vocalist based in Hong Kong. Her first full-length album Merry Christmas, You Are Loved, will be available both digitally and physically worldwide with its release on November 20th, 2015. This album was created with legendary producer Narada Michael Walden, and is being released through his label Tarpan Records.

Since she was a young child, Jennifer has loved Christmas, and when she had the opportunity to work with one of the most lauded producers in modern recorded music, she jumped at the chance to create and release a modern Christmas album. Jennifer says: “Since meeting Narada Michael Walden I have been constantly inspired to write lyrics. Sitting in a pool in Thailand I was thinking about people I love that are no longer with me, or may not be able to be with me, and I wrote about it. I sent it to Narada with a 'what do you think?' He loved it. I called the song 'You Are Loved'.  He wrote a melody around it and we talked for a few days. And it hit me that my first full-length album 'Walk With Me' was not going to be released until after the first of the year, why not make it a Christmas Song. I messaged Narada and said, 'Hey, why not make it a Christmas song?' He said, 'Cool! I love Christmas!' So we called the song, 'Merry Christmas, You Are Loved' and now it’s a whole Christmas album.”

The album is a contemporary mix of brand new originals penned by Jennifer and Narada, as well as some very well chosen covers, all of which revolve around the central themes of love and family and the winter holidays. Musically, the album spans ballads to up-tempo grooves, including some swing and gospel influences as well. This album is a perfect complement to a family holiday dinner, or holiday radio shows all over the world. It features a handful of traditional Christmas songs like Oh Come Oh Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, and Hark The Herald Angels Sing to more modern covers of The Carpenters' Merry Christmas Darling and the classic Baby It's Cold Outside.

Narada enlisted some amazing musicians and performers for his band on Merry Christmas, You Are Loved including: Frank Martin (Angela Bofil, John Handy Band, Tuck & Patti, Jose' Neto, Airto & Flora, Sting & Trudie's Rainforest Band) on Keyboards, Angeline Saris (Gretchen Menn, Zepparella, Ernest Ranglin) on Bass and Vocals, Matthew Charles Heulitt (Zigaboo Modaliste) and Jose' Neto on Guitars. Additional Backing Vocals on this album include vocalists Nate Soul Sanger and Cornell Carter. All of the strings were arranged and conducted by Minna Choi of Magik*Magik Orchestra.

Jennifer Saran, aka Jennifer Hill, was born in Washington DC to a Canadian mother and American father. It was at the local Episcopal Church while at school in Villars, Switzerland, where she first realized how much she loved to sing, performing Handel's Messiah a cappella. Jennifer went on to attend high school in Alexandria, Egypt, where she performed in school plays and learned to speak Arabic. She then attended The American University in Cairo, earning a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. Throughout her years growing up in Egypt she and her friends always followed the local Egyptian live bands that performed American and British pop music, dreaming one day of being a singer.

She went through a long dry spell away from music – raising children, working in various corporate roles, singing in the shower or car, rarely having any time to go out dancing. She was moved to Philippines for an international corporate role for 2 years, followed by Singapore for another 2 years, and then to Hong Kong where she has lived for the past 24 years.

Her debut full-length album Walk With Me was recorded and produced entirely at Tarpan Studios in San Rafael, California, by legendary producer Narada Michael Walden and will be released in March of 2016. Narada has produced music royalty like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Aretha Franklin. With Narada's music and Jennifer's lyrics and vocals, they have created a tremendous debut album that is sure to captivate a worldwide audience.

For Music Samples or to pre-order Merry Christmas, You Are Loved visit: https://tarpanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/merry-christmas-you-are-loved

Check out Jennifer's website for more information: http://www.jennifersaran.com

For more information on Tarpan Records or any of its releases check out: www.tarpanrecords.com

Interview Requests contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR glassonyonpr@gmail.com 828-350-8158

Live Performance Bookings and Management contact Dave Ferguson at The Record Label info@therecordlabel.co.uk +44 203 727 7286.

Holiday/New Age Review: Steven C.-Christmas Beyond

Release Date: November 26, 2014

Label: Steven C Music

Website

It never seems too early for Holiday music when artists like Steven C. (Anderson) release a set of recordings that combine elements of classical and new age to formulate something beyond what one would normally hear this time of year. In fact, the best way to describe it is Christmas Beyond. So forget about everything you know that is associated with this type of music, open your mind and heart and listen intently to what this talented man has to offer. It was very appropriate that the artist recorded this album in the majestic Cathedral of St. Paul, MN featuring his Bosendorfer Grand Piano.

My glimpse of the new vision of the traditional Holiday season was on our Rate The Tracks site when the focus was “Still,Still, Still.”  This track is a perfect blend of Holiday, New Age and Classical music. It gives the listener a crossover appeal and opens the door to some opportunity for a larger audience than what the genre would normally command. This is not clearly defined music as it stands alone and allows each listener’s own personal interpretations, which any good instrumental music will do. The difference is this release is special because of what it stands for. When I first heard “Still, Still, Still”  it initiated a sequence of feelings internally, first sadness that summer had past, then the joy and beauty of the annual foliage…as if God had a huge paint brush and carefully designed each tree with its own color. Now with those two seasons behind me my thoughts turned to Christmas, the most special and sacred time of year. This is when one wants to be surrounded by loved ones, friends, and thoughts of all those that have passed that built those yearly traditions long ago.

Music engages you and brings forth many feelings and visions, if it accomplishes that it has completed its mission, Christmas Beyond does that and so much more. 
 

“The Angel Gabriel” draws the curtain open to a story and it unfolds before you. The significance of Gabriel is documented in the Bible and in the story of Christmas. I think it was a great choice to start the recording. I like the way Steven intersects the winter season with the Holiday and how it is forever linked, particularly for those not living in year round warm climates. He also makes sure the importance of Thanksgiving is not forgotten and how it segues into the birth of Jesus. There is a lot to think about in this music and what actually makes it more contemplative is the fact that it is all instrumental. Without words there is one less thing to be distracted with or focus on, this way the music is completely absorbed and you reflect back on your own life and personal experiences of the Holiday.

“Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Winds” is an invitation to the elements of earth to work freely and perhaps is an indication of something on a spiritual level that says “Let the winds of change come through, we welcome them and the season and the beauty it offers us all.” This can be looked upon as a change in life or the effects it has on an individual. It is all in the way you perceive things happening in front of you. I thought the pace of the song was gentle and inviting even though winter winds can be brutally cold and wreak havoc, this gave me a different perspective on what it can mean.

As with anything in life it is all in your attitude, and what you believe is your truth or can be. Steven C. has created a masterful interpretation of the winter season and the most cherished Holiday of them all through beautiful piano based music. It is spiritual, relaxing and in sync with the upcoming Holidays right around the corner. I highly recommend you give it a listen; you may step away with some different ideas of what this time of year means. There is nothing like great music to reveal the truth and put a different spin on things. Christmas Beyond can be your North Star to follow to enlightenment this year.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Still, Still, Still, The Angel Gabriel, Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Winds         

Tracks:
01. The Angel Gabriel   
02. Sing We Now of Christmas   
03. Still, Still, Still    0
04. Ah, Bleak and Chill the Wintry Winds
05. In the Bleak Midwinter
06. Blow, Blow Thou Winter Winds
07. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly   
08. Carol of the Birds and Bells   
09. Little Drummer Boy   
10. Beyond a Midnight Clear   
11. Ave Thanksgiving   
12. Angels Heard: Do You Hear? I Heard!   
13. The Road Home
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck- New Age Music Reviews Founder

November 11, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Holiday Stream: Margo Rey-This Holiday Night

Every year that passes as you get older seems like a moment in time. Time is a concept that was man made for us to keep track of daily events. Music has no time table, it is infinite and precious.

If that is so for you then music will hold even more meaning as each Holiday season brings floods of memories and the joys of Christmas mornings with your friends and family.

Margo Rey helps the process along with a nice track that warms the heart titled "This Holiday Night."

Margo Rey may not be immensely popular like some others you hear on the radio every day however she has the talent to stand on her own as a relevant  artist with a lot to offer. You do not have to be on the air waves all day long to prove you are just as talented as the people getting all the attention. This is one great example of that fact.

Check out Margo Rey's "This Holiday Night" and the spirit of the Holiday season will pull you in instantly!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck


More About Margo Rey:

http://margorey.com

Singer/songwriter Margo Rey has released her own ode to the holidays, a three song EP entitled “This Holiday Night.” The title song “This Holiday Night” was co-written by Margo Rey and Barrett Yeretsian (co-writer and producer of Christina Perri’s Jar Of Hearts) and is an original composition with the feel of a traditional holiday classic. The other two songs on the EP are seasonal favorites “Silent Night” and “Toyland.”

Holiday Feature Track: Steven C.-Still, Still, Still

Steven C. has released a new album titled Christmas Beyond and it is just in time to get your mind, body and spirit into the right place to enjoy the upcoming Holiday season. Yes, it is right around the corner. 

When summer disappears there is always a touch of sadness however the beauty of the fall leaves and the oncoming Winter hold traditions of family and friends that warm the heart.

 "Still, Still, Still" is the focus track and it is filled with plenty of Christmas and beyond...The eloquence and beauty of the ivory keys are in all their glory on this gorgeous melody. A merging of classical, new age and holiday is the recipe for success.

Steven C. ushers in the Holidays with grace and beauty on  "Still, Still, Still." Sit back, take a load off and take in the comforting sounds of this talented artist.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 



More About Steven C.

https://stevencmusic.com

Multi-platinum recording artist, Steven C is honored to bring forth

his long awaited release of Christmas Beyond (2014). This is a one of
a kind collection of timeless old world Christmas music, by pianist Steven C. Recorded in the majestic Cathedral of St. Paul, MN this album captures the beauty of the deep Cathedral's acoustics through Steven's Bosendorfer Grand. The sound is truly rich, lush and from "Beyond." With touchingly elegant solo piano selections by Steven C, to fully orchestrated songs, arranged by nationally renowned Adi Yeshaya, and with members of the MN Orchestra, Christmas Beyond is a moving experience that is deeply transformative. 

This collection also features music that takes us beyond Christmas and evokes the timeless magic that embraces the essence of winter, feeling the reverence of life in our lives beyond the Christmas message and season. As the
highlight of his career; a personal catharsis of enlightened moments
and as the most beautifully acclaimed work to date, Christmas Beyond
will be carried with him forever.

Singer-Songwriter Spencer Day Signs Multi-Year Deal With Modern Works Music Publishing

San Francisco, CA - Acclaimed singer/songwriter Spencer Day, fresh off his international tour in support of his recent release of “Daybreak”, his fifth album and his first independent effort in seven years, has signed a multi-year contract with Modern Works Music Publishing. The aim of this partnership is to bring more of Spencer’s evocative music to films, television, Broadway and commercials.

Spencer Day (www.spencerday.com) is widely regarded for his original songs which blend compelling melodies, smart lyrics and lush arrangements. Music critics have compared Spencer’s music to that of Gershwin, Porter, Carole King and Paul Simon. Audiences around the world have enthusiastically supported Spencer for over a dozen years at venues as diverse as Birdland in New York, the Hollywood Bowl, Jazz Alley in Seattle, the Pacific Rim Jazz Festival in Manila, the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Feinstein’s in San Francisco, Tanglewood, on the Craig Ferguson Show and at music venues and festivals across the U.S. and worldwide. Spencer has a widely diverse and enthusiastic fan base in the U.S., Asia, Latin America and Europe.

Modern Works Music Publishing (modernworksmusicpublishing.com), and its principals Robert Donnelly and Dan Coleman, are highly regarded in the music industry for their deep commitment to their artists and their creative efforts. Modern Works collaborates with a worldwide network of subpublishers, record labels, film and television companies, advertising agents, video game makers and digital music stores to bring their clients’ music to ever-widening audiences. Their roster of artists includes Grammy Award winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Songwriter Hall of Fame inductees and other highly regarded composers and performers.

Holiday Single Released

Spencer Day has just released his 2014 Holiday Single, “Christmas With You” featuring Spencer with the Joel Evans Big Band. This holiday treat features Spencer with his distinctive honey baritone voice and the spirited sounds of this big band standout. On radio now and available for download from iTunes and on Spencer’s website (www.spencerday.com).

Worldwide Holiday StageIt Concert Announced

Spencer Day will host and perform in a live worldwide concert December 13th at 6:00 PM (eastern), 3:00 PM (pacific) at www.stageit.com/spencerday. Spencer will play the songs, tell the stories and answer fans’ questions on this special holiday event.
SPENCER DAY WORLDWIDE LIVE WEBCAST CONCERT

Press Contact:
Billy James
Glass Onyon PR
828/350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

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
 

Holiday/Adult Contemporary Review: Margo Rey – This Holiday Night

Artist: Margo Rey
Title: This Holiday Night
Genre: Holiday/Adult Contemporary
Label: Organica Music Group
Product Link
Website
Source Link

Margo Rey is a singer and songwriter originally known as Margarita Reymundo. Her sound is best described as adult contemporary with infusions of alternative pop. Laced with ambient guitar, vocals imbued with raw emotion, and a style all her own, this artist has crafted a sound that has taken her to number six on the National Adult Contemporary Music charts. This album is full of energy and good cheer...READ MORE...

Review: Sojourn – A Child Is Born

Artist: Sojourn
Title: A Child Is Born
Genre: Holiday/Alternative Rock
Label: Sojourn Music
Website
Amazon Link
Source Link

Sojourn is a band created from the Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Wanting a different kind of church, they set out with founding member Pastor Mike Cosper to create an environment rich in the arts, church fellowship and worship. Now with three campuses in Louisville, the church has grown, and with it, the band...READ MORE...

Racquel Roberts-The Secret Of Christmas Review

Artist: Racquel Roberts
Title: The Secret Of Christmas
Genre: R and B-Jazz-Pop
Label: Peace Rock LLC
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The Secret Of Christmas is Racquel Roberts celebrating the holiday season her own way with a diversifed style and approach. Typically a Christmas album is filled with a more traditional framework in every aspect. This CD takes the word tradition and flips it around with great success....READ MORE...

The Secret Of Christmas Revealed On The New Racquel Roberts Indie Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, CA-November 26, 2007- November 26, 2007-Los Angeles, CA-Racquel Roberts is a female vocalist with a technique acquired through years of practice at the top level of musical theatre on Broadway and international stages. All of that experience reaches its fruition on her latest release The Secret of Christmas...READ MORE...

The Legendary Voice Of The Crystals Fills Your Stocking With Modern Day Holiday Classics

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, CA – October 11, 2007- Shout Factory will release Darlene Love’s first Christmas album, It’s Christmas, Of Course, which is sure to start a holiday tradition of its own. For the album, Darlene gives us her take on 12 tastefully selected holiday neo-classics and more....READ MORE...